Mammoplasty, also known as breast plastic surgery, is a medical procedure that changes the shape and size of a patient's breasts. It is a procedure that can have both an aesthetic and reconstructive purpose, tailored to each woman's individual needs and expectations. This procedure can be essential for women who are struggling with physical and emotional discomfort caused by inadequate breast proportions, as well as for those who wish to reconstruct their breasts after a mastectomy.
Types of mammoplasty and medical indications
Mammoplasty includes several different types of procedures, depending on the patient's needs:
- Reduction mammoplasty - a procedure that reduces the size of the breasts, often chosen by women experiencing back, neck or shoulder pain, postural problems, and difficulty finding appropriate clothing. Breast reduction can also provide relief for those who feel uncomfortable or insecure about the large size of their breasts.
- Augmentation mammoplasty - a procedure that aims to increase the size of the breasts, usually through implants. Although this procedure is not usually reimbursed by the National Health Service, it is an important option for women looking to improve their body proportions or reconstruct their breasts after cancer surgery.
- Reconstructive mammoplasty - a breast reconstruction procedure after mastectomy, an important step in the treatment and rehabilitation process for patients following breast tumour removal surgery. This form of mammoplasty is crucial to regaining a sense of femininity and body integrity after cancer.
When is mammoplasty necessary?
A mammoplasty procedure may be necessary for a variety of reasons. Some women opt for breast reduction when asymmetrical or overly abundant breasts hinder daily function and lead to health problems such as chronic back pain. Other women may need breast reconstruction after breast tumour removal surgery, which is an important step in their recovery and wellbeing.
Each case is individual and the decision to have a mammoplasty should be made after consultation with a specialist who will assess the medical indications for the procedure and present possible treatment options tailored to the patient's needs and expectations. It is important that women considering mammoplasty are fully informed of all aspects of the procedure, including potential benefits and risks, so that they can make an informed decision.
The reimbursement of a mammoplasty procedure by the National Health Fund (NFZ) in Poland is possible under certain conditions, which are designed to ensure that the operation is carried out for valid medical reasons. The eligibility process for reimbursement requires meeting certain criteria and gathering the necessary documents. The following is key information to help you understand the process and prepare for your reimbursement application.
Medical indications for the procedure
The National Health Service reimburses mammoplasty in cases where it is medically necessary. This includes situations such as:
- Significant breast asymmetry,
- Chronic pain in the spine, neck or shoulders due to the abundance of breasts,
- The need for breast reconstruction after mastectomy due to cancer treatment.
Necessary documents and referrals
In order to apply for reimbursement of a mammoplasty by the National Health Service, the patient must collect the relevant medical documentation, including:
- A referral from a specialist (e.g. neurologist, orthopaedic surgeon, psychiatrist or oncologist) that confirms the medical necessity of the procedure.
- Results of tests confirming medical indications for surgery, such as imaging documentation (ultrasound, mammography) and laboratory results.
- Medical records of previous treatment and its effects (in the case of treatment for back pain or other complaints caused by an abundance of breasts).
How do I apply for a refund?
The application process for reimbursement begins with a visit to a family doctor or directly to a specialist, who, on the basis of medical records and examinations, can issue a referral to an appropriate clinic or hospital that has a contract with the National Health Fund for such procedures. Then, with the referral and the collected documentation, the patient is directed to the selected facility, where she is placed on a waiting list for the procedure.
What else is worth knowing?
- Reimbursement only applies to procedures carried out for medical reasons. Aesthetic procedures that have no medical justification are not reimbursed by the NHF.
- The qualification process may require consultation with a number of specialists and additional tests, which may affect the waiting time for surgery.
- It is advisable to be prepared for the possibility that the application may be rejected if the NHF committee decides that the procedure is not medically justified. In this case, the patient may consider an appeal procedure or funding the procedure herself.
Expectations and recovery process
Following a mammoplasty procedure, patients can expect a period of recovery, which is crucial for optimal results and a quick recovery. The typical healing process includes an initial period of rest and minimal physical activity to allow the body to recover. Swelling and bruising may occur in the first few days after surgery, which gradually subsides. It is important to follow your doctor's recommendations for post-operative care, such as wearing a special support bra, taking prescribed painkillers regularly and avoiding heavy lifting or intense exercise for several weeks. Follow-up visits to the doctor will allow monitoring of the healing process and intervention in case of any complications. Proper post-operative care and patience are key to recovering quickly and enjoying the results of the surgery.