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Breast reconstruction is the rebuilding of your breast after a mastectomy due to breast cancer or in the prevention of breast cancer for very high risk women. Breast reconstruction can take place during or soon after your mastectomy, or in some cases many months or even years after mastectomy.
Typically a plastic surgeon performs the breast reconstruction, rebuilding the breast mound using either an artificial implant (implant reconstruction) or a flap of tissue (autologous reconstruction) from another place on your body, or a mixture of both. There are often several stages to breast reconstruction with the final stages including nipple reconstruction and/or tattooing. Every woman reacts to losing a breast in her own way, it's normal to feel sad, anxious, uncertain and mournful. You may experience an ongoing sense of loss about giving up a part of your body that may have played a significant role in your life. Breasts may play a role in your sexuality, they fill out your clothes, they may have fed your babies. Your breasts are a part of your body that is simply just you. Breast reconstruction offers you the opportunity to get back something that breast cancer has taken away. Exploring your options for breast reconstruction, carefully thinking about what is best for you will help you move forward and make a full recovery from breast cancer. Breast reconstruction is planned between you and your surgeon and sometimes your oncologist. Each woman's circumstances determine her suitability for breast reconstruction and the timing that surgery can take place. |
Breast reconstruction in Australia
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Latest statistics about breast reconstruction in Australia reveal 8-12% of women who undergo mastectomy follow on to have a breast reconstruction. That means that of the approximately 6,000 women undergoing a mastectomy in Australia each year, only about one in ten will have a reconstruction. This compares to about one in two American women and one in five British women. The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) believes the comparatively low rate in Australia points to a lack of awareness of what is involved, and the procedure itself, as well as the lack of support services in regional, rural and remote populations.
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Despite this low figure compared to other countries, Australian surgeons offer most of the latest options in breast reconstruction and these surgeries are performed in metropolitan and regional areas around the country.
Percentages of women who have had breast reconstruction following mastectomy
Percentages of women who have had breast reconstruction following mastectomy
Audit statistics from 2008 published in 2010 showed the percentages of women in each age group who received a breast reconstruction:
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The statistics also show that women were more likely to have a reconstruction if they lived in a major city than in an inner regional or more remote location:
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Despite this low figure compared to other countries, Australian surgeons offer most of the latest options in breast reconstruction and these surgeries are performed in metropolitan and regional areas around the country.
Percentages of women who have had breast reconstruction following mastectomy
Percentages of women who have had breast reconstruction following mastectomy
"The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) believes the comparatively low rate in Australia points to a lack of awareness of what is involved, and the procedure itself, as well as the lack of support services in regional, rural and remote populations."
Waiting times
How is breast reconstruction surgery catagorised Breast reconstruction following a mastectomy for breast cancer is considered a medical procedure – it is not cosmetic surgery. In all states and territories it is elective surgery, which is defined as surgery that a doctor believes to be necessary but that can be delayed for at least 24 hours. Which category a woman’s breast reconstruction surgery is placed into is at the discretion of her surgeon. Elective surgery is categorised into three urgency types: Category 1 – urgent
Category 2 – semi-urgent
Category 3 – non-urgent
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Waiting times for reconstruction in the public system Many factors can influence the waiting times for breast reconstruction. An immediate reconstruction, reconstruction done at the time of mastectomy for breast cancer so there is no lengthy waiting time. Delayed reconstruction is often done many months or even years after mastectomy and treatment for cancer has been completed. Recent reports suggest that around 90% of women who choose to have a delayed breast reconstruction have their surgery within 2 years. Waiting times vary from state to state and hospital to hospital. Under the new targets, state and territory governments are required to improve their elective surgery waiting times so that, from 31 December 2015, 95% of patients waiting for surgery are seen within the clinically recommended times. For Category 3 surgery, this will be 365 days. The Government is also introducing a National Access Guarantee ‘to ensure that no Australian experiences extremely long waits for elective surgery’. Under the Guarantee, from 1 July 2012, anyone who has not received their surgery within the clinically recommended time will be prioritised and have their surgery fast-tracked. For Category 3 surgery this will mean that, from 1 July 2012, women who have already waited 365 days must have their surgery within the next 60 days. From 1 July 2014, this will be reduced to 45 days. |
Costs
Private hospital costs
Most surgeons charge AMA rates, (ie rates that the Australian Medical Association recommends) plus anaesthetic and theatre costs set by your surgical team and selected hospital. Additional costs may include a hospital excess, tests, post surgery garments and medications.
Out of pocket expenses can vary widely and it is important that you request a written quote from your surgeon and anaesthetist before committing to any surgery. Breast reconstruction surgery is considered a reconstructive, not a cosmetic procedure, and is generally covered by private health insurance. If you have private health insurance cover you will need to review your policy carefully with your provider to determine exactly what is covered before proceeding.
Public hospital costs
Nil, costs are covered by Medicare. However, there may be an extensive waiting list and you won’t be able to choose your surgeon.
Reference sources:
Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons
http://www.plasticsurgery.org.au/linkservid/18DE8079-932A-4EB3-6AC50D9A1884D4C2/showMeta/0/
Breast Reconstruction Project Report November2011
https://www.bcna.org.au/media/2416/br_recon_project_final_report_20111116.pdf
Dr Jane O'Brien, Specialist Breast and Oncoplastic Surgeon
http://www.melbournebreastcancersurgery.com.au/immediate-breast.html
Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons
http://www.plasticsurgery.org.au/linkservid/18DE8079-932A-4EB3-6AC50D9A1884D4C2/showMeta/0/
Breast Reconstruction Project Report November2011
https://www.bcna.org.au/media/2416/br_recon_project_final_report_20111116.pdf
Dr Jane O'Brien, Specialist Breast and Oncoplastic Surgeon
http://www.melbournebreastcancersurgery.com.au/immediate-breast.html