For women who have experienced breast cancer, whether they have had a mastectomy or breast conserving treatment, there are a range of options to discuss. Some women choose to “go flat”, other women opt for rebuilding a breast using an implant or their own tissue. Some women are able to modify the breast to disguise the effects of cancer removal and radiotherapy.
These are complex discussions which require time to allow for questions, and to ensure that whatever choice is made is the right choice for each patient.
The use of breast implants for reconstruction may be an ideal option for younger ladies, in preventative surgery, and for small-breasted patients. It is a procedure that is very dependent on the quality of mastectomy performed by the breast surgeon.
Breast implant reconstruction will always require revision procedures. Some women either cannot, or prefer not to have this done by their original reconstructive surgeon. Dr Campbell-Lloyd is one of very few surgeons who is happy to offer revision procedures to ladies for whom he is not the original treating surgeon.
Breast reconstruction is complex surgery requiring a high level of expertise. There will be out-of-pocket costs for all patients.
Fat grafting to the breast is a frequently performed procedure in breast reconstruction, and there may be additional costs associated with this. Fortunately, from November 1 2021, a new item number has been introduced for fat grafting to the breast after treatment for breast cancer. This allows for coverage of hospital and some anaesthetic costs (by Medicare and your private health insurance) as well as partial coverage of surgical costs. However, despite the applicability of item numbers, patients may have additional out-of-pocket costs associated with the high-cost consumables required for this procedure.
It is best to check your level of cover with your health fund. Below are some item numbers that are frequently used and which may apply to you – these can be quoted to your health fund to check whether you would be covered for certain procedures.
Tissue expander and implant reconstruction (including implant revision):
45527 | 45529 | 45547 | 46094 | 45554
Fat transfer to the breast (after breast cancer treatment):
45534 | 45535
Removal of breast implants/”explant” surgery:
45551
