What does insurance cover after mastectomy?
In most cases, yes, as long as the insurance plan also covers medical and surgical benefits for mastectomies. But certain church plans and government plans may not be required to pay for reconstructive surgery.
Can reconstruction be done after mastectomy?
Surgery to reconstruct the breasts can be done (or started) at the time of the mastectomy (which is called immediate reconstruction) or it can be done after the mastectomy incisions have healed and breast cancer therapy has been completed (which is called delayed reconstruction).
What are the options after a mastectomy?
For women who opt for breast reconstruction following mastectomy, there are two main options – using implants to create a breast mound or using your own body tissue to reconstruct.
Why can’t you keep your nipples after a mastectomy?
Because the nipple is insensate, the nipple can often be removed under local anesthesia or no anesthesia in the office by the plastic surgeon several weeks after surgery. In most cases, the nipple is removed and the areola is retained, so the cosmetic appearance is still acceptable to most patients.
How much does breast reconstruction cost after mastectomy?
Breast reconstruction surgery is a highly individualized procedure, and like most other surgical procedures, its cost can vary greatly. In fact, the cost of surgery can range from $3,000 to $9,000.
What are the side effects of breast reconstruction surgery?
Possible risks during and after reconstruction surgery
- Problems with the anesthesia.
- Bleeding.
- Blood clots.
- Fluid build-up in the breast or the donor site (for a tissue flap), with swelling and pain.
- Infection at the surgery site(s)
- Wound healing problems.
- Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
How long does it take to recover from a mastectomy and reconstruction?
There are steps that you can take to prepare for mastectomy and reconstruction and help with recovery. Average recovery time after mastectomy and reconstruction is about 3-4 weeks, but may be up to 6-8 weeks.
How long do you have to wait for reconstruction after mastectomy?
Some surgeons advise patients to wait until after radiation and chemotherapy are finished before having reconstruction. This means reconstruction might be done 6 to 12 months after mastectomy or lumpectomy. Reconstruction also can be done years later if desired.
Is there any breast tissue left after a mastectomy?
Conclusions: After a mastectomy, there is a high probability of residual breast tissue. This tissue is predominantly located in the middle circle of the superficial dissection plane and in the lower outer quadrant.
How long does breast reconstruction take after mastectomy?
How Long Does Breast Reconstruction Surgery Take? Preparation for the procedure, including anesthesia, may take 2 hours. The reconstruction will take 1 to 6 hours. After the surgery, you’ll spend about 2 to 3 hours in recovery before being transferred to a hospital room.
