This section helps you prepare for your operation and tells you what to expect while in hospital and after your operation.
Questions you
may want to ask about breast surgery Here are some questions that you can use as a guide or starting point forgetting more information about surgery:
- Exactly what is involved in each type of surgery?
- How much breast tissue will you remove?
- Where will the scar/s be and what will it/they look like?
- Can you show me pictures of other women who have had this surgery?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of surgery for my situation?
- How will I feel after surgery?
- How will I look after surgery?
- How long will I be in hospital?
- Will I have a drainage tube after my operation?
- How long will I take to recover?
- How long will I need to be off work?
- Will I be able to play sports or lift things?
- Are there any side effects from this surgery?
- Can I reduce my risk of side effects? How?
- Who should I contact if side effects happen?
- How much will the surgery cost?
- If I have surgery, is breast reconstruction an option?
- If I want a breast reconstruction, can it all be done in the same operation?
- Where and when can I get a breast prosthesis?
You will normally be in hospital for between 2 and 7 days (1 day for a surgical biopsy). After you leave hospital, it is normally sensible to take a week or two off work or to organise some help around the home.
You can have surgery in a public or private hospital.
Hospital Checklist
- Decide what you want to tell people about your operation
- Arrange for time off work after your operation
- Take one or two nice nightgowns with you - you will feel better after the operation
- Ensure you have your Medicare card and private health insurance details.
- Speak to your surgeon beforehand so you know when he will be visiting you
- Ensure you follow instructions on fasting etc.
- Take some good books and magazines, you might be waiting around for tests etc.
You may find our recovery action plan helpful after the operation.
