Questions to Ask Your Plastic Surgeon about Breast Aesthetic Surgery

It's important that you choose a plastic surgeon with whom you feel comfortable and who will meet your needs. To find a plastic surgeon in your area, click here Once you've chosen a plastic surgeon, the more questions you ask about the procedure you're interested in, the more informed you'll be. Use the following questions to start a discussion with your plastic surgeon and health care team about the breast aesthetic surgery you're considering.

Breast Augmentation

1. Which method of insertion is best for me? Why do you recommend that type?
2. What are the risks of silicone gel-filled and/or saline implants for my breast augmentation surgery? What are the benefits?
3. How often have you performed this surgery? What kind of results do you have?
4. How much will the operation cost, including surgeon fees, anesthesia costs, operating room costs, etc.?
5. How long will the recovery take? What do I need to do during the recovery?
6. What are the potential complications?
7. What if I'm unhappy with the results? What can be done?
8. Will I still be able to breastfeed if I have a child?
9. Will this affect the sensitivity of my breasts?
10. How long until I can resume my regular activities?
11. Will I need additional surgeries in the coming years?

Breast Reconstruction

1. Am I a good candidate for breast reconstruction?
2. Can I have immediate reconstruction? Why or why not?
3. What type of reconstruction do you recommend, implant or autologous? Why are you recommending that one?
4. If you recommend a breast implant, which type of implant do you recommend, saline or silicone gel-filled? Why?
5. If you recommend an autologous reconstruction, what type do you recommend? Why?
6. How many of these procedures have you performed? What is your success rate and your complication rate? Can you put me in touch with any patients who have had this procedure?
7. How long will I be in the hospital?
8. How long until I can resume my regular activities?
9. Will I need blood transfusions? If so, can I donate my own blood?
10. How will the new breast change over time?
11. Will I need additional surgeries in the coming years?
12. How will the breast reconstruction affect any chemotherapy or radiation I may need for the cancer?

This resource is part of an educational initiative sponsored by Allergan, Inc., maker of the NATRELLE™ Collection of breast implants.

Create Date: 9/24/07
Date Last Updated: 9/24/07