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Breast Reconstructive Surgery
An estimated 56,176 women underwent some form of breast reconstruction in 2006 according to the ASPS, a 31 percent decrease since 2000. The decline is likely due to the increase today in breast-conserving surgeries, where only the tumor is removed, rather than mastectomies, where the entire breast is removed.
However, breast reconstructive surgery appears underutilized. A study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association found that of the 51,184 women identified who underwent a mastectomy between 1998 and 2002, only 16.5 percent had breast reconstruction. This study also found that the decision to have breast reconstructive surgery was significantly affected by where women lived, their race, age and stage of cancer. Specifically, the researchers found, African-American, Hispanic and Asian women were much less likely to have immediate or slightly delayed breast reconstructive surgery than Caucasian women.
If you choose breast reconstructive surgery, you have two main options: reconstruction with breast implants, which are shells filled with either silicone or saline, or autologous reconstruction, which uses fat and tissue from your abdomen, back, buttocks or thigh to shape a new breast.
In many instances, breast reconstruction can be performed immediately after mastectomy so you never wake up without a breast. This depends, however, on the stage and location of cancer and any post-surgical treatments. For instance, if you need radiotherapy, your surgeon will likely advise you to wait until after you finish radiation before having breast reconstructive surgery.
You can also wait months or even years to have breast reconstruction after your mastectomy—there is no time limit. Be sure to discuss your options with a plastic surgeon.
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Paying for Breast Reconstructive Surgery
If you have health insurance, your health insurance company must pay for breast reconstructive surgery. The 1998 Federal Breast Reconstruction Law requires all health insurance companies to cover reconstruction of the breast on which mastectomy has been performed, and surgery and reconstruction of the other breast to produce a symmetrical appearance.
If you don't have health insurance, talk to your plastic surgeon and the hospital about negotiating a discount rate. You may also qualify for health insurance under your state's Medicaid program or other health-coverage programs for those with low and moderate incomes.
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This resource is part of an educational initiative sponsored by Allergan, Inc., maker of the NATRELLE™ Collection of breast implants.
Create Date: 9/24/07
Date Last Updated: 9/24/07
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