Why consult both a breast & plastic surgeon?

07/26/23 • 69 min

It isn't vain to want your breast/s reconstructed after a mastectomy. Some women choose not to reconstruct because they think it's cosmetic. And some women aren't given the option to reconstruct.

Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon, Dr Kirstin Miteff, talks about consulting both a breast surgeon and a reconstructive plastic surgeon when you research your reconstruction options.

Dr Kirstin also talks about how a referral to a plastic surgeon at the time of a breast cancer diagnosis may reduce the reconstruction timeline for some patients.

Luan and Dr Kirstin also talk about:

What a reconstructive plastic surgeon does
The role of plastic surgeons & breast surgeons
And how they work alongside each other
What to consider when choosing your reconstruction
Telehealth consults for regional/rural patients
What to ask a reconstructive plastic surgeon
The training path of reconstructive plastic surgeons
How some women haven't been offered recon

You might also want to:

Listen to Dr Joe Dusseldorp talk about DIEP 'flap' strategies
Listen to Dr Bish Soliman talk about other 'flap' options
Subscribe to be notified when the episode about public & private health drops!

Links for this podcast:

Where you can find Luan:

If you’ve found any of the content upsetting, please reach out and get help. Breast Cancer Network Australia has a free confidential helpline – 1800 500 258. Beyond Blue has a range of free resources online, or you can call them 24/7 on 1300 224 636.

The information in this podcast does not constitute medical advice. For personalised medical advice you should seek a consult with a FRACS qualified surgeon.

Post-production ‘shine’ by Paddy @ Goosing Sounds Ltd (UK)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It isn't vain to want your breast/s reconstructed after a mastectomy. Some women choose not to reconstruct because they think it's cosmetic. And some women aren't given the option to reconstruct.

Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon, Dr Kirstin Miteff, talks about consulting both a breast surgeon and a reconstructive plastic surgeon when you research your reconstruction options.

Dr Kirstin also talks about how a referral to a plastic surgeon at the time of a breast cancer diagnosis may reduce the reconstruction timeline for some patients.

Luan and Dr Kirstin also talk about:

What a reconstructive plastic surgeon does
The role of plastic surgeons & breast surgeons
And how they work alongside each other
What to consider when choosing your reconstruction
Telehealth consults for regional/rural patients
What to ask a reconstructive plastic surgeon
The training path of reconstructive plastic surgeons
How some women haven't been offered recon

You might also want to:

Listen to Dr Joe Dusseldorp talk about DIEP 'flap' strategies
Listen to Dr Bish Soliman talk about other 'flap' options
Subscribe to be notified when the episode about public & private health drops!

Links for this podcast:

Where you can find Luan:

The information in this podcast does not constitute medical advice. For personalised medical advice you should seek a consult with a FRACS qualified surgeon.

Post-production ‘shine’ by Paddy @ Goosing Sounds Ltd (UK)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Previous Episode

Under & over the muscle implants

When it comes to implant-based reconstruction, you might hear the terms UTM and OTM. But what do they mean and why might you choose one over the other?

Luan talks to one of Australia’s leading consultant breast surgeons, Associate Professor Sanjay Warrier, about under and over the muscle implants, including:

What’s involved for UTM & OTM
What might dictate your decision
The benefits of each
Acellular dermal matrix
UTM dual plane technique
OTM two staged approach with expanders
Exercise after UTM/OTM
What happens if you have a port?
What about radiotherapy?
Potential complications of each
How these can be addressed (eg rippling)
Surveillance imaging after UTM/OTM

You might also want to:

Listen to Dr Kylie Snook talk about mastectomy and expanders
Subscribe to be notified when the episode about public & private health drops!

Links for this podcast:

Where you can find Luan:

The information in this podcast does not constitute medical advice. For personalised medical advice you should seek a consult with a FRACS qualified surgeon.

Post-production ‘shine’ by Paddy @ Goosing Sounds Ltd (UK)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Next Episode

Medicare and private health cover

What does Medicare cover for breast reconstruction? What do you need to consider if you choose to be treated privately?

The two different systems in Australia – public and private – can be confusing, and potential financial costs of reconstruction can cause anxiety. It can also be an awkward discussion to have with your team.

In this episode Luan talks to Specialist Breast Surgeon and President of BreastSurgANZ, Dr Melanie Walker, about how to navigate finances.

Luan and Dr Melanie talk about whether Medicare covers:

All types of reconstruction
Elective mastectomy
Revision surgery
Delayed reconstruction
Liposuction and fat grafting
Nipple reconstruction

Luan and Dr Melanie also talk in general about private cover, including:

What to ask your specialist’s team
What might not be covered
What your quote may include
Negotiating costs

Links for this podcast:

AMA Guide for patients
BreastSurgANZ
Cancer Council resource

Where you can find Luan:

Subscribe to be notified when new Rewritten Me episodes are published.

Note: this podcast talks about what is covered by Medicare. What you have access to and what resources and services are available to you, including waiting times, can differ depending on where you live. And things change. This information was correct at the time of recording (3rd July 2023).

The information in this podcast does not constitute medical advice. For personalised medical advice you should seek a consult with a FRACS qualified surgeon.

Post-production ‘shine’ by Paddy @ Goosing Sounds Ltd (UK)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.