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Are there two stages for bilateral breast reconstruction?

Many surgeons choose to perform two stages for bilateral breast reconstruction. The first stage is usually done during the lumpectomy or mastectomy, while the second stage is completed after the patient has completed their rounds of chemotherapy or radiation treatments. 

Stage 1: In this stage, the surgeon inserts tissue expanders to preserve the natural shape of the patient's breasts. 

Stage 2: Once the patient has finished additional treatments and the breast tissues have been given time to heal, the surgeon removes the tissue expander and replaces them with permanent breast implants. This stage usually takes place between four to six months after Stage 1.

How is the first stage of breast reconstruction performed?

How long does it take to recover from breast reconstruction surgery?

What does it feel like after breast reconstruction surgery?

Are two stages of bilateral breast reconstruction necessary?

* Savings estimate based on a study of more than 1 billion claims comparing self-pay (or cash pay) prices of a frequency-weighted market basket of procedures to insurer-negotiated rates for the same. Claims were collected between July 2017 and July 2019. R.Lawrence Van Horn, Arthur Laffer, Robert L.Metcalf. 2019. The Transformative Potential for Price Transparency in Healthcare: Benefits for Consumers and Providers. Health Management Policy and Innovation, Volume 4, Issue 3.

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Your actual costs may be higher or lower than these cost estimates. Check with your provider and health plan details to confirm the costs that you may be charged for a service or procedure.You are responsible for costs that are not covered and for getting any pre-authorizations or referrals required by your health plan. Neither payments nor benefits are guaranteed. Provider data, including price data, provided in part by Turquoise Health.

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