Questions to Ask Your Surgeon About Breast Reconstruction

  • Am I a candidate for breast reconstruction?
  • When can I have breast reconstruction done?
  • What types of breast reconstruction are possible in my specific case?
  • What is the average cost of each type?
  • Will my insurance cover the cost of my breast reconstruction?
  • What type of breast reconstruction is best for me? Why?
  • How much experience do you (plastic surgeon) have with this procedure?
  • What results are realistic for me?
  • Will the reconstructed breast match my remaining breast in size?
  • How will my reconstructed breast look and feel?
  • Can I see photographs of other breast reconstructions you have done?
  • Do you have other patients who'd be willing to share their experience with me?
  • Will I have any feeling in my reconstructed breast?
  • What possible complications should I know about?
  • How much discomfort or pain will I feel?
  • How long will I be in the hospital?
  • Will I need blood transfusions? If so, can I donate my own blood?
  • How long is the recovery time?
  • What type of wound care will I need to do at home?
  • How much help will I need at home to take care of my drain and wound?
  • When can I start exercising?
  • How much activity can I do at home?
  • What do I do if I get swelling (lymphedema) in my arm?
  • When will I be able to return to normal activity?
  • Will reconstruction interfere with chemotherapy?
  • Will reconstruction interfere with radiation therapy?
  • How long will the implant last?
  • What kinds of changes to the breast can I expect over time?
  • How will aging affect the reconstructed breast?
  • What happens if I gain or lose weight?
  • What happens if my breast cancer comes back?
  • Are there any new reconstruction options that I should know about?
  • Will the reconstructed breast interfere with a mammogram?

[page updated January 26, 2011]