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Breast Reconstruction After Surgery

Questions To Ask Before Agreeing To A Breast Reconstruction

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© American Cancer Society 2010

It is very important that you get all of your questions answered by your plastic surgeon before having breast reconstruction. If you don't understand something, ask your surgeon about it. Here is a list of questions provided by the American Cancer Society to get you started. Write down other questions as you think of them. You may want to record your talks with your surgeons or take notes. Some people bring a friend or family member with them to the doctor to help remember what was said. The answers to these questions may help you make your decisions.

  • Can I have breast reconstruction?
  • When can I have reconstruction done?
  • What types of reconstruction could I have?
  • What is the average cost of each type? Will my insurance cover them?
  • What type of reconstruction do you think would be best for me? Why?
  • How many of these procedures have you (plastic surgeon) done?
  • What results can I expect?
  • Will the reconstructed breast match my other breast?
  • How will my reconstructed breast feel to the touch?
  • Will I have any feeling in my reconstructed breast?
  • What possible problems 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 it take for me to recover?
  • What will I need to do at home to care for my incisions (surgical wounds)?
  • Will I have a drain (tube that lets fluid out) when I go home?
  • How much help will I need at home to take care of my drain and wound?
  • When can I start my exercises?
  • How much activity can I do at home?
  • What do I do if my arm swells (this is called lymphedema)?
  • When will I be able to go back to normal activity such as driving and working?
  • Can I talk with other women who have had the same surgery?
  • 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?
  • Are there any new reconstruction options that I should know about?

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