This week, James E. Craigie, MD, of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your question.
Question: I had breast surgery in 2014- one breast removed but the Dr. left enough flesh to reconstruct. I hate surgery and afraid of the length first of all. Second, I have heard there are SEVERAL operations and most of all does Medicare cover the cost. I pay for the best you can get and I am 66 yr old. Thanks.
Answer: Thanks for your question. You are correct that breast reconstruction does require more than one surgery. Depending on several factors such as what technique is used the surgery can also take a long time. Using your own tissue to remake a natural permanent new breast is what we specialize in but we also use implants if our patients choose that option.
Medicare does cover breast reconstruction but no matter how much you are willing to pay for the expertise Medicare will only pay the surgeons a set, very low fee. Fortunately that’s ok because we are physicians and our mission is to provide the best for all our patients. At this time we do accept Medicare and will as long as we can continue to fulfill our mission. Please let us know if you have any other specific questions.
Have a question about breast reconstruction or post-surgical you’d like answered from our surgical team? Just ask!”