A consultation is a conversation, not a commitment
Meeting a plastic surgeon does not obligate you to have surgery. A consultation is a chance to understand your options, ask questions, and see whether you feel comfortable with the surgeon and the practice. Many people attend more than one consultation, and some decide not to proceed at all. All of that is completely fine.
Writing your questions down beforehand helps, since it is easy to forget them in the room. The ideas below are a starting point; add your own.
Questions about the surgeon and the setting
You are entrusting someone with your body, so it is reasonable to ask about training and where surgery would take place.
- Are you certified as a plastic surgeon, and how often do you perform this procedure?
- Where will surgery be performed, and is the facility accredited?
- Who will be involved in my care, including anesthesia?
- Who do I contact after hours if I have a concern?
- Can I see before and after photos of patients with a similar starting point, and what do you tell patients about variation in results?
Questions about your options
A good consultation explores alternatives, not only one operation. Ask why a particular approach is being suggested for you, and what other choices exist, including doing nothing.
- What are my options, and which do you think suits my anatomy and goals best, and why?
- What can be realistically achieved, and what cannot?
- Where would the incisions be, and what will the scars likely look like?
- If implants are discussed: what types, sizes, and positions are options, and what are the pros and cons of each?
- Might I need a lift, or a second procedure in the future?
Questions about risks and the long term
Every surgery has risks, and a clear discussion is a sign of a careful practice. Ask how they apply to you personally, given your health and history.
- What are the most common complications, and how are they handled?
- How might surgery affect nipple sensation, breastfeeding, and future mammograms or breast screening?
- How long might this result last, and what maintenance should I expect?
- What is the chance I will need further surgery, and what happens if I am not happy with the result?
- How does smoking, weight change, or a future pregnancy affect the outcome?
Questions about recovery, costs, and logistics
Practical details are just as important as the surgical ones, since they shape how your recovery will go in real life.
- How long will I be off work, and when can I exercise, drive, and lift my children or pets?
- What will the first week look like, and what help will I need at home?
- What follow-up visits are included, and for how long?
- What is covered in the written quote, and what could add to it?
- What do I need to do beforehand, such as stopping certain medications or supplements?
How to prepare
Bring a list of your current medications, allergies, previous surgeries, and relevant family history, as well as any prior breast imaging. Photos that show what you like can help, as long as you understand that they illustrate a direction rather than a promised result.
Finally, notice how you feel. Do you feel heard? Are your questions answered plainly, without pressure? Trust your instincts, and take the time you need to decide.