Will Insurance Pay for DIEP Surgery after Successful Implants?

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lmb22
lmb22 Member Posts: 2
edited October 2015 in Breast Reconstruction

I was recently diagnosed with cancer in both breasts. I always thought that if I got cancer, I would not have reconstruction because I was so small-breasted and liked being that way. I'm 5'2" and 110 lbs and was maybe a AA before surgery. My main concern was getting the cancer out. Like most people, I had a lot of decisions to make in a short amount of time. I chose a DMX and know that it was the right decision. Everyone seemed to be talking reconstruction and, before I knew it, I elected to have immediate reconstruction with expanders as a first stage. I was told that this was really my only option for reconstruction because of my size and I soon forgot that I could just go without any reconstruction.The surgery was one month ago and I know I made a mistake. I really don't want implants and think that I'd be much, much happier having the expanders taken out and having a nice flat look. A friend suggested that I

could give the implants a try and take them out if I don't like them. I could then have the DIEP flap surgery if I could gain the weight. I would guess about 15 lbs. for small breasts like I had before, but I don't really know. I worry that if I go through with the implants and later decide to do a DIEP flap, that insurance won't pay for it since they would have already paid for the implants. Would anyone have any knowledge or experience regarding this?

Also, are there any other petite girls out there that regretted having implants and just had them taken out? If I continue with the expanders and implants, I will likely be 2 1/2 to 3 times the size I was before. It's still small but seems huge to me.

Thanks


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  • Carol99
    Carol99 Member Posts: 116
    edited October 2015

    Hi IMB22,

    I had a BMX 11/2013, since then I have had 5 revision surgeries, they are still not right.I also feel like they're heavy and uncomfortable. I was coaxed with direct recon, it was only one surgery and I had to have chemo, so the healing was quicker. Like you, I wanted the cancer out!

    I'm scheduled for a DIEP on 1/5, I know i'll be smaller but I do not care. . . I haven't hear my ins. company won't pay for it! Who's to say if they're successful implants if you are not happy with your results.

    I'm sure I would have heard if there was a problem.

    Good luck with your decision, I wish you good health and healing.


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  • Leslie13
    Leslie13 Member Posts: 202
    edited October 2015

    I was larger than you - a B, but still too small for a lumpectomy. I did a nipple sparing, straight to implant surgery. I knew I wouldn't make it through months of stretching, so I was told if I stayed close to my size I could avoid the expander. You could put your final implant in, and just have it smaller. Or do the flap surgery. When you're thin, they don't have much to use for flap surgery. I was told my tummy and back didn't have enough fat, and possible locations weren't good. So I'm starting with ahigher level of pain that's getting easier, not the opposite.

    I must stress that you need a surgeon with a lot of experience and skill in microsurgery to make this work. I'm in a well-respected cancer research program with specialists in breast plastic surgery. Don't use an average Plastic surgeon for this surgery.

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