Video: Will My Insurance Cover A Breast Reconstruction?
Losing a breast due to cancer or another illness can be traumatic and life-altering for a woman. Breasts symbolize femininity and beauty, so when a woman is forced to have a mastectomy, her self-image, self-esteem, and quality of life are all affected. Women often become self-conscious about their appearance and feel as if they have lost a piece of who they are. And, in a sense, they have. Breast reconstruction at Neaman Plastic Surgery is an essential step after a devastating diagnosis that helps to restore the lives of women who have undergone the removal of either one or both breasts.
In 2018, it was estimated that 266,120 new cases of invasive breast cancer would be diagnosed in women in the U.S. Furthermore, one in eight U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. Breast cancer is a long and challenging road, but not one you have to go down alone. You need a team and support to help you get through it, and Salem plastic surgeons Dr. Keith Neaman, Dr. Dustin Christiansen and the expert staff at Neaman Plastic Surgery are here to help guide you.
We are proud to offer highly customized breast reconstruction to help restore your breasts so that you can feel a little more like yourself. If you’re preparing for breast cancer surgery and would like to discuss your breast reconstruction options, please call us today at 844-338-5445 to schedule your personal consultation.
“DR. NEAMAN AND HIS STAFF ARE AMAZING! EVERYONE IS SO CARING, KIND, AND ATTENTIVE TO PATIENT NEEDS. THIS IS A PLACE WHERE PATIENTS ARE TREATED LIKE FRIENDS OR FAMILY. NO ONE FORGETS MY NAME OR WHY I AM CAME IN. FURTHER, DR. NEAMAN’S WORK IS GREAT. I HAD BREAST RECONSTRUCTION AFTER CANCER. I AM SUPER PLEASED WITH THE RESULTS.”
Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure that recreates the breast shape in women who have undergone a mastectomy or lumpectomy. It can be performed immediately following the removal of the natural breasts or delayed to meet the needs of each patient. Breast reconstruction is designed to reconstruct the size, shape, and symmetry of the natural breasts as closely as possible. This helps to restore the natural contours of the body.
Dr. Neaman and Dr. Christiansen are trained in a number of surgical techniques for breast reconstruction. The right option for you will depend on your unique circumstances and is best determined through your initial consultation and exam. The two main options for breast reconstruction include using implants or using tissue taken from another part of the body to reconstruct the breasts, known as flap reconstruction. Tissue can be harvested from areas such as the abdomen, back, and buttocks. Nipple reconstruction may also need to be performed to address the reconstruction of nipples and areolas. Both breast reconstruction techniques are able to produce amazing results that help to restore a women’s femininity and confidence.
Breast reconstruction isn’t just surgery for cosmetic purposes; it is a life-changing procedure that offers several physical, psychological and emotional benefits, including:
Anyone who has lost a breast due to illness or trauma is an ideal candidate for breast reconstruction. Many factors need to be taken into considering when planning for breast reconstruction including overall health and whether or not further treatment will be needed, such as chemo or radiation. Dr. Neaman and Dr. Christiansen will work with you and your physician to inform you of all of your options and help you make the best decision for your individual needs.
Under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998, insurance providers are required to cover breast reconstruction for women who have undergone mastectomies. This legislation was approved after research demonstrated quality-of-life advantages and mental health benefits with breast reconstruction following mastectomies.
Mild discomfort should be expected during the first-week post-treatment. The extent of your recovery will depend on which technique was performed. If you received implants, your recovery will be similar to that of a traditional breast augmentation. If tissue was harvested, you most likely will have a longer recovery period. It is important that you rest the following surgery, so your body has time to heal. As with any surgical procedure, you will have some degree of scarring. However, scars will begin to fade after several weeks.
The best time for breast reconstruction surgery varies from patient to patient. This procedure can be performed at the same time as the mastectomy but is dependent on many factors, including your stage of cancer and your overall health. Together, Neaman Plastic Surgery will work with you and your oncologist as a team to coordinate the best plan of action for your breast reconstruction.
If you are a breast cancer patient about to undergo a mastectomy, or you’ve already had a mastectomy and want to learn more about your options for breast reconstruction surgery, please contact Neaman Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation. We also invite you to check out breast reconstruction before/after photos so you can see their amazing transformations. We welcome patients from the greater Portland, Salem, and Eugene, Oregon, areas.
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