Community Conversation => Transitioning => Gender Correction Surgery => Topic started by: Andrew on January 17, 2007, 09:06:37 PM Return to Full Version
Title: Insurance and FTM chest surgery?
Post by: Andrew on January 17, 2007, 09:06:37 PM
Post by: Andrew on January 17, 2007, 09:06:37 PM
I want to get chest surgery, but as I'm in college right now and neither I nor my parents have any money, it's currently not an option if I have to pay for it myself. However, I'm wondering if my insurance will cover it. My family has a history of breast cancer, and my mother has had several benign lumps removed from her breasts. Additionally, testosterone does increase my risk of breast cancer. Does anyone have any experience with insurance covering a double mastectomy if it's medically necessary? I've heard of a lot of women with a family cancer history getting precautionary mastectomies -- does insurance usually cover those?
Also, I've considering Dr. Brownstein for my chest surgery. I've seen some of his post-surgery photos, and they look pretty good. Does anyone know anything about him?
Also, I've considering Dr. Brownstein for my chest surgery. I've seen some of his post-surgery photos, and they look pretty good. Does anyone know anything about him?
Title: Re: Insurance and FTM chest surgery?
Post by: Dennis on January 18, 2007, 09:49:56 AM
Post by: Dennis on January 18, 2007, 09:49:56 AM
I had my chest done by Brownstein and am very happy with it. No revisions required and, as you can see from my avatar, I'm comfortable going shirtless at the beach.
As far as insurance, I'm not sure. I had to pay for mine. If it was alleged to be for cancer prevention reasons though, you wouldn't get the "plastic surgery" aspects like nipple resizing, placement, and careful scar placement. You might want to wait until you can save the cash. You only get to do your chest once. And the last thing you need is visible and obvious mastectomy scars for the rest of your life.
Dennis
As far as insurance, I'm not sure. I had to pay for mine. If it was alleged to be for cancer prevention reasons though, you wouldn't get the "plastic surgery" aspects like nipple resizing, placement, and careful scar placement. You might want to wait until you can save the cash. You only get to do your chest once. And the last thing you need is visible and obvious mastectomy scars for the rest of your life.
Dennis