Breast Reconstruction Surgery Questions and Answers

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Question:

Are there any types of benign breast diseases/conditions that would require breast tissue removal? If so, have people with any of those such conditions had breast implant surgery for reconstruction?

Answer:

Dear Victoria, There are a number of benign breast tumors and cysts whose removal results in smaller breasts, but usually these are localized reductions of soft tissue and generalized augmentation helps little with the contour of specific areas.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

Are silicone breast implants legal in any state? If so, where?

Answer:

If your question concerns silicone gel implants the answer is both yes and no. No, they are not legal for women seeking breast augmentation for the very first time. These women can only receive the silicone-saline implant. Yes, they are legal for women needing to replace their existing silicone gel implant or those needing reconstruction after mastectomy or for congenital(birth) defects of their breasts.

David Ross, MD
Chicago, IL

Question:

Under what circumstances will insurance pay for: abdominoplasty and mastopexy? I have had six abdominal surgeries within the last ten years.They include:three laser laparoscopies for endometreosis,mid-line C-section(9 1/2lb baby!),total abdominal hysterectomy,and laparoscopic gallbladder. Five of these in the last six years. Needless to say, I could use some reconstruction as far as scars and loose lower abdominal tissue(as I have no muscle control either). As far as mastopexy goes, a lift or reduction would greatly help as far as back discomort goes. I have a great deal of "sagging" due to 65lbs. weight loss at age 19(anorexia)-then 100lbs. weight gain during pregnancy at age 23. Here I am at age 28,with a greatly "sagging" trunk (breasts & abdomen).I live in Greenwood S.C.,and we have a plastic surgeon named Ted Vaughn that I have considered going to for a consultation. I would like to know what my options are before going thru with anything. Of course money, insurance coverge (I have CIGNA HealthCare with FUJI PHOTO FILM INC.), and recovery time are huge factors in my decision. I am 28, and have a body that looks like I am 98-with roadmaps!!! My husband is very supportive of my decision whether to loose weight with diet and exercise,which I have been most unsuccessfull at(I currently weigh approx.220-230),in large part due to my past eating disorders:anorexia & bulemia( bad metabolism as a result I assume), or consult with a surgeon for a little extra help.Any advise or suggestions would be greatly apprieciated.I am a nurse,so I understand risks and complications are factored into my final descion as a priority. Please advise me as far as procedures,cost, and if you know another surgeon in my area that I would better benefit from going to-please advise. Thank you for your time,and please respond as soon as possible- summer is getting too close!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - Tara C. Carroll

Answer:

It is very difficult for me toanswer your inquiry (as it would be for any plastic surgeon) without seeing & examining you. From your description, it does sound like you would be a candidate for an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). Whether a mastopexy (breast lift) or reduction mammoplasty would be appropriate would require an examination. Dr. Ted Vaughn is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. He should be able to evaluate your suitability as a candidate for these procedures. I hesitate to quote fees, because there can be a wide variation between areas of the country and wheter the operation is done in an office operating room or in a hospital, and whether you would require post-operative hospital care. Dennis Thompson, M.D.

Question:

How do I find a plastic surgeon in CT (or anywhere) who specializes in reconstruction of a breast that has been radiated, reconstructed with an implant after mastectomy. Need a better result.

Answer:

Contact www.plasticsurgery.org. This is the national plastic surgery society and will list board certified plastic surgeons in your area with listings of the types of procedures that they do. Good luck. Carmen Paradis M.D.

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• Learn about Breast Reconstruction Surgery in the Articles Section
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