In Australia, Medicare can partially cover the costs of surgical procedures that are considered a medical necessity to perform. If a candidate meets the requirements set in Medicare’s guidelines, tuberous breast Medicare cover may be possible.
Tuberous breast surgery can address enlarged nipples, constricted or abnormally shaped breasts,
under-developed breasts, and other concerns with breast irregularities.
Before undergoing the surgery, candidates will need a consultation with Dr Hunt in Sydney so that the breasts can be assessed, and the surgery can be thoroughly planned. During the consultation, the costs of the procedure can be discussed – including the details of Medicare.
Medicare requirements for tuberous breast surgery in Australia
To be eligible for tuberous breast Medicare cover, you’ll need to meet the requirements outlined in the relevant Medicare item number.
The Medicare item number requirements for tuberous breast surgery can be a bit difficult for patients to understand, but you can view the information here.
During a consultation, Dr Hunt will be able to explain the criteria, and determine if you meet the criteria and are eligible for cover.
What are tuberous breasts?
Tuberous breasts, a common congenital deformity, are typically characterised by underdeveloped, conical-shaped breasts and enlarged nipples. Patients often notice their breasts appear small, square-shaped, uneven, or widely spaced.
Common features of tuberous breasts include a constricted areola, conical-shaped nipples, small breast size, breast asymmetry, a high inframammary fold, a narrow breast base, or poor lower pole development.
What causes tuberous breasts?
The exact cause of tuberous breasts is not fully understood, but it is widely believed to originate from disruptions in breast tissue development during fetal growth. This congenital condition is thought to occur when the normal growth patterns of the breast tissue are interrupted, leading to the formation of constrictive fibrous bands around the nipples. These bands may prevent the breast tissue from expanding properly, resulting in a distinctive tubular shape.
Hormonal imbalances during puberty might exacerbate the condition, influencing how the breast tissue develops and affects its overall shape. While the exact mechanisms are still being studied, it’s understood that this developmental abnormality can result in features such as a constricted areola, conical nipples, uneven breast size, and a high inframammary fold. The resulting appearance can then vary, from person to person.
What can tuberous breast surgery achieve?
With a variety of options when it comes to how the surgery can be performed, tuberous breast correction surgery can alter the shape and size of the breasts, treat conical-shaped nipples and breasts, address asymmetry and more, all in line with the patient’s particular preferences.
Each patient’s tuberous breasts will be unique, and so will the details of the procedure to make changes to their appearance – this allows for very personalised procedures, making changes that suit each patient’s body.
How is tuberous breast surgery performed?
Tuberous breast correction surgery can involve a variety of techniques to reshape and reconstruct the breasts, according to the patient’s needs.
In some cases, the process may require two separate procedures. For a comprehensive approach, Dr Hunt typically combines multiple reconstructive methods to address the diverse features of tuberous breasts.
The initial surgery often involves releasing the constrictive fibrous bands, while a subsequent procedure may focus on breast augmentation. Depending on the individual’s natural breast shape, additional treatments such as fat grafting, skin expanders, breast implants, nipple reconstruction, or mastopexy may also be included in the procedure.
Dr Hunt can explain how your procedure will be performed in more detail when you meet for your consultation, as well as outline all of your surgery options.
Understanding the costs of the procedure
Like with most surgeries, the cost of tuberous breast surgery will vary, as they will need to be calculated by the details of the procedure.
Some factors that can influence the total costs include the type of procedure being performed, if multiple procedures will be performed, the patient’s desired results, and the total time spent in surgery. Costs will include the surgeon’s fee, anaesthetist’s fee, hospital fees, and aftercare costs.
During your consultation, Dr Hunt will discuss your medical history, conduct a thorough assessment of your unique features, begin to develop a plan for your procedure and provide an accurate cost estimate for your surgery.
The process for Medicare cover: What to expect
When patients consult a plastic surgeon about a surgery, the surgeon will need to determine whether the procedure is medically necessary and eligible for Medicare cover or if it is purely performed for cosmetic reasons.
If your surgeon believes that the procedure can be deemed medically necessary, you will then need to meet the requirements for the relevant Medicare item number.
For a Medicare item number to be used, you must be referred to your surgeon by a doctor or specialist with a valid medical referral.
If you are successful in receiving Medicare cover, Medicare will cover a portion of your procedure costs.
Choose Dr Hunt for your tuberous breast correction surgery
To have your tuberous breast correction procedure performed by experienced Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Hunt, you’ll need a referral from a medical practitioner so that you may receive Medicare cover.
Located in Sydney, Dr Hunt’s techniques for tuberous breast correction include breast augmentation mammoplasty, breast lift mastopexy, fat transfer, and surgical reconstruction techniques.
With a comprehensive consultation, he will explain how the procedure can be tailored to your needs, and guide you through the application process for tuberous breast Medicare cover.
Please feel free to contact our team today if you would like assistance with arranging your consultation.
