Mastectomy – Questions for your Surgeon

When considering a Mastopexy, or any major breast surgery, there are inherent risks. Most patients stumbling block is that they don’t know what to ask their surgeon. Here you will find what questions to ask your surgeon before any major surgery.

• What are my options for breast reconstruction?
• What are the risks and complications of each type of reconstruction surgery and how common are they?
• What steps are involved in each procedure?
• What is the estimated total cost of each procedure?
• How long will it take to complete my reconstruction?
• What will my scars look like?
• How much pain or discomfort will I feel, and for how long?
• How long will I be in the hospital?
• Will I need blood transfusions, and, if so, can I donate my own blood?
• When will I be able to resume my normal household, sexual, and athletic activities?
• How much experience do you have with each procedure?
• May I review before-and-after photos of your reconstructive results?
• Can you refer me to other patients so I can talk to them about their experiences?
• What results are reasonable for me?
• Will reconstruction interfere with my cancer treatment?
• What if my cancer recurs or occurs in the other breast?
• What kind of changes in my reconstructed breast can I expect over time?
• What kind of changes in my reconstructed breast can I expect with pregnancy?
• What are my options if I am dissatisfied with the cosmetic outcome of my implanted breast?