How long before surgery after my consultation?

Question

I finally have a consultation for a breast reduction on Feb 13/15. How long after the consultation will I get my surgery?

Paul M. Steinwald, MD · Answer

Not sure how it is in Canada, but here in the States most insurance companies require an advance letter from the surgeon stating the patient's symptoms, supportive documentation, and surgical plan.  If the surgeon gets the letter out soon after your consultation, you would be looking at 2-4 weeks to be approved, and probably another 2-4 weeks (if the surgeon is reasonably busy) to have the surgery, if scheduled as soon as the insurance approval comes through (and assuming you have no risk-elevating medical conditions).  Often times, the insurance companies will require documentation that you have been through at least 6 months of "conservative therapy" protocols - including chiropractor (!) involvement- which clearly adds many months to the wait.  So it is probably favorable that you are in Canada . . . Of course, you can choose to proceed "out of pocket", the advantages of which are much shorter waiting time (usually by that month wait for approval), and no need to follow insurance "requirements" as to how much tissue need be removed (ranges anywhere from 500-800gm minimum here, which usually translates to approximately 2-3 cup sizes).  So if you want to remain on the larger side, you may consider side-stepping the insurance gauntlet altogether, which here in the states can be quite daunting.  Best of luck!

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

depends on many variables from when authorization is obtained to your surgeon's schedule.  In general, this takes over a month in my practice.  Best to contact your surgeon whom you consulted with to find out what they think.

Josef Hadeed, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your consultation.  There are several factors that determine when your surgery will be, including waiting on approval from insurance (if applicable), any indicated preoperative testing, availability at the surgical center, and your surgeon's schedule.  Your plastic surgeon's office should be able to give you an idea of when your surgery can be scheduled.  Good luck.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your decision to proceed with breast reduction surgery; this operation tends to be one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform. The waiting time will  likely vary from one practice another and whether or not an insurance authorization needs to deal obtained. Best to ask this question of your chosen plastic surgeon's office directly. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Heather J. Furnas, MD · Answer

If you're getting your breast reduction paid for by the Canadian health service, you would have to ask your plastic surgeon how long the wait would be. If you're paying for the surgery yourself, the wait will be dependent on when the surgeon has an opening in his/her surgery schedule along with completion of possible preoperative preparations, such as mammogram, EKG, medical clearance, etc. (I'm assuming you have no underlying health concerns that would make you a poor candidate for surgery.)Click on the link below to see a breast reduction case of a woman who was delighted with the improvement in her symptoms after surgery.

How long before surgery after my consultation?

Answers (5)

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