Questions to ask a surgeon about breast reconstruction

It is important to prepare for your visit with a surgeon. This is your chance to ask about your situation and their recommendations.

You want to feel that the surgeon has given you the information you need and helped you understand it.

People often don’t know what they need to know before surgery. We have some suggested questions to ask, or to help you choose a surgeon.

Deciding on a surgeon

• Do you specialise in breast reconstructive surgery? If not, can you refer me to someone who does? 
• How much will breast reconstruction cost? 
• Can you show me photographs of different breast reconstructions you have done? 
• What type of breast reconstruction do you recommend for me and why?

Choosing a surgery option

• What will surgery involve?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of this type of surgery? 
• What are the side effects of surgery? Who do I contact if I have any concerns? 
• Will the reconstruction affect the timing or types of other treatment available to me? 
• How will my breast look and feel after breast reconstruction?
• Where will the scars be and what will they look like? 
• Will I be able to keep my nipple? 
• What sensation will I have in the reconstructed breast?
• Can the reconstruction be done in the same operation as my breast surgery? 
• Can I speak to someone who has had the same type of breast reconstruction? 
• If I decide not to have a breast reconstruction now, can I change my mind later? 
• If I decide to have a breast reconstruction later, how long will I have to wait? 

About surgery and recovery

• What do I need to do to prepare for the surgery? 
• How long will I be in hospital? 
• What can I expect immediately after the operation? 
• Will l need to wear a special bra or other clothes after surgery?
• How long will I take to recover? 
• When will I be able to return to work after surgery? 

How surgery may impact your life

• When will I be able to drive after surgery?
• When will I be able to exercise again?
• Will I be able to breast feed?

Your long-term care and health

• Will having a reconstruction affect whether or not my cancer comes back? 
• Will I need surgery to the non-reconstructed breast to make the breasts match? 
• Will I need any further surgery to my breast? 
• Do I need mammograms, ultrasounds or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests after a breast reconstruction? 

Resources

Other resources to help you make decisions about surgery are:

• Types of breast reconstruction 
• Which breast reconstruction option is right for you?