Hi
To all those who are hopefully still on this site but have had DIEP reconstruction and all the other surgery related bits that are peripheral but go towards making an acceptable pair of boobs.
My reconstruction is a delayed one and I will be going for smaller boobs.
So far NHS has been cracking for chemo and fully expect will be the same for mastectomy and radiotherapy that then finishes my treatment. Given it could take up (or over) 2 years (!!) for DIEP, nipple stuff and other work re symmetry etc on the NHS I am considering using my private medical insurance but want to know what it might cost me.
I know I'm covered through private insurance for
- DIEP reconstruction
- nipple reconctruction
- nipple tattoo
- and on good boob side symmetry surgery
So its all the other stuff (or more of the above) that I need to know about (for example private medical company mentioned "dog ears" - delightful phrase!). Is there anything else that I may have to factor in given that if I go private I can't just dip back into the NHS world? Also any idea of cost of these peripheral surgeries (not covered by my private insurance) to achieve decent boobs? The private insurance company people had no idea of course.
Thanks
Sam
Hi Sam
I would advise you to call / visit the private hospital that can offer you your surgery . They are a business and should be able to give you an estimate / quotation for extra work that MAY be required .
I was and still am 100% delighted with my NHS immediate reconstruction .
Hope all goes well for you
love Ruby Rose
Yeah, tried that - all they could suggest when asked was dog ears. I was less that impressed by their response (talked to a breast cancer person) so am asking this knowledgable bunch.
Glad you're happy with your reconstruction, not an option for me unfortunately though so delayed it is.
Thanks
Sam
Hi
i had my DEIP 2 years ago. I have had most of what you have mentioned on NHS. The other thing they did was lipo modelling- they took a bit of fat from my hips and top of thighs (hey!!) and used it to do a bit of re shaping of new boob. They also took a bit off the side of new boob to make a better overall shape. Another thing to ask is any scar correction. I’m extremely happy with my result on the NHS but it does take quite a long time. I’m on the list for a little bit more lipo modelling (after every Xmas perhaps???). Hope this helps. Best of luck!!
My last post on here was removed/banned - I have sent you a friend request then I can send you a private message. I haven’t had this but can possibly point you in the direction of others who may be able to ?
Chers
Jo
Yorkshire_defector just a thought, but could you check out other hospitals waiting lists? I am a member of the UK Diep Forum elsewhere, and some have asked to be referred to other hospitals/surgeons due to waiting times or choice of surgeon. Am I right that you're in London? Can I ask what hospital trust? I'm asking for mine (when I see my surgeon in April at annual check up) if I can have it in June/July 2021 so I can combine recovery with the school holidays. I'm with the UCH/Whittington/Royal Free group of Hospitals.
Hadn't considered that as an option, am being treated through Kingston hospital though reconstruction is via Royal Marsden in Sutton (they appear to have a partnership).
I will see what some other local hospital waiting lists are though think suitable places may be more London based I suspect. Though as long as cost of other stuff isn't too exorbitant (and I won't know what I need it till I need it!) will probably use private medical anyway...we'll see...
Thanks
Sam X
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