Finally ready to fix botched recon...advice needed

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GointoCarolina
GointoCarolina Member Posts: 753
edited August 2020 in Breast Reconstruction

Will try to keep this short...had delayed recon with TE in 2010.....had them removed 3 weeks later due to excruciating pain...in 2014 traveled to have bilateral SGAP...14 hour surgery,one side failed. The post surgery meds affected my chemo compromised gut even though it was years later and it is only recently that I have felt up to even considering correcting my painful uneven chest.I was wondering if I could have the reconstructed breast and tissue they left on the other side removed. Is this an option that insurance will cover? I was also thinking I could perhaps have fat grafting on the failed side,but last I knew insurance did not cover it. I do not have the funds to travel again so will have to stick to New York state. Has anyone else had a similar experience? Any thoughts appreciated!!!

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  • SummerAngel
    SummerAngel Member Posts: 1,006
    edited August 2020

    I don't have any experience with failed reconstruction, but I can tell you that fat grafting WAS covered by my insurance in 2015, I'm fairly certain it will be covered for you. I would also think that further reconstruction on the failed areas will be covered, too. I think you will want to talk to a few surgeons to see what they have to say. Sorry I don't have more information, maybe someone with similar circumstances will come along and post.

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  • OnTarget
    OnTarget Member Posts: 447
    edited August 2020

    Fat grafting was covered for me with 2 implants, not sure how it works with no implants, but it seems like they would cover it if it is part of 'reconstruction'.

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  • GointoCarolina
    GointoCarolina Member Posts: 753
    edited August 2020

    Thank you both! I didn't want to schedule an appointment if insurance coverage was not possible. There is a surgeon a couple of hours from me who has excellent reviews...fingers crossed!!!

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  • bcincolorado
    bcincolorado Member Posts: 5,758
    edited August 2020

    I would definitely have them check into coverage in their office (doctor may not know themselves) BEFORE scheduling surgery at all and incurring costs that may or not be covered. Sometimes Our expectations are not exactly realistic either and I do think sometimes the PS often do not give the whole what real to expect to the patients at the time.

    You are so overwhelmed when you are making those decisions sometimes and just want to get a through "one more appointment" sometimes. I'm sure the pictures they show you in the office at first are "perfect" and imagine not everyone is. They just don't tell you that.

    Best wishes to you.

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  • GointoCarolina
    GointoCarolina Member Posts: 753
    edited August 2020

    Oh do not worry...I am going to be very thorough before any surgery. But I have one breast and almost as much skin and tissue on the other side. It all just needs plumping up.my expectations are very low actually!. I just didn't want to even call for info if there was no chance of insurance coverage. Still wondering if they would remove what I have...right now I have a full prosthesis on one side and a partial on the other because the reconstructed breast is like a hamburger bun....I would almost rather go back to being flat...I want to do what ever will be easiest!

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