Women who have suffered from breast cancer often feel as though the disease attacks not only their bodies, but also their femininity and sense of self. According to BreastCancer.org, one in eight women living in the U.S. will develop invasive breast cancer in her life. That’s 12 percent of women. And it is estimated that this year, over 240,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed. For many women who undergo a mastectomy, breast reconstruction is a way for them to reclaim their bodies and start anew. A breast reconstruction can help balance the look of the chest and let the patient permanently regain breast shape, without the need of an external prosthesis. At Michigan Cosmetic Surgery, we specialize in breast augmentation and breast reconstruction in Michigan. We’ve helped countless women feel more confident in their own skin and have performed hundreds of breast augmentations in metro Detroit for women of all ages and backgrounds.
Breast Reconstruction
Many women, as many as 40 percent, choose to undergo breast reconstruction after a mastectomy. This can be performed immediately after the mastectomy surgery or at a later date. A recent study shows that nearly 25 percent of women opted to have a breast reconstruction immediately after a mastectomy, while another 17 percent wait to have a reconstruction. Most women who have had a breast removed are able to have a breast reconstruction. Even in some cases where only a portion of the breast was removed, a breast reconstruction is still possible. This type of surgical procedure is always done by a plastic surgeon and you should be certain that your surgeon is board certified. Some women choose an implant to be placed in the breast area, while others opt for tissue to be removed from the stomach or buttocks to be used to rebuild the breast. This decision is also a personal one and should be discussed with your plastic surgeon, who can make recommendations based on your unique needs.
Funding Your Breast Reconstruction
The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1988 requires that all group health plans that pay for mastectomy to also pay for reconstructive procedures, regardless of whether the surgery is done immediately following a mastectomy or lumpectomy or at a later time. Medicare also covers the cost of breast reconstruction, while Medicaid varies by state. Plans that are government- or church-sponsored are not required to cover breast reconstruction. If you are uninsured or your plan does not cover a breast reconstruction, Michigan Cosmetic Surgery offers a variety of financing options to help. If you are considering a breast reconstruction, you should talk to your insurance provider and plastic surgeon’s office to ensure you are aware of any out-of–pocket costs you may incur, such as co-pays and deductibles. Here are some helpful questions you may wish to ask your insurance provider: -Does my plan cover mastectomy? -Does my plan cover breast reconstruction? -Am I limited to in-network surgeons? -Are the providers handling my surgery covered under my plan? -What are my total out-of-pocket costs for both in-network and out-of-network surgeons?
A Surgeon Who Understands
Dr. Mariam Awada of Michigan Cosmetic Surgery understand the unique needs of women. In fact, most of her patients come to her by way of referral. Known for her unmatched results and caring, patient bedside manner, Dr. Mariam Awada has received the highest accolades for her education and her work. And having trained with some of the most elite surgeons in the world, Dr. Mariam Awada also brings with her a wealth of experience. If you’re looking for a premier board certified plastic surgeon to perform your breast reconstruction, please contact us today. Michigan Cosmetic Surgery has helped many women regain their confidence and womanhood.
