Options for breast reconstruction implants or tissue fillers?

I have breast cancer, and will undergo mastectomy, but my insurance will not approve the use of Alloderm for the reconstruction because they say its investigational. If this is the case, what are my other options?

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10 answers to “Options for breast reconstruction...”

A: Breast Reconstruction can be done without AlloDerm

Edward S. Lee, MD

If you haven't done so already, talk about this with your plastic surgeon. Breast reconstruction can be done without AlloDerm. AlloDerm is a product made by LifeCell. It is a "regenerative tissue matrix" produced by removing the living cells from harvested cadaveric epidermis and dermis.... more

A: Breast reconstruction and alloderm

Steven Wallach, MD

Alloderm is a nice product to use when performing a tissue expander and implant reconstruction. It provides a layer of coverage over the lower pole so that if the skin "breaks down" the tissue expander may not be exposed and the reconstruction can be salvaged.  For many years, surgeons did not... more

A: Postmastectomy breast reconstruction with Alloderm is not experimental

Lavinia Chong, MD

Like many surgeons, I've used Alloderm for reconstructive and cosmetic purposes since 1996.  My patients have been universally enthusiastic with their results.  By contrast, its use for post mastectomy breast reconstruction is relatively new and as a consequence, depending on where you live and who... more

A: Alloderm is relatively new in breast reconstruction

John P. Di Saia, MD

Hello, Insurance companies view procedures relative to financial issues mainly. If they can deny, they tend to deny. Alloderm is useful on occasion in breast reconstruction involving tissue expanders. You can always appeal their decision. Good Luck and Best Regards.

A: Is Alloderm Necessary for Breast Reconstruction?

Richard Greco, MD

Breast Reconstruction has been around for over 20 years. Many women have had excellent reconstructions without Alloderm. However, there are reasons that Alloderm has made such a big impact on Plastic Surgeons. Alloderm is not experimental, it has been used successfully thousands of times, and for a good... more

A: Appeal the denial of Alloderm for Post-Mastectomy Breast Reconstruction

Lynn Jeffers, MD

If you are denied from your insurance company for dermal matrix in your breast reconstruction, call them and ask why it is being considered experimental. What criteria are they using?  Do they pay for another brand of dermal matrix  (Alloderm is one brand of dermal matrix).  Here in California,... more

A: You can negotiate with the insurance company

Hisham Seify, MD, PhD

You can negotiate with the insurance company with help from your plastic surgeon. For the insurance company it is all about cost reduction, so if your surgeon decides to perform a flap it will cost them much more between hospital stay, fees etc..It is sad that you have to deal with this before your mastectomy... more

A: Alloderm is changing Implant-based Breast Reconstruction

Kevin Brenner, MD

The use of Alloderm and other dermal matrices is really changing the results that are possible with implant-based reconstruction. Although some insurance companies will deny coverage for use of this product, there are cases in which its cost is covered. You should work with your plastic surgeon to appeal the... more

A: That "dern" Alloderm

Earl Stephenson Jr., MD, DDS

Insurance companies are slowly coming around to cover Alloderm as part of breast reconstruction. If you insurance company will not this not a huge matter because for many years tissue expanders and implant reconstruction was done very successfully without the use of Alloderm. The alloderm provides a bit more... more

A: To Use or Not to Use Alloderm

Steven H. Schuster, MD

It is unfortunate that you have to deal with this at the time of your reconstruction. This is not an experimental procedure as most of us use some type of dermal allograft to improve the results and the need for further surgeries. The dermal graft bulks up the tissue and seems to decrease hospital stay by... more

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