Women considering breast reconstruction after a mastectomy may not have previously thought of having plastic surgery. It’s understandable that when told that a mastectomy or bilateral mastectomy is their best treatment option, many have concerns about what breast reconstruction entails. Dr. Comizio clears up some misconceptions about breast reconstruction surgery:
1. A breast reconstruction needs to be performed immediately
One of the most common misconceptions is that breast cancer patients must decide to have a breast reconstruction performed at the same time as their mastectomy, or the option of reconstructing their breasts is not possible. That couldn’t be more inaccurate. While it’s true that many women choose to have a breast reconstruction performed at the same time as their mastectomy, some choose to have the procedure delayed for months or even years later. Dr. Comizio will help you with your breast reconstruction surgery when you are ready.
2. Insurance does not pay for breast reconstruction surgery
Since a breast reconstruction is plastic surgery, some women have heard health insurance companies will not pay for their breast reconstruction and that they will be responsible for the full cost. For most patients, that’s simply not true. In 1998, Congress passed the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998, which requires any group health insurance company that pays for a mastectomy to also cover the cost of breast reconstruction surgery. If your group health insurance company paid for your mastectomy, they are also required by law to pay for your breast reconstruction.
3. You need breast implants to have breast reconstruction
Some women are not comfortable with the idea of breast implants. It is not a requirement with breast reconstruction. There are several surgical options available to breast reconstruction patients in addition to breast implants including the flap procedure. Flap procedures harvest skin, fat or muscle from other areas of the body to rebuild the breasts.
4. You cannot have a reconstruction while undergoing chemotherapy or radiation
In the past, it was believed that breast cancer patients should complete their cancer treatment options before having breast reconstruction. New evidence proves that’s simply not necessary. Women undergoing chemotherapy or continued radiation can have an immediate breast reconstruction performed using either breast implants or a flap procedure.
5. It will be obvious you had breast reconstruction
A common concern women have about breast reconstruction is that their breasts will never look the same, and others will be able to tell they have had plastic surgery. Dr. Comizio understands this concern, however, her years of training at 4 Ivy League universities, as well as her artistic eye and technical know-how, allows her to reconstruct natural looking breasts for you.*
It’s important to know the facts
Dr. Comizio understands there is a lot of misinformation circulating regarding breast reconstruction. If you’ve heard something about the surgery that makes you feel uneasy or think that you’re not a candidate, the best thing you can do is ask your questions and get an answer directly from Dr. Comizio. Please reach out to her office to schedule a one-on-one consultation by calling 973-775-9218.
*Individual results may vary.
