Hi Buffy, I have had a bilateral reconstruction with implants recently, which I am thrilled with, but didn't have radiotherapy. I can't advise about whether or not implants would work for you, but a plastic surgeon would know in an instant if your skin was good enough to try. In the process of researching reconstruction, I found an excellent Dr at RPA in Sydney who I would have been most confident in had I chosen the DIEP procedure. His name is David Pennington, and I have seen some of his work first hand, and he is really good. He also has a web site. He quoted me $19K for the operation. There may be some reduction if you go as a private patient in a public hospital, but not sure. I had my implants done at the SAN
and it was about $8K just in surgeon fees, but on
top of that there is the anaesthetist and hospital
excess etc. I had an emergency trip into a public hospital in Perth last year, when a massive haematoma deveolped 20 days after my mastectomy. Being on holiday, we went to Royal Perth Hospital, where I was admitted as a private patient. They were really keen for this to happen as they can claim back from my health fund. There was an excellent breast reconstructive surgeon on duty and I received no bills at all for her service. There is a medicare rebate for reconstructive surgery, and so even going privately you should get back 100% of the schedule fee. Of course, most surgeons charge well above this fee. Good luck with your research. Love Chris xx
