Doctor explains medical necessity and costs of reconstruction.This week, James E. Craigie, MD, of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your question.Question: Hi. I was wondering if you could answer a couple of questions. My first question is what would deem breast reconstruction medically necessary? My second question is how much would breast reconstruction and nipple reconstruction cost? I am a size B and have collapsed breasts. I used to be a double D. My nipples are also partially inverted.Answer:  Breast reconstruction is generally regarded as being medically necessary if the breast is removed for cancer, or to prevent cancer in certain high-risk individuals. It sounds like what you are asking about would be considered cosmetic breast surgery. The most common cosmetic breast surgeries are breast augmentation (with saline or silicone filled implants), breast reduction, or breast lifting. What you describe as “collapsed breasts” could potentially be improved with a breast lift, breast augmentation, or a combination of the two.Inverted nipples are caused by shortened ducts leading to the nipples. They are fixed by making a small incision adjacent to the nipple and dividing the ducts.Gail in our office can give you prices for these procedures.Thanks for your question.Have a question about breast reconstruction or post-surgical you’d like answered from our surgical team? Just ask(opens in a new tab)!