Choosing Your Breast Reconstruction Surgeon & Questions to Ask
After you’ve undergone a mastectomy, the next step is breast reconstruction. Finding the best plastic surgeon for breast reconstruction can help you feel more comfortable and confident when you get your procedure done. It’s important to know the right questions to ask so you can find the right fit and know the answers ahead of time, as it may impact how you prepare for the operation.
We’ve put together a list of the most relevant questions to ask a surgeon about breast reconstruction. We often receive these queries from the people we treat. You can get a better feel for your surgeon and the procedure by finding out the answers.
How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon for Breast Reconstruction
Set up an appointment where you can ask questions and have an open dialogue before you commit to a surgeon. We’ve grouped the questions into several areas, so you can explore each topic in-depth before moving on to the next.
Questions About Breast Reconstruction
Not everyone chooses to undergo breast reconstruction after a mastectomy. You may be uncertain whether this is the right move for you, or you may be committed to reconstruction but want to get a better feel for what it entails. Here are some questions that can help you understand:
- What risks are involved with reconstructive surgery?
- What sort of timing do you recommend for the procedure?
- How long does surgery last, and what sort of recovery time is required?
- What size will my reconstructed breasts be?
- Is there a hospital stay involved? If so, for how long?
Questions About the Surgeon
You will want to ask a lot about the surgeon’s past experience and what they envision for your surgery, such as:
- What sort of reconstruction do you specialize in?
- Can I see photos from past reconstructions you’ve performed?
- How do you prepare patients for surgery?
- Can you recommend other women for me to speak with who have had this surgery?
- Do you know of any new reconstructive techniques?
Questions About Post-Surgery Recovery
Getting the right care and treatment after surgery is critical to proper recovery. Ask the surgeon:
- How long does recovery take?
- Will I experience a lot of pain?
- Do you recommend any exercises after surgery?
- Will I have to care for or drain my incisions at home?
Questions About the Future
Many women find they have more questions than they ever imagined regarding their future and their new breasts, such as:
- How will reconstruction affect chemotherapy and radiation?
- How will my breasts change as I age?
- If my weight goes up or down, will it impact my breasts?
Get Answers to Your Questions Today
If you have questions to ask a surgeon before breast reconstruction, contact our office, and we can schedule a meeting to discuss your concerns.
