Reconstructive surgery
Hi, I had DCIS and a mastectomy in June. It hadn't spread so all good. I will be having another mastectomy for preventative reasons and my surgeon said I could do reconstruction at the same time. He...
Forum Discussion
I have had a single mastectomy but have been undecided about taking the other off as my cancer did not show up properly on mammograms and ultrasounds.
I have seen a plastic surgeon who does DIEP flap reconstruction, using skin and fat rather than the Tram which uses muscle as well. Though due to the position of my blood vessels I will have to have a little muscle taken as well.
The plastic surgeon works in both the private and public system.
I have put myself on his public list. We are in NSW and the wait time for this operation is approx 12 months.
See if your surgeon will work in the public system and what his wait times are.
If he doesn't I would see if you can find another equally qualified one who does.
Your surgeon should be able to advise you there.
The quote for private single reconstruction I had from my plastic surgeon using DIEP was about the same as yours after NIB and Medicare rebates, about $15,000.
I have also been told that if I decide to remove the other breast as insurance, it could be done at the same time, but it would extend the surgery time from about 6 hours to about 10 hours.
I have enough tummy fat and skin to do two large B/C cup breasts.
I have 12 months to decide what I want to do.
I am lucky to know several people who have gone through this plastic surgeon and are happy with the results, though I haven't looked at their breasts, of course.
I have seen some pretty awful results on the Internet, but I think a lot are from overseas and many are very old, I would be inclined to look at the posts on the reconstruction group here and any from your intending plastic surgeon, ask to see some, they usually have some on their PC.
Of course some people do decide not to reconstruct, perhaps after living without doing it for a while might help you decide. There is no rush to have it done, you can wait quite a few years if you like, and if you go on the public waiting list you will have time to decide whether you really do want to go ahead with it or not.
Good luck with your decision, Jennie
I have seen a plastic surgeon who does DIEP flap reconstruction, using skin and fat rather than the Tram which uses muscle as well. Though due to the position of my blood vessels I will have to have a little muscle taken as well.
The plastic surgeon works in both the private and public system.
I have put myself on his public list. We are in NSW and the wait time for this operation is approx 12 months.
See if your surgeon will work in the public system and what his wait times are.
If he doesn't I would see if you can find another equally qualified one who does.
Your surgeon should be able to advise you there.
The quote for private single reconstruction I had from my plastic surgeon using DIEP was about the same as yours after NIB and Medicare rebates, about $15,000.
I have also been told that if I decide to remove the other breast as insurance, it could be done at the same time, but it would extend the surgery time from about 6 hours to about 10 hours.
I have enough tummy fat and skin to do two large B/C cup breasts.
I have 12 months to decide what I want to do.
I am lucky to know several people who have gone through this plastic surgeon and are happy with the results, though I haven't looked at their breasts, of course.
I have seen some pretty awful results on the Internet, but I think a lot are from overseas and many are very old, I would be inclined to look at the posts on the reconstruction group here and any from your intending plastic surgeon, ask to see some, they usually have some on their PC.
Of course some people do decide not to reconstruct, perhaps after living without doing it for a while might help you decide. There is no rush to have it done, you can wait quite a few years if you like, and if you go on the public waiting list you will have time to decide whether you really do want to go ahead with it or not.
Good luck with your decision, Jennie