#1 Your Surgical Goals
Breast reconstruction surgery is designed to help you feel more confident in your skin. This is why it’s so important to communicate your desired results to your surgeon. Be vocal about the size or shape you want for your breasts. Don’t hesitate to be straightforward about your ideal results.
#2 Your Vices
Be candid with your surgeon about your smoking, alcohol, or illicit drug use. Smoking can impair wound healing and increase the potential for scarring. Patients who are dependent on alcohol can experience tremors or seizures from withdrawal. Your surgeon may prescribe medications to relieve these symptoms and prevent more serious complications. Prescriptions and illicit drugs can interfere with how anesthesia affects patients, as well as how a patient returns to breathing on their own after being on a ventilator.
#3 Your Current Health Conditions and Medical History
Your surgeon should be aware if you have any current health issues (diabetes, heart disease, etc) so that he or she can better provide care for all conditions. You should also disclose any current medications, vitamins, or herbal supplements you are taking as they can interact with anesthesia.
Additionally, you should provide your surgeon with your medical records. This will help him or her make an informed decision regarding the right time for you to go forward with breast reconstruction surgery.