Forum Discussion

tul's avatar
tul
Member
9 years ago

Reconstraction in Public system?

Hi all
I am done with Chemoteraphy, Lumpectomy and Radiotherapy about 10 months ago.
I have been planning to have Mastectomy and Reconstruction about a year after - and now it's the time to get myself prepared. 

I have been treated always as a Private patient - have amazing breast surgeon and also already met a wonderful plastic surgeon. But they private and the out or pocket is about 18k.

Can someone tell me  how is the quality of the Public hospital surgeons? will I have the chance to know who operates me before the operation?


Thankyou

4 Replies

  • socoda's avatar
    socoda
    Member
    9 years ago
    Hi @tul, I'm in NSW and went public for skin and nipple sparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. I used a oncoplastic surgeon who I met through breast screen and her work is fantastic. I'm currently on the waiting list to have a reduction to my natural breast to have it matched and that was given a year time limit (now within 9 months). I cannot fault any treatment I have received and the only thing I have to pay for in the next surgery is a bit of fat grafting (lipo from tummy pumped into boob and foob ;-) ). If you're in NSW and you would like surgeons name am more than happy to help. All the best. Xx Cath
  • melclarity's avatar
    melclarity
    Member
    9 years ago
    @tul Welcome to you. I was in the same boat as you, I've always been Private, and had my own Surgeon and he recommended a Plastic Surgeon that he works closely with. The good news with them were, they both do work in the Public System as well. I had a single mastectomy/diep flap reconstruction done in February and I would have been out of pocket $10,000 if I had of gone Private. So they sent me down the path in the Public System. Have you asked your Surgeon and Plastic Surgeon if they work in Public as well? alot do. I know there are lots of ladies that have used public and not known their Specialists, hopefully they can jump in with some info. 

    Here is the link for the Breast Reconstruction Group, loads of information in there plus photo stories with loads of experience and different types of reconstruction.

    http://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/1-choosing-breast-reconstruction

    The only thing is the wait list, I was category 1 due to a recurrence, otherwise I may have been put at 3. 

    Hugs Melinda xo


  • Zoffiel's avatar
    Zoffiel
    Member
    9 years ago
    It really depends where you live. If you are in Victoria and will travel to Melbourne, the wait isn't too bad, particularly if you are starting the reconstructive part at the same time as your mastectomy. I know that there is a lack of public access in QLD that is absolutely disgraceful. You will have to ask a few surgeons.
  • June1952's avatar
    June1952
    Member
    9 years ago
    Hi tul
    Congratulations on completing your active treatment.
    If you have not already done so, you might like to join the Choosing Breast Reconstruction Group on this site - there are lots of stories there and the ladies will quickly assist you with any info you require.
    As it is a private group everyone can talk (and show photos) with a sense of privacy.
    Summer  :-)