What questions should I ask my plastic surgeon about breast reconstruction?
Use this checklist as a guide during your breast reconstruction consultation:
Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
Were you trained specifically in the field of plastic surgery?
How many years of plastic surgery training have you had?
Do you have hospital privileges to perform this procedure? If so, at which hospitals?
Is the office-based surgical facility accredited by a nationally- or state-recognized accrediting agency, or is it state-licensed or Medicare-certified?
Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
What will be expected of me to get the best results?
Where and how will you perform my procedure?
What surgical technique is recommended for me?
How long of a recovery period can I expect, and what kind of help will I need during my recovery?
What are the risks and complications associated with my procedure?
How are complications handled?
What are my options if I am dissatisfied with the outcome?
Do you have before-and-after photos I can look at for this procedure, and what results are reasonable for me?
You might be surprised to learn that breast implants are not a get-it-and-forget-it device. They need to be maintained and even replaced. Whether you already have implants for aesthetic or reconstructive reasons or are considering getting them, they need ongoing monitoring for leaks and typically need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years.
"There are so many things with breast cancer treatment that you can't control, and I felt with plastic surgery I was able to take back some control and have the ability to look and feel like myself."