Plastic surgery

shelloz1

I wasn't sure quite where to put this, but I guess this is the closest I could find.

I hope that no one will be upset over this question, I know if has to do with vanity, but I do want some advise.

My lumpectomy left me with a horrible scar and a full size smaller breast, my SNB left me with big blue dots (permanently).  I was considering having my other breast reduced and plastic surgery to the cancer side breast.  I was wondering, is it safe to have surgery, would I be looking for future problems or cancer risk by doing this?  I would like to be able to wear a bathing suit, low cut top, or even look balanced, but not at the risk of a reoccurence of course.

Shelley

Robyn66

Hi sweetie,

I don't see why not.  Have they offered you reconstruction of some kind?  I think insurance is supposed ot pay for that.  It is in my case.  I had a mastectomy, and am getting reconstruction on one side and they are doing a lift on the other so they match.  I beleive that will include reduction. 

This is more than vanity, this is a very important part of your recovery.  You should talk to your breast surgeon about it and get a referral.

Take care

Robyn

shelloz1

Hi Robyn,

Thank you for your response.

I haven't gone to my medical carrier yet to discuss if they will pay, but it was a lumpectomy, so I'm, not sure whether they would consider this reconstruction.  I will check with my Oncologist and surgeon to see if they feel it is safe, and if it's ok, I'll check with the insurance.

Cheers

Shelley

Anonymous

Shelley - I too had a lumpectomy.  My surgeon needs to do a re-excision - he got 1mm clear margin and needs 2mm.  I happen to be a DDD and have wanted a reduction for a while.  

My insurance will cover this and it is a federal law that they cover surgery to "match". 

In my case, I asked my breast surgeon for a referral to a plastic surgeon and they are doing the surgery together.

I think it is an important part of your recovery.  

Good luck with this!

buffy

That is a true valid concern that you have and is part of your emotional recovery after being stricken by this horrible disease.  I know it is a national law that insurance carriers cover any kind of reconstruction to a woman's breast that has been altered by either a lumpectomy or mastectomy.   They even have to cover the healthy one to be altered to look like the one affected by the breast cancer.  Good luck!  

shelloz1

Thank you all for the responses.  I live in Israel, I'm not sure that our carriers have the same laws, but I will defnitely look into it.

 Good luck to you all of you.

Hugs Shelley.