Breast Reconstruction Surgeon Referal in Toronto, Ontario?

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Nana23 - 24 Oct 2005 23:51 GMT

Hi Everyone,

I've decided (after 3 years) that I would like to go ahead with breast
reconstruction (implants). The problem is where I live one cannot even see
the surgeon for at least a year, and then the wait is about another year.

So I would like to go to either Ottawa, Ontario or Toronto, Ontario to have
this done. Can anyone recommend a surgeon in one of those two cities that
you have either heard is very good, or have experienced yourself? My
understanding is that OHIP will pay for the reconstruction.

Nana23

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J - 25 Oct 2005 20:59 GMT

> Hi Everyone,
>
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> you have either heard is very good, or have experienced yourself? My
> understanding is that OHIP will pay for the reconstruction.

I think you should check that with your Province.
As far as I know, you pay for the surgery (other than emergency surgeries while
out of province) and if you've been approved by your Province, in writing,
ahead of time, they reimburse you later.
Each province's rules vary.
I think Ontario's rules are that the surgery is urgent and cannot be done in a
reasonable amount of time (or there's no erpert to do such surgery in
Province), before they give permission to go out of province.
You might require multiple trips. Well, I know you will. First there's the
consult.
And probably followup to the surgery. And maybe tattooing.
I don't know how you could get those approved ahead of time, not being able to
guesstimate how many trips could be required.
I don't think they remimburse travel expenses.
Check it with your Province frist.
And ask if there's a cancellation list. Sometimes people have to cancel.
If he's good, maybe he's worth the wait.
J

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Nana23 - 26 Oct 2005 00:52 GMT

>> Hi Everyone,
>>
[quoted text clipped - 30 lines]
> If he's good, maybe he's worth the wait.
> J

Hi J,

Sorry, I wasn't clear enough in my message. I do live in Ontario. The
surgeon that did my mastectomies tells me OHIP pays for the reconstruction.
But I live in a smaller city, and there is only one plastic surgeon
available and I can't even get in to see him for a year for a consultation.
So, Toronto is only two hours away, and Ottawa is 3-1/2 hours and I have
family there I could stay with.

But, I have no idea of the names of any surgeons that do breast
reconstructions, so I would be just picking a name from a phone book. I'm
hoping maybe some in here knows a plastic surgeon they can refer me to, so I
at least have a starting point.

Nana23

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gmannews@hotmail.com - 26 Oct 2005 16:48 GMT

> Hi Everyone,
>
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>
> Nana23

My wife had a MRM last December, and after using a prosthesis for a
while decided to have the reconstruction. She is scheduled for surgery
this December. She had the initial consultation in May of this year and
thought about it some more before setting up the date.

The surgeon (plastic & cosmetic) was recommended by the cancer team and
he took the time to explain the various procedures as well as the pros
and cons of each. My wife will be getting the TRAM flap procedure,
which has a longer recovery time than implants, but she liked the
'bonus' tummy-tuck.

I obviously can't say wether he is a good or bad surgeon until I see the
results, but it's a starting point. Good luck.

He operates out of the Markham Health Centre (just north of Toronto).
Dr. John T.S. Kao
905-471-5633

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