Hi Alpaca,

I saw your post a few days ago, which Christine pretty much covered for the U.S. aspect, and glad to see your involvement and information sharing in New Zealand.

I have been offered the lower lip "Wedge" surgery you mentioned, which condition you speak of was a result of my jaw nerve being cut from the segmental mandibulectomy I had last September, causing similar left lower lip numbness and paralysis. During this surgery, my ENT could also debulk my neck, which I inquired about, where the calf skin paddle is from surgery. I was supposed to have the wedge surgery after the holidays, but with my leg graft delayed in healing, and scheduled regraft surgery, in addition too, having neck fibrosis, lymphdemia, and being vessel depleted in my left neck as a result of numerous other neck dissections and radiation, 5x each lol, I figured I'll reconsider after the leg graft in April, which is being done by the plastic surgeon,

My Insurance, now medicare and a medicare supplemental plan, would cover this surgery. I did have what is considered reconstructive surgery during the mandibulectomy; a fibular free flap, which is pretty much standard now with late stage ORN surgery, which was covered by insurance also. There are a few other treatment/surgery related defects I haven't inquired about, and not sure if insurance would pay, being it's more aesthetic, but my concern is just wanting to avoid another surgery, but I would guess such may be covered by insurance if it's medically necessary.

Good luck