A consultation for augmentation mammaplasty (breast augmentation), mastopexy (breast lift) or any other breast surgery is your chance to find out whether surgery suits you, and whether the person in front of you is the right one to do it. Most people walk in with questions about implant size. Fewer ask the questions that tell them the most about safety, recovery and what happens if something goes wrong.
Here are five questions worth taking into any breast surgery consultation, whoever you see. Write them down and bring them with you.
1. What is your training, and how often do you perform this procedure?
Ask what qualifications the doctor holds, where they trained, and how many of this specific procedure they perform each year. A doctor who does breast surgery regularly should be comfortable answering.
2. Where will the surgery be performed, and who gives the anaesthetic?
Breast surgery under general anaesthetic should take place in an accredited hospital, with an anaesthetist looking after you throughout the operation.
Ask which hospital it will be, whether you will stay overnight, and who the anaesthetist is. Ask too what happens if you need extra care after the operation. These answers matter as much as anything said about implants.
3. What does recovery actually involve?
"You'll be fine" is not an answer. Ask for specifics about your own life: your job, your children, your training.
As a guide, after breast surgery in our practice:
No driving for one week.
No lifting or pushing more than 5kg for six weeks, then building up gradually.
Arms below shoulder height for two to four weeks, depending on the implant.
No exercise for six weeks, with light exercise from week six.
Contact sports from three months, and high-impact activities from six months.
The final result takes 6 to 12 months to settle. Ask how much time off work you are likely to need for your type of work, and plan your support at home before the date is set. Our 12 Tips for Breast Surgery Recovery cover the practical side.
4. Who do I call after hours?
If something doesn't feel right at 9pm on a Saturday, you need to know exactly who picks up the phone. Ask whether the practice has an after-hours number, whether it reaches someone from the team that operated on you, and what you should do in an emergency.
Ask as well how many follow-up appointments are included, and over what period. Problems are easier to manage when they are seen early by the same team.
5. What happens if I need a revision?
Every operation carries a chance of needing further surgery. For cosmetic procedures it is commonly estimated at around 5 to 10 per cent, and higher for a full breast lift. Ask the doctor what their plan is if you need a revision, what situations it covers, and what it would cost you.
A clear answer before surgery is much better than a surprise afterwards. Our page on surgical risks, recovery and revision explains how this works in our practice.
What to bring to your consultation
Your GP referral, sent to the practice before the appointment.
Previous operation reports, and an ultrasound from the last 12 months, if you have had surgery on the area before.
A recent mammogram if you are over 40.
A firm, fitted t-shirt to try on over the implant sizers.
A friend or family member, if you would like support.
Risks and recovery
All surgery carries risks, and results vary between individuals. Risks of breast surgery include bleeding, infection, changes in nipple sensation, scarring, implant-related complications and the need for further surgery. Your doctor should talk you through these in detail, along with your own health and how it affects healing. Setting realistic expectations is part of every consultation.
Next step
In Australia, cosmetic surgery requires a referral from a GP who works independently of the doctor performing the surgery. Start by talking to your usual GP. Once your referral is through, you can book a surgical consultation with Dr Ian Chinsee.
You will have at least two consultations before surgery can be booked, followed by a one-week cooling-off period. That time is there for you, so bring your questions and use it.