Breast Reconstruction Surgery - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you are considering breast reconstruction surgery, you may have questions. Answers to some frequently asked questions that many breast reconstruction patients have are listed below. As with any operation, you don't want to enter it lightly. Research as much information as you can find.
Q: How do I know if I am a candidate for breast reconstruction surgery?
A: Breast reconstruction surgery is more about your attitude and your state of mind than it is about actual need. If you have recently undergone a mastectomy, you are eligible for reconstruction, but to qualify, your doctor will likely look at how you are handling your current condition. Ideal candidates have a positive frame of mind, are recovering well, and understand that while breast reconstruction can help you regain a normal bust line, the sensitivity you remember and the look you remember may not really be able to be recaptured.
Q: Will my insurance cover breast reconstruction surgery?
A: It is difficult to say. Most insurance companies look at a procedure like this and see something that is completely cosmetic, but experienced doctors and cosmetic surgeons know that reconstruction does wonders for many women's psychological recovery. It may be possible to petition your insurance company to pay for such an operation, but in general, it likely will not be covered.
Q: How man surgeries can I expect to have?
A: There are at least three separate steps to operation, and it is almost unheard of for all three steps to take place at the same time. With that said, more than one step can happen at once, so you can expect anywhere between two to three surgeries in most cases. What makes this question so difficult to answer is the fact that everyone has a different path for breast reconstruction, so it isn't out of the realm of possibility to say that a person may need four to five surgeries while others need one or two.
Q: What about using living tissue?
A: More and more women are choosing to have a living tissue reconstruction instead of one that uses breast implants. It is important to note, however, that not everyone is eligible for such a procedure and if you do choose to have it, not only will your time on the surgical table be longer, so will your recovery time and the amount of pain during recovery. Using implants is sometimes not an option for women that may reject them or have other conditions that make using implants impossible.
Q: Do I have a choice of which kind of implant to use?
A: Yes, you will likely get to choose between silicone and saline breast implants. Saline tends to be safer and even less expensive, so they are the preferred choice. Your doctor will give you a complete breakdown of how each kind of implant will affect you and what sort of end result you can expect from each type.