Does the surgery I had qualify as a type mastecomy

[NACEE]

I have had surgery to remove benign tumors from my breast twice and it was on both breast.  Together, about 12 tumors were removed and they were up to the size of a quarter.  My insurance will pay for reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy and lymphedemas.  I have plans to get a augmentation. My breast look like 2 deflated balloons, and I am ready to fix this issue with my body.

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear NACEE, We are not experts on the insurance coverage issues regarding treatment. The best way of finding out about what your insurance coverage would be for reconstruction is to talk with your surgeon's office, and your insurance company.

[surgeon]

for an insurance company to pay for breast reconstruction, it generally means there was complete mastectomy (removing the entire breast) for treatment of proven cancer. Reconstruction after extensive biopsies would not likely qualify: however it's possible -- though not likely -- that with statements from your breast surgeon and plastic surgeon your insurance company would consider it, depending on the circumstances leading to the biopsies.

[osgrl]

I recently had a subcutaneous mastectomy for high risk of cancer and precancerous conditions after a biopsy. My insurance paid for it and is paying for reconstruction. I have very minimal scars and will end up with "augmented" breast (I still have nipples). This may be something you would like to discuss with your doctor. Good luck!