Forum Discussion
Finding a surgeon for reconstruction & public vs private
Hi All
I am 3 weeks post right breast mastectomy, 9 lobular cancers. I wanted double mastectomy but surgeon didn’t support, said preseve healthy tissue. I was referred to the private sector (central coast nsw), cost about $5000 out of pocket after private health - this is a lot of money for me. I waited 2 months from diagnosis to surgery. Have since learnt could’ve have same surgery in public system with no expense & no longer wait time.
Im now contemplating left breast mastectomy & two DIEF flaps for reconstruction. I have to do something as one side is flat & the other a size h breast. I got a quote today for $23,000 for the plastic surgeons (approx $20k out of pocket) and another $10k for the aneathist & breast surgeon. I will need to go into debt to pay for this (single mum & sole provider for family).
QUESTIONS
- can this surgery be done in the public system with minimal cost?
- is the wait time the only downside of going through the public system?
- if go private, how do I know the surgeon I choose is good at this type of surgery.
Can anyone recommend some good breast reconstruction plastic surgeons Sydney?
I saw Dr Chris Ahn in Chatswood for a consult, he seemed nice…
I felt uninformed & unsupported during the initial cancer shock & surgery / treatment strategy. Was not encouraged to go into the public system which seems more informed & supportive.
Appreciate the feedback
thank you
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2 Replies
Thanks AimBar,
really appreciate the feedback. Unfortunately I missed the option of going public for the mastectomy so am told it will be on a year + wait list for reconstruction as it’s no longer life-threatening. I’m already feeling the lopsidedness impacting my hips as I walk, 😳.
im getting quotes & procedure recommendations from 2 different plastic surgeons Dr Chris Ahn and Dr Vladimir Illie. I want to see what they advise for my situation. I may still go public as the cost is actually beyond my budget….big decisions.Does anyone have feedback on the quality of reconstruction work of Dr Ahn or Dr Illie or can recommend another plastic surgeon breast specialist NSW.
thank you
Hi Izzy9
I hear what you are saying. The private route in breast cancer is very expensive.
I have bilateral breast cancer with multifocal on one side and immediately sought a private surgeon due to years paying premiums. My private surgeon was supportive but felt like I was solo. I also wanted all treatment options available to me without worrying about the expense.
So made the decision to swap to public and it was the best thing I did. I have over 5 breast care nurses I can call/email anytime with questions. My allocated surgeons are amazing, all work privately as well, and having cancer is a category 1 issue so you are seen within 30 days. You would need to ask the hospital about waiting times in NSW.
I am sure Sydney will have some good public hospitals specialising in cancer. You can also go in as a private patient which means you can usually choose your surgeon or ask for a different surgeon if you are not comfortable with the one allocated. My surgery is also costing nothing. It was such a relief.
Hopefully you have a few Sydney people on here who can help you with choosing the best for you.
I wish you the very best with the rest of your treatment.
