Is pain classified as medically necessary plastic surgery?

Question

13 weeks post op. At 2 months i had a fluid noise with sqeaking of the implant on movement. Was told the implant is moving in its pocket. Always in pain daily. Unable to wear a soft bra. Muscle spasms and pins and needles on a daily bases since 12 weeks. Also very restricted to certain physical lifting or activities still. When i have an active day. My left implant with rise high then drop again after a few days. It also goes from bigger to small every few days. Would my issues be medically necessary?

Ellis Choy, FRACS(Plast) · Answer

Hi there,
Sorry to learn about your concern and persistent pain & discomfort after your recent breast implant surgery.
It is not uncommon sometimes it can take up to 3-6 months for the final result to eventuate and mature with resolution of pain or discomfort. It'll be best to seek further advice from your surgeon for further assessment & management.
Best wishes
Ellis Choy

Chien C. Kat, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.It is important that you see your plastic surgeon for advice especially if you are experiencing pain and swelling.Your surgeon will be able to advise you best with regards to insurance cover.

Robert Drielsma, MBBS, BSc, FRACS · Answer

Sorry to read that you are experiencing concerns after your surgery.  Its important to note that you are still in the relatively early stages of your post operative recovery and its important to be patient.  Creaking noises and strange sensations are usually all normal.  Its essential to ease gently back into you regular routines and its usually normal to have some limitations as you ease back into things.  You should not be in constant pain and if it doesn’t resolve than its best to undergo further investigation such as imaging to rule out any concerns. Keep your surgeon advised about your progress and discuss your concerns.  You surgeon will determine if revision surgery is medically necessary and allocate Medicare numbers for claiming rebates.

Julio Clavijo-Alvarez, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

I am sorry that you are having issues about your procedure and thanks for sharing your question. I can appreciate your concern.
It is difficult to determine the source of your problems without proper examination and testing. The revision surgery would be difficult to have it covered by insurance. however, if you have an infection or bleeding, you may have coverage of the threatening condition but not the replacing implant. 
If you adquired implants extra insurance, sometimes there is coverage of surgery with implant replacement when experiencing capsular contracture.
Finally, make sure that your doctor is aware of your process. He should be able to guide you best in your care.
Wishing you the best in your journey

Terrence Higgins, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions.
The period of time that it takes each individual to "adopt" implants and become pain free can vary from a few days to several months.
Occasionally there are individuals that never get comfortable with having implants in place.
You need to follow up with your board certified plastic surgeon who performed your surgery.
He/she can evaluate what's going on  and further recommend treatment.

Sometimes physical therapy can be helpful.
Best of luck to you.

Is pain classified as medically necessary plastic surgery?

Answers (5)