FAQ’s
It is a very important that you get all of your questions answered by your plastic surgeon before having a breast reconstruction. If you don’t understand something, ask. A good idea is to write your questions down; some people take notes to record the answers; some take a friend or relative to help them remember. The answers may help you make your decision.
Here are some questions you may like to ask your surgeon: (We will attempt to address some of them on this website and will be adding responses as the site develops).
- Can breast reconstruction be done in my case?
- When can I have reconstruction done?
- What types of reconstruction are possible for me?
- 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 are realistic for me?
- Will the reconstructed breast match my remaining breast?
- How will my reconstructed breast feel to the touch?
- 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?
- How long is the recovery time?
- What will I need to do at home to care for my surgical wound?
- What exercises can I do to help with my recovery?
- How much activity can I do at home?
- What do I do if my arm swells (lymphodema)?
- When will I be able to return to normal activity, such as driving/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?
As with answers to some of these questions we will endeavour to bring you up-to-date with different options that may become available at Kettering, Northampton and Leicester.