How to Know What to Ask Your Breast Reduction/Cosmetic Surgeon

Making the decision to have breast reduction surgery is very difficult. Although there are many benefits in choosing this surgery, there are also significant health risks that can arise from the surgery. Before you make your decision, you should ask many questions of your surgeon. Here’s how to know what to ask your breast reduction/cosmetic surgeon.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Research the surgery. Use the Internet and medical books to learn about the surgery. As you think of questions, write them down. Use search engines like Google and Yahoo to find breast reduction websites or visit a medical Web site like the Mayo Clinic homepage (see Resources below).
2. What are your reasons? Make a list of all the reasons you want to have breast reduction or cosmetic surgery. Take these with you and ask your surgeon whether the breast reduction surgery will actually accomplish what you want it to.
3. Understand the risk. Breast reduction surgery runs the risks of creating new problems, some short-term and others long-term. Take some time to discuss with your surgeon the risks that may arise with breast reduction surgery.
4. What is your personal health history? If you have any ongoing or past medical conditions, you should ask your surgeon whether they will affect your breast reduction results or interfere with the procedure. For example, being a smoker can cause specific complications.
5. Is the surgeon accredited? Ask your doctor about their experience, record and accreditation. Check your surgeon’s accreditation at the American Board of Plastic Surgery Web site (see Resources below).
6. What techniques are going to be used? Ask your surgeon about the techniques they plan to use during surgery. Find out what risks are associated with these particular techniques.
7. Ask about recovery. When consulting your surgeon, discuss the recovery process. How long does recovery usually take? Find out what you need to do to prepare for a smooth recovery.

Tips & Warnings

• Be open and honest with your surgeon about your medical history and why you are seeking the surgery.
• Ask others why they got breast reduction surgery and what techniques worked best for their particular need.
• Never let yourself be pressured into a surgery that you are still hesitant about.