Reconstruction Redo

michie0104

Hi Everyone. 

 I don't post much but do read often. I was just wondering if anyone had their reconstructed breasts redone.  I had a bilateral mast. in June 06 with silicone implants.  I am very grateful to still be here, but I'm just not happy with my reconstruction.  My breasts just don't look very good and after looking at some pictures of the DIEP, I'm wondering if I should try to get them redone.  They really didn't matter too much to me before, but suddenly I'm feeling very disappointed.  If you did get them redone, did your insurance help to cover it?

cocoathunder

I have just scheduled surgery to redo LD flap with implant reconstruction done back in 2000.  Having implants removed and a GAP in August.  It's been a hard decision and have been thinking about doing something for 3-4 years because of pain and capsular contraction.   There are quite a few women on this site who have redone already, so hopefully they'll pipe in.

The surgeon's insurance office has been in touch with my current carrier and it's in process. They will definitely pay something but I'm not sure how much yet. 

Karen 

  

BethNY

Hopefully Tina- abbadoodles will see this-- she went from implants to flap surgery too.

If the insurance people at your surgeons office are good- they should be able to get insurance to cover it.  You may have to go through some denial and appeals- but in the end it should work out.

acarr

I traveled to New Orleans and had my silicone implants replaced with S-GAP.  Except for travel expenses, my insurance covered most of the cost.   

karen1956

Michie - I had my recon revised last summer (4 months after exchange) and having it done again on Tuesday.  I have had radiation fibrosis twice  - this time I am having both implants changed out for smaller ones and having the radiated side fixed again (PS explained what he is going to do different, but I can't explain it) in hopes that it doesn't fall again.  My insurance paid last time and they are going to pay again.  I am not a candidate for DIEP or the other procedures so implants are my only option.

sandyk108

Hi,

I just posted for the first time under UNITED HEALTH CARE!! HELP. I am in the process of having my implants re-done. I just can't find many reputable doctors that will take my United Health Care. You should be able to have them re-done. A lot depends on your insurance. And there are many exceptions. Where do you live? Who do you have insurance with. Do you want impants redone or DIEP. ..flap surgery?

melissasd50

Check put Reconstruction in Boston (page 2) and Boston Docs (page 3).  Lot's of good docs in Boston!

sierraladi

Hi, it has been 10 years since my cancer and breast reconstruction. The reconstruction looks pretty good. (I had a very good surgeon). My issue is my breast moves, flexes with my muscles ( very ugly) there is a dent on one breast which is right in the cleavage site, but most importantly, they are so uncomfortable. It feels like a fist in each breast. I have implants. I was wondering if another method would be better and if so, what is involved in redoing reconstructive surgery. Any advice would be most appreciated. Stephanie

MartyJ

I had implants for 27 years and needed a 3rd replacement (they don't last forever).  Went for DIEP - Stage one November 2012 with Dr. Marga Massey.  Now my boobs don't flex when I flex my pecs.  No more iron bra feeling.  These girls are mine.  Always warm.  Soft and happy.  Going for Stage 2 in 2 weeks.  Can't wait!!!  I highly recommend.  Yes there is a bigger recovery than implants, but I think it is well worth it for an option that will last forever.

EileenKaye1

Perhaps smaller implants with fat grafting would work. I am going for total fat grafting. Eileen

malleycat

MartyJ- I don't mean to hijack this thread, but I have a question that you can answer!  How does that work with getting your implants replaced?  I know they say you're supposed to have them done every 10 years (and it looks like you have done that).  Does your doctor tell you when it's time, or do you just have to tell them that it's been 10 years? I'm guessing (hoping!) insurance covers that?

My apologies again to michie for hijacking- I've never come across anyone that could answer that and I've been super curious!

MartyJ

Malley - it was challenging. Yes, insurance pays for replacement. But there is supposed to be a reason-like leaking. My first replacement was at 14 years. For 3 years I suspected a leak and had CT scans and MRI with breast coil. They saw nothing. I finally convinced them they had to do something. The PS swore they were fine. After operating, he apologized. 10 years later, same thing. No leak detected. They were very wonky by this time, dented and misshapen. Lots of scar tissue. I didn't want to face replacement at least 2 more times in my life so I went after flap recon. Insurance is paying due to failed implant.

So the shirt answer is they do not know how long they will last. You must be vigilant and watch for changes. Take a photo every year and compare it to the last and the one before. You are the only one who can stay on top of it.
.

Marnie22

How are doing now