Private medical re post DIEP reconstruction "snagging"

  • 8 replies
  • 278 subscribers
  • 1740 views

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

    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 Rose 

    • My face looks better when I smile - so smile it is ! 
  • 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

    My secret? Being daft & staying positive.
  • 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!!

  • I also went to a number of appointments re the surgical sites at the wound clinic. Will all the post op things be covered??? Also how will it all fit in with the cancer team but I’m sure you have asked about that one. xxxxxx

  • Hi

    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

  • 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.

    “Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet.  Stephen Hawking,
  • 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

    My secret? Being daft & staying positive.
  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi Sam

    I had a Diep through my private insurance the only costs I had to pay were my excess of 100 pounds and for the pain relief (£6).

    Good luck

    Clare