Surgery after Lumpectomy and Rads for Symentry?

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Lindab007
Lindab007 Member Posts: 17
edited April 2015 in Breast Reconstruction

Has anyone ever had surgery after a Lumpectomy and Radiation that left two different size breasts? I have had 3 lumpectomies and numerous biopsies which have left my right Breast at least a cup size smaller than my left and far from the same shape or density. I was wondering if a procedure to correct the difference would be covered by insurance since it was not a mastectomy. I can't afford to pay for cosmetic surgery, but I don't know if I can live with the results either

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  • labelle
    labelle Member Posts: 721
    edited March 2015

    I have CIGNA insurance and it does cover PS for symmetry after a lumpectomy (partial mastectomy). I know, I checked prior to my own lumpectomy-just in case.

    I just finished RADs, have a second scar and hole in my breast due to an abscessed seroma. Once it's healed completely and I have a better idea of the real damage, I will consider plastic surgery too. Anyway, the best way to see if your insurance covers this is to contact them or consult with a PS. Medical office staff can usually run things by the insurance company and find out what is or isn't covered before you agree to any procedure but I believe most insurances do cover such surgeries.

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  • sybilskelton
    sybilskelton Member Posts: 77
    edited April 2015

    I was just researching this myself and discovered that there is a federal law requiring insurance to cover surgery to correct symmetry issues that result from breast cancer. I'm sure the definition of coverage could vary wildly, but I was very encouraged.

    I also had a lumpectomy followed by chemo and am now almost done with radiation. The lumpectomy left a size difference in my breasts, and I can already tell that the radiation is making it even more pronounced. I was fairly large busted before this all started, so after the dust settles I'm going to investigate getting the healthy breast reduced. It makes me excited to see what life is like with normal sized boobs, something to look forward to after all this misery.

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