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October

Proud of the support and awareness of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

Part III: Flap-based reconstruction – TRAM

TRAM flap (Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous) flap The excess skin, fat, and the rectus abdominis muscle are harvested from the lower abdominal wall. There are two (2) such muscles at the midline of your abdominal wall – one of them will be utilized for the reconstruction. This flap is then raised and tunneled under the … Continue reading Part III: Flap-based reconstruction – TRAM →

Part II: Flap-based reconstruction – latissimus dorsi

The excess skin, fat, and the latissimus dorsi muscle are harvested from the upper back. This flap is then tunneled under your axilla (armpit) to its new location at the breast area, with its blood vessels attached. The flap is then trimmed, shaped, and secured into place, once we have created a pleasing breast form, … Continue reading Part II: Flap-based reconstruction – latissimus dorsi →

Insurance Coverage – State Laws

Insurance Coverage is Required for Post-Mastectomy Breast Reconstruction if Mastectomy is Covered. Alaska: enacted in 2000; conforms state law to the federal standards. The bill directly refers to the specific federal requirement: (A health care insurer that offers, issues for delivery, delivers, or renews in this state a health care insurance plan providing medical and … Continue reading Insurance Coverage – State Laws →

1998 Federal Breast Reconstruction Law

Following is the 1998 Federal Breast Reconstruction Law: Signed into Law on October 21, 1998 – ASPS is working with federal regulators as they draft guidance on implementation of the new law. SEC. 713. REQUIRED COVERAGE FOR RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY FOLLOWING MASTECTOMIES. (a) IN GENERAL.-A group health plan, and a health insurance issuer providing health insurance … Continue reading 1998 Federal Breast Reconstruction Law →

Is Breast Reconstruction Covered?

I’ve been asked to comment on the insurance coverage for breast reconstruction. The following posts will detail the following laws on this issue. On October 21, 1998, the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998, became effective as part of the 1999 Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriation Act. This new federal law requires … Continue reading Is Breast Reconstruction Covered? →

Part I: Implant-based reconstruction – tissue expander/implant

A multi-part discussion on the various types of breast reconstructive procedures will be done in the following posts. Each has their own advantages and disadvantages. My hopes will be to thoroughly inform you of the different options and help you decide, along with your plastic surgeon’s factoring in of your medical condition and your disease, … Continue reading Part I: Implant-based reconstruction – tissue expander/implant →

Types of Breast Reconstructive Procedures:

Breast Reconstructive Procedures: There are two basic categories for reconstructive procedures used to recreate a breast: · Implant-based: permanent silicone or saline implants are utilized to recreate a breast mound o Breast implants are a great option for breast reconstruction and can achieve an excellent result in certain candidates · Flap-based: your own tissue along … Continue reading Types of Breast Reconstructive Procedures: →

To choose, or not to choose – details to consider

If you choose reconstruction, there are several details to consider. Reconstruction can be performed at the same time as your mastectomy (immediate reconstruction), or it can be performed at any time in the future following your mastectomy (delayed reconstruction). After any type of breast reconstruction, plans may be made to reconstruct a nipple and areola … Continue reading To choose, or not to choose – details to consider →

American Society of Plastic Surgeons statement

I have been asked by a few people the reason why women are not involved in the discussion of breast reconstruction as discussed on the previous post. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) has issued a statement recently… “Women need to understand all of their options to make an informed decision,” said ASPS President … Continue reading American Society of Plastic Surgeons statement →

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