Tuberous enough for medicare rebate Australia?

Question

I was turned away from My Cosmetic surgeon as I was told I have tuberous breasts. I had never heard this term before & was so disappointed to not be able to have a normal BA as planed. Can you tell me if they look tuberous - and if so what grade? I really appreciate your time! I am wondering weather or not to try & get the medicare rebate to cover the reconstruction needed, or if I will be disappointed again. Thank you!!

Jeremy Hunt, MBBS, FRACS · Answer

Hi,Medicare does offer rebates for medical conditions, and tuberous breast falls under congenital breast disease and so is rebateable.The decison lies with a panel of experts at Medicare so is out of your surgeons hands, but we can offer an educated opinion.I do think you would qualify as mild/moderate tuberous breast deformity and the implications of that regards rebates will be up to Medicare and any Health Fund you have.I hope that helpsJeremy Hunt

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and pictures.Yes, I think your breast photos do demonstrate some of the characteristics seen with tuberous (constricted) breasts. For example, the distance from the areola to inframammary folds seems to be tight and relatively short.  Your inframammary folds seem to be widely spaced from the midline of your chest. The areola do demonstrate some features associated with tubular breast such as  an increased width  and “puffiness”.
 You will benefit from an in-person consultation with additional well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons. These consultations will allow for accurate advice that is best provided after a thorough history, physical domination, and detailed discussion of your goals. There are a lot of factors to consider when making recommendations; for example your life circumstances ( planned pregnancies, psychosocial situation…) and tolerance for scars  are factors that should be taken into consideration by you and your plastic surgeon. These consultants will also be able to provide you with more accurate information regarding Medicare in Australia…
I hope this, and the attached link (dedicated to surgery for constricted/tuberous breasts) helps.  Best wishes.

Tarick K. Smiley, MD · Answer

You appear to be a good candidate for breast augmentation, although the surgery will involve a more complex approach to address the tuberous appearance as well.  Nonetheless, in your case good results are a high possibility--just make sure that you only deal with a highly qualified, board certified plastic surgeon.In the US, breast augmentation is generally considered as a cosmetic procedure, thus insurance issuers do not cover its cost.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

It sounds as though the question is asking for the situation in Australia which I have no knowledge of. Medicare in the United States would not cover cosmetic breast surgery.

Kim Taylor, FRACS · Answer

The criteria for having tuberous breasts operated on and covered by medicare or insurance has recently changed in Australia.  I would recommend a consultation with an experienced & Specialist Plastic Surgeon who would be able to recommend the best treatment tailored for you.  All the best

Tuberous enough for medicare rebate Australia?

Answers (7)

Answer: Cosmetic breast surgery and Medicare.

Answer: Cosmetic breast surgery and Medicare.

Answer: ?tuberous breasts

Answer: ?tuberous breasts

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Tuberous enough for medicare rebate Australia?

Answers (7)

Answer: Cosmetic breast surgery and Medicare.

Answer: Cosmetic breast surgery and Medicare.

Answer: ?tuberous breasts

Answer: ?tuberous breasts

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tuberous Breast Correction Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.