What questions to ask plastic surgeon??? Need help

hray1993

I have a teleconference FaceTime meeting with my plastic surgeon this week. I have chosen to do BMX with diep reconstruction. It will be delayed reconstruction because we really need post op pathology report before we know whether radiation will have to happen or not. A tissue expender will be put in at the time of mastectomy. They told me to have all my questions ready when I do the FaceTime with my plastic surgeon. He specializes in diep reconstruction so I'm very confident in that. They said he's very nice and listens to any concerns you have. He has blocked me off an hour for our meeting.

But I have no clue what questions to ask.

All me and my mom have come up so far is how will I be cut for it

And I don't want to keep my nipples. My tumor is behind my nipple so I don't want to take any chances.

I plan to ask if he has a website where I can see pictures of his work.

What else should I be asking?

Moderators

Hi hray1993,

It's great that you're getting this time to consult with your surgeon! While you wait for some good responses from others here, you may be interested in this page from the main Breastcancer.org site on Questions to Ask Your Surgeon About Reconstruction. It's a good place to start!

And, for more information and photos of DIEP reconstruction, to make sure you're most prepared, check out the section on DIEP.

We hope this helps! Let us know how your consult goes!

--The Mods

OnTarget

Size, shape, where will outer edge be?

Will muscle be moved with it?

what will it look like? What will donor site look like? Will your lady area be pulled up near your belly button?

Will you need your belly button remade? Will it be an inny?

failure rates, plan if it fails?

how long until full activity?

will there be any future issues in donor site or restrictions?

Length of hospital stay?

How long off work?

How long until you can drive?

Plans for future fat grafting?

Mammograms needed?

Possible to reconnect nerves?

Will bras be required for life?

What happens to the boobs if you gain or lose weight later?