Rippling After Skin Saving Bilateral Mastectomy with Immediate Reconstruction

All done 16 years ago. I was very happy with my result. But now the implants are rippling badly and I have some "nerve"? pain on my chest which is relieved if I shift or move the implant. Will insurance cover another reconstruction surgery or is this a cost I would have to cover on my own?

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8 Doctor Answers | Asked by El D in Philadelphia, PA

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Subsequent required surgeries following mastectomy covered by insurance

Insurance will cover needed staged surgeries as a consequence of a mastectomy - past, present, and in the future. Here is the law: Women's Rights for Breast Reconstruction Following Mastectomy The Federal Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 is still the law today Under the federal Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998, a yearly notification of your benefits pertaining to breast reconstruction must be sent to you by your insurance company. The Women's... more

Skin Rippling After Breast Reconstruction With Implants

The development of skin rippling following breast reconstruction with implants is likely due to scar capsule contractures around the breast implant. Treatment for this problem includes exchange of the implant with release of the capsular contracture, with or without the used do AlloDerm to reinforce the skin flaps. Alternatively, while not for everyone, you may benefit from the removal of the breast implant and breast reconstruction with your body's own skin... more

Rippling has several solutions

Rippling is common in slender patients after mastectomy, especially if the implants are saline. There are a number of possible solutions that would help you--deeper implant placement, silicone implants, flap reconstruction, fat grafting. Find an experienced plastic surgeon whom you trust. Good luck.

Rippling After Skin Saving Bilateral Mastectomy with Immediate Reconstruction

Yes, insurance should and will cover most revision of reconstruction. As Dr Baxter states use of acellular dermal matrix (Alloderm or Strattice) can help. Also PRP fat transfers are another option. Finally in Europe Macrolane fillers could be a benefit . Regards.

Post op pain and deformity post breast reconstruction

Dear El D, Meet with a local Plastic surgeon for an evaluation. Before surgery, most offices will get authorization from your insurance carrier for your surgery so that you can know what your financial obligations are pre op. If you have a cafeteria plan at work you could possibly find out what your obligation would be, designate the funds out next year and do your surgery next year. You could pay your part in pre tax dollars. Fat grafts and... more

Revision post mastectomy breast reconstruction is covered by insurance.

Hi. It sounds that you will do well with a revision using round. smooth walled, moderate plus profile, cohesive silicone gel implants and possibly Alloderm reinforcement.

Breast Reconstruction

In general your insurance will, should cover your revision of breast reconstruction. Cosult your plastic surgeon, you have many options available to you now.

Improving results after skin sparing mastectomy and reconstruction

First I have to say that skin-sparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction is becoming quite common today but was not often done 16 years ago, so kudos to your surgical team and to you. One of the factors that has made it a more predictable procedure and a more popular one today is the use of Acellular Dermal Matrix grafts such as Alloderm, which helps to form an internal bra that adds support and coverage. Placement of Alloderm may be a good option to consider now. I would... more