Questions To Ask At Breast Augmentation Consultation
During your breast augmentation consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your goals and expectations with your plastic surgeon. It’s important that you’re ready, having done research on the procedure and your surgeon ahead of time. This will help ensure that you get the information you need and all of your questions answered so that you feel comfortable before moving forward with the surgery.
In this guide, we review the Questions To Ask At Breast Augmentation Consultation, questions to ask post op breast augmentation, questions to ask plastic surgeon before breast reduction, and what questions to ask breast surgeon.
If you’re considering breast augmentation surgery, you’ve probably done quite a bit of research on your own to start with. However, it’s normal to have questions or concerns about whether it’s right for you or what kind of outcome you can expect. Fortunately, before having the procedure, you’ll have a one-on-one consultation with a plastic surgeon, so you’ll have the opportunity to get answers to any questions you may have.
If you’re not sure what questions to ask or how to voice your concerns, it’s not a problem. To help, our board-certified plastic surgeon in Raleigh is sharing what questions to ask during your breast augmentation consultation.
Finding a Breast Augmentation Surgeon
The first step is making sure you’re scheduling an appointment with a qualified plastic surgeon if you don’t already have one in mind. Some tips on finding one include:
Once you have made a choice, schedule the consultation. It’s important to note that this appointment is not only about setting up a time and getting the details ironed out, it’s about making sure you are comfortable and confident, both with getting the procedure and with the plastic surgeon. If you don’t feel like they are the right doctor, it’s okay to move on to someone else.
Before your appointment, make sure you either print out your list of questions or have a notes app on your phone. This is important for two reasons: 1) so you won’t forget them and 2) so you’ll have a way to write down answers. Also, it’s okay to ask tough questions! Remember, it’s important for you to trust your doctor, and we want you to feel reassured.
Many of these questions will probably be answered on the plastic surgeon’s website or during your conversation, so you can take notes as you get the answers you need. This list will help you get more specific information as well as remind you of any concerns you may have.
Questions To Ask At Breast Augmentation Consultation
Breast augmentation is a big decision for hundreds of thousands of women every year. You have a variety of choices for breast augmentation such as breast implants or fat transfer, but the most crucial decision you must make is choosing the right plastic surgeon for your breast surgery. The first step in reaching your desired breast size and shape is to schedule a consultation with an experienced, reputable plastic surgeon in your area.
Dr. Schiesel recommends writing down any questions you may have to make sure you feel comfortable and educated on the breast augmentation procedure, recovery, and options. Your list of questions should include:
1. Are You a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon?
The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) requires surgeons to go through rigorous training and exams to earn the certification, which also must be renewed every ten years. Dr. Brenda Schiesel is ABPS-certified and has extensive experience in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Her dedication to providing patients with the best results possible is showcased in our reviews and before and after gallery.
2. Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation?
Most women are excellent candidates for breast augmentation, but that still depends on your overall health, medical history, future plans for children, and desired breast size. Breast implants have age restrictions. Saline implants are for women who are 18 or older, and silicone implants are FDA-approved for those 22 and older. Fat transfer breast augmentation is also an option.
You may be a better candidate for a breast lift if your main concern is breast drooping and loose skin tissue. If you recently gave birth or are breastfeeding, you will need to wait until you’ve finished breastfeeding and your breasts have returned to their normal state.
3. What are My Breast Implants Options?
Breast augmentation is a customized plastic surgery procedure, so you have options for implant type, size, incision site, and placement. Saline implants, silicone implants, gummy bear implants, and fat transfer are available at South Tulsa Plastic Surgery. Dr. Schiesel can help you determine the right implant size that will compliment and balance your figure. She will discuss your desired size at length during your consultation to make sure you’re happy with your breast augmentation results.
The incision sites Dr. Schiesel typically uses include the inframammary incision which is made in the crease beneath the breasts and the periareolar incision that is made around the nipple. Breast implants can be placed over (subglandular) or under (submuscular) the chest muscle or using the dual plane method.
4. How Long Will My Breast Implants Last?
Breast implants can last up to ten years or longer. However, the normal aging process, pregnancy, and gravity can cause breasts to sag or droop. A breast lift or switching the implants out with larger implants can restore lost volume and address drooping. Dr. Schiesel will discuss the longevity of your breast implants during your consultation.
5. What are the Potential Complications of Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a safe procedure, and the implants used by Dr. Schiesel are FDA-approved. This plastic surgery requires anesthesia, which may disqualify some women who have heart disease, diabetes, previous reaction to anesthesia, and other medical concerns. In some cases, capsular contracture can occur, which is a pocket of scar tissue encompassing the implant.
The potential complications of implants don’t apply to fat transfer breast augmentation because the procedure uses fat cells harvested from another area of your body to increase breast size. Most women with breast implants can successfully breastfeed future children. Dr. Schiesel will go over the risks of breast augmentation and how to address any post-op questions or concerns.
questions to ask post op breast augmentation
You have been thinking long and hard about breast implants, talking to girlfriends about their own procedures, and maybe doing some online research as well. Chances are, while you have gathered some helpful information, much of what you have heard may not be applicable, or could be outdated, incorrect, or in the worst cases, complete hogwash. The only accurate way to find out if a breast augmentation is right for you will be to meet with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon for an in-person examination. Listed below are five important questions to ask during a breast augmentation consultation.
Is your plastic surgeon board certified? How much experience does he/she have with breast augmentation procedures?
Women should only put their trust in a reputable, experienced plastic surgeon, board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This ensures extensive training with the most current aesthetic techniques. Additionally, your surgeon should have years, if not decades, of breast augmentation experience. Discuss what percentage of their practice is dedicated to breast augmentation procedures, and investigate what type of implants he/she uses the most, saline or silicone.
What is the most common breast augmentation complication your surgeon deals with in their practice? What is their rate of capsular contracture?
Learn as much as you can about the common breast augmentation complications, especially how often your surgeon deals with these issues. Capsular contracture (hard and painful scar tissue that forms around the breast implant) is a frequent post-op complication. Ask about your surgeon’s reoperation rates. Finally, ask your plastic surgeon about the specific steps to take should you encounter a post-op complication, or if you are simply unhappy with the final results from your breast augmentation procedure.
Are you a good candidate for breast augmentation at this time? If so, what size or type implant does your surgeon suggest and why?
Your surgeon will perform a physical examination during your breast augmentation consultation. He/she will also discuss your medical history, aesthetic desires, and any plans to have children in the future. Putting all of these factors together, he/she can determine if you are a good candidate for a breast augmentation. Finally, a reputable plastic surgeon will have implant sizers that you can try on under a tight t-shirt or your favorite top. This step will help you decide the perfect type, volume, and shape implant for creating your desired appearance.
What implant placement and incision location will be best for you? How much scarring can be expected?
Implants can be placed above or below the chest muscle. The best placement will depend on the implant type and the amount of natural breast tissue present. The most popular incision locations include lateral, along the breast crease (Inframammary), and around the nipple (Periareolar). Less popular are incisions placed underneath the arm (Axillary) or around the umbilicus (TUBA). Scarring after a breast augmentation is generally mild, although it will remain visible, so speak with your surgeon about the scars you should expect.
How long will my implants safely last? What happens if I get pregnant in the future? Can I still breast feed? What if my breasts start to droop with age?
Your breast implants can withstand many changes in your body, including future pregnancies. Only in rare cases do implants impede breastfeeding. Modern breast implants are generally long-lasting and most women can expect theirs to safely last 10 years or more. However, pregnancy, breastfeeding, gravity, and the normal aging process can cause breast tissue to sag. A mastopexy (breast lift) can be used to raise drooping breast tissue, restoring a youthful appearance. Swapping out implants for a slightly larger volume can restore fullness in the breasts. Get the details on the expected longevity of your breast augmentation results during your initial consultation.
Once you have your plastic surgeon’s full attention, do not freeze up. Write down these five important questions, and any other concerns you may have. Better yet, the Food and Drug Administration has put together a larger list of questions to ask during your breast augmentation consultation. Additionally, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons offers valuable information on how to do your homework before choosing a certain aesthetic procedure or deciding on a surgeon. Remember, picking the right plastic surgeon is key to a successful breast augmentation procedure.
questions to ask plastic surgeon before breast reduction
Women with overly developed breasts may experience consistent back or neck pain, skin ulcers, poor posture, and interrupted sleep among other maladies. Every year thousands of women seek treatment and successfully undergo reduction mammoplasty, more commonly referred to as breast reduction surgery.
If you think you may be a candidate for breast reduction surgery, then your first step is to have a consultation with a plastic surgeon. You’ll likely have a lot of questions swirling around in your head as you enter the consultation. As a plastic surgery office specializing in breast surgery, we wanted to offer this list of questions you should ask during the consultation as a helpful guide:
Be sure to print out this list and bring it with you to your consultation. Put a check mark next to each question after you ask it. Your potential surgeon should be courteous, professional, and happy to answer all questions. He or she should make it clear that your health and well-being are a top priority and offer alternatives if surgery isn’t right for you. If you feel like the doctor is being evasive or pressuring you to make a quick decision to have surgery, then look elsewhere. Remember, having surgery is a big decision. You owe it to yourself to take the time to find a surgeon you can trust.
If you’re considering breast reduction surgery, then be sure to consult with Dr. Fodero. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Fodero understands your desire for a beautiful, youthful looking body and facial appearance. He uses the latest plastic surgery techniques to produce outstanding results. He and his staff are friendly, helpful, and available to answer any questions you may have. Please contact Northeastern Plastic Surgery today to learn more and schedule a consultation.
If you have scheduled a consultation here are ten questions to ask at your appointment:
1 – Am I a good candidate for breast reduction surgery?
2 – What surgical technique would you recommend for me?
3 – What is the recovery process like for this procedure?
4 – What kind of outcome can I expect after surgery?
5 – How long will it take to see the results?
6 – What are common risks associated with this procedure?
7 – Will I need help or time off work for my recovery?
8 – Is this an outpatient procedure?
9 – What is involved in post-op and aftercare appointments?
10 – Can I see some before and after photos from other breast reductions?
what questions to ask breast surgeon
What questions should you ask your breast cancer surgeon? Preparing for your first appointment with your breast surgeon is an exciting moment. It allows you to meet the surgeon who will be removing your tumor! It also should be an opportunity for you to ask questions, get more information on what options are available to you, and in some cases, you may even leave your appointment with your surgery date scheduled. Once the surgery date is on the books, you may even feel a sense of calmness and relief knowing that the process is moving along and there is a concrete date you can focus on. For many, the day of surgery is a celebratory day because it is the day they are removing the cancer! However, leading up to that first appointment can be overwhelming, anxiety driven and perhaps even numbing as you are grappling with your recent breast cancer diagnosis.
With appointments ranging from meeting with oncologists and your medical care team, to showing up for bloodwork, tests and waiting results, we understand that a breast cancer diagnosis is like a crash course in a foreign language. How are you supposed to know what questions to ask when you don’t yet know what you don’t know! Don’t worry, that is where we come in!
Having reviewed a number of reputable websites, speaking with breast surgeons, and our breast cancer survivors and thrivers, we’ve compiled a list of the most burning questions. Pick and choose from the list below or ask your surgeon all of them! The choice is yours and your doctors will make the time to answer all of your questions, define terms you don’t know, explain surgical procedures so that you have a solid understanding of ALL of your choices, as well as your rights as a patient to make informed decisions and consent. After all, this is your body and your choice!
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR BREAST SURGEON
***Note: None of this information provided on this sheet constitutes medical or legal advice. Always consult with your medical care team. This compilation of questions is not comprehensive and is only meant for educational purposes. The below questions have been compiled from online resources such as cancer.net, breastcancer.org, and from those diagnosed with breast cancer in our survivingbreastcancer.org community. If you would like to add to this list, please contact [email protected].
Questions About Your Surgeon
· Are you board-certified?
· Do you specialize in this type of surgery?
· How many operations like the one I am considering have you performed?
Questions to Ask Before Surgery:
· Do I need any other tests before this surgery?
· Am I a candidate for a lumpectomy?
· Am I a candidate for a nipple sparing surgery?
· If I have a choice between a lumpectomy or a mastectomy, what are the pros and cons of each option in my case?
· What is the best possible outcome from my surgery?
· What is the worst case scenario from this type of surgery?
Questions to ask your Surgeon About Lymph Nodes
· Do the lymph nodes in my underarm need to be removed?
· What is a sentinel lymph node biopsy? What are the benefits and risks? Would you recommend it for me?
· What is the risk of lymphedema with a sentinel lymph node biopsy? What is the risk of lymphedema with axillary lymph node dissection?
· What should I know about taking care of my arm after lymph node dissection?
· What is the benefit of having more lymph nodes removed?
· What are the side effects of these procedures? Can they be prevented or minimized?
Questions to ask your Surgeon About your Breast Cancer Treatment Plan
· Should I consider chemotherapy before surgery?
· Will radiation after surgery affect my reconstruction options?
· Will radiation affect the aesthetical outcome of my surgery? (i.e. will my breast change size?)
Questions to ask About Surgery Options
· When do I need to make a decision about surgery?
· What are the risks if I decide not to have this surgery?
· Will my tumor be saved? Where will it be stored? For how long? How can it be accessed in the future?
· If I need a mastectomy, is reconstruction (plastic surgery) an option for me? What are the advantages and disadvantages? What types of breast reconstruction surgery am I eligible for?
Fat Grafting/ Autologous Fat Transfer vs Implants vs. opting for Going Flat and no reconstruction (aesthetically flat closure)
If I chose to have implants, are there different types of implants to choose from? How do I decide which implant is best for me?
· What are the potential risks and side effects of this operation?
· Do I need to consult a plastic surgeon about reconstruction options? Can you help me arrange that?
· How many surgeries will be involved?
· Will I need expanders? Can you explain to me what they are and for how long I will have them?
· Am I eligible to have one surgery where you remove the tumor and can go direct to implant? What are the pros and cons?
· If I have a mastectomy without reconstruction, where can I get a prosthesis? Is this covered by my insurance?
· Will there be permanent effects from the surgery?
· Should I get a second opinion? How do I go about doing that?
Questions about the Surgery Itself
· How long is the procedure? How long will I stay in the hospital?
· What type of anesthesia will I need for this operation?
· What medications and supplements should I stop taking? Should I stop taking hormone replacement therapy? What about birth control pills?
· What are the possible complications for this type of surgery? How would I know if there is a problem?
· Will my medical insurance cover all charges from you and the hospital?
· How long will it take me to recover after the surgery? What should I expect the first day, first week, first month? (check out our blog featuring our favorite pillows, recovery hacks and bras we love!)
· What kind of pain will I be in afterwards? How do you help me manage my pain?
· What risks or side effects of this surgery do I need to know about? i.e., pain, tenderness, bruising, scarring, numbness? Which ones do I need to report to you? Will any of the side effects be long-term? Is there anything I can do to reduce side effects?
· When should I call your office if I experience any side effects?
· Will the hospital provide a home nurse to help change my bandages? How will this be arranged?
· Will I have stitches, staples, and/or bandages?
· Will I need to have surgical drains? How do I clean the drains? How long will the surgical drains be in?
· What kind of care will my incision need after surgery?
· Is there anything I can do before surgery to help the healing process after surgery?
· When can I shower or bathe?
· Where will the scar be, and what will it look like? Can you draw me a picture so I can better understand?
· What will my breasts look and feel like after surgery?
· What type of clothes should I bring to go home in? Will I need a special type of bra?
· When will I need to return for a follow-up appointment?
· When will I find out the results of the surgery? Who will discuss the pathology report with me? Will it be in person or by phone?
· Will my arm be affected by surgery? For how long? Will I need physical therapy for my arm?
· Are there physical therapy exercises I should do after surgery? When can I start exercising again?
· Are there any activities I should avoid and for how long?
· When can I start to treat my scar on my own? Do you recommend special creams or lotions?
· When can I return to work and other daily activities?
Questions to ask About the Day of Surgery
· What should I do to get ready for the operation? Do you have recommendations on how to help me relax before surgery?
· What can I expect as part of the pre-op? Does that happen the same day of the surgery or prior?
Questions to ask your breast surgeon after your first surgery