Questions Your Breast Reconstruction Surgeon Wants You To Ask

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PRMA Plastic Surgery

What questions should you ask your surgeon before breast reconstruction?

1) Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?

It is so important to do your homework and verify your breast reconstruction surgeon is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This means your surgeon demonstrates exceptional expertise and has passed all required board examinations.

2) How many breast reconstruction procedures have you performed?

With any procedure it is important the surgeon you choose has lots of experience. At PRMA our surgeons have performed thousands of breast reconstruction procedures. You want to go with a specialist. You wouldn’t want to go with a surgeon who specializes in Rhinoplasty to have a DIEP flap and vice versa.

3) What’s your success rate?

You want to make sure you are going with a surgeon or center that is top notch. Typically, specialists boast a success rate of over 97%. The success rate at PRMA is over 99%!

4) Do you have residents or fellows?

Some centers have surgeons-in-training known as “residents” or “fellows” that may be helping with your surgery or even performing part of it. This may or may not be something you are comfortable with considering the complexity of the surgery. We do not have residents or fellows at PRMA.

5) May I see your before and after photos?

Taking a look at before and after photos of the breast reconstruction procedure your surgeon has performed is a great tool in deciding if he/she is the right choice for you. Never be ashamed of asking to see photos, or even better, speaking with other patients who have already had the procedure with the surgeon.

Breast reconstruction is a journey! You want to have 100% confidence in your surgeon and their team! Never be afraid to ask questions and if you are unsure about your decision seek a second opinion.

Author: Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo and Courtney Floyd

5 questions to ask your reconstruction surgeon

Breast reconstruction is a journey! You want to have 100% confidence in your surgeon and their team! Never be afraid to ask questions and if you are unsure about your decision seek a second opinion.

Leave Comment

Hi, I am researching/ having a prophylactic double mastectomy due to high rate of family breast cancer . Can the DIEP surgery be performed following the mastectomy. ( same day surgery) Thank you , Lenka

Lenka

July 17,2020
- Yes Lenka! The DIEP can be performed immediately after a mastectomy. Great question!
  
  PRMA Plastic Surgery
  
  July 17,2020
Hello. Is it necessary to have a mesh inserted at stomach for DIEP? I’ve heard of some people getting infections due to mesh. How safe is mesh? If I choose not to have mesh, what are alternatives. I have sensitivities with surgical tape or the glue that is used for EKG electrodes. Thank you

Andrea

July 17,2020
- Hey Andrea! Standard practice at PRMA Plastic Surgery does not include the use of mesh to the abdominal site during the DIEP procedure. The only time the physician may use mesh is if the patient has a hernia. If the hernia is small it can usually be repaired without the mesh but the larger hernia repairs generally require mesh. As long as you do not have a hernia you should not have mesh with the DIEP flap procedure. Regarding your skin sensitivities, we can use paper tape which is more gentle on the skin. Please let us know if you have any other questions.
  
  PRMA Plastic Surgery
  
  July 17,2020
Hi, I am a breast cancer survivor and have developed lymphedema in my right arm due to axillary node clearance. I am interested in having a diep flap surgery for breast reconstruction. My question is can the diep flap surgery put a person at risk for lymphedema of the leg. Your reply will be greatly appreciated. kind regards, Vidula

Vidula

July 17,2020
- Great question Vidula! During the LNT the PRMA surgeons use lymph nodes that are not responsible for draining the leg. This makes the possibility of lymphedema in the leg very minimal.
  
  PRMA Plastic Surgery
  
  July 17,2020
hi What are the risks for delayed DIEP if any? Thanks

Mariam

July 17,2020
- Hello Mariam! Thanks so much for asking! There are no significant differences in the risk for complications in delayed vs immediate DIEP flap breast reconstruction
  
  PRMA Plastic Surgery
  
  July 17,2020
I like it

Shah

July 20,2020
I am looking to know more about plastic and reconstructive surgeries. Thanks for the point about how it is appropriate to ask if the practice is certified. Another thing to consider would be talking to previous patients about their experience. https://www.JGattiMD.com

Jade

July 20,2020
- We would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have about plastic and reconstructive surgery! Just let us know! We do agree that talking with previous patients is very important! We are sure to share our patient stories on out site at https://prma-enhance.com/about-us/testimonials AND we have a patient advocate team available to chat with new patients any time about their experiences.
  
  PRMA Plastic Surgery
  
  July 20,2020

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Lenka

Hi, I am researching/ having a prophylactic double mastectomy due to high rate of family breast cancer . Can the DIEP surgery be performed following the mastectomy. ( same day surgery) Thank you , Lenka
1. PRMA Plastic Surgery
  
  Yes Lenka! The DIEP can be performed immediately after a mastectomy. Great question!
Andrea

Hello. Is it necessary to have a mesh inserted at stomach for DIEP? I’ve heard of some people getting infections due to mesh. How safe is mesh? If I choose not to have mesh, what are alternatives. I have sensitivities with surgical tape or the glue that is used for EKG electrodes. Thank you
1. PRMA Plastic Surgery
  
  Hey Andrea! Standard practice at PRMA Plastic Surgery does not include the use of mesh to the abdominal site during the DIEP procedure. The only time the physician may use mesh is if the patient has a hernia. If the hernia is small it can usually be repaired without the mesh but the larger hernia repairs generally require mesh. As long as you do not have a hernia you should not have mesh with the DIEP flap procedure. Regarding your skin sensitivities, we can use paper tape which is more gentle on the skin. Please let us know if you have any other questions.
Vidula

Hi, I am a breast cancer survivor and have developed lymphedema in my right arm due to axillary node clearance. I am interested in having a diep flap surgery for breast reconstruction. My question is can the diep flap surgery put a person at risk for lymphedema of the leg. Your reply will be greatly appreciated. kind regards, Vidula
1. PRMA Plastic Surgery
  
  Great question Vidula! During the LNT the PRMA surgeons use lymph nodes that are not responsible for draining the leg. This makes the possibility of lymphedema in the leg very minimal.
Mariam

hi What are the risks for delayed DIEP if any? Thanks
1. PRMA Plastic Surgery
  
  Hello Mariam! Thanks so much for asking! There are no significant differences in the risk for complications in delayed vs immediate DIEP flap breast reconstruction
Shah

I like it
Jade

I am looking to know more about plastic and reconstructive surgeries. Thanks for the point about how it is appropriate to ask if the practice is certified. Another thing to consider would be talking to previous patients about their experience. https://www.JGattiMD.com
1. PRMA Plastic Surgery
  
  We would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have about plastic and reconstructive surgery! Just let us know! We do agree that talking with previous patients is very important! We are sure to share our patient stories on out site at https://prma-enhance.com/testimonials AND we have a patient advocate team available to chat with new patients any time about their experiences.