How Many Times Should Your Surgeon Want to See You Before Your Breast Reduction?

Question

I recently decided it was time for breast reduction. My breast are extremely heavy and awkward. My first initial appt went very well. We found out insurance would cover my surgery. Now I was told to see what days in the coming months work for me. I was also told for my pre-op appointment i do not have to see the doctor.......is this normal to only meet/see the doctor once before your surgery date?

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

Each surgeon will have his/her own way of doing things. For my practice, I see the patient at least twice and actually three times if you count prior to surgery. After the initial consultation, I see the patient for a pre-operative visit where I do a physical exam, take pre-operative photos, review how the surgery is to be done and answer any questions the patient may have. And then I see the patient again prior to surgery as does the anesthesiologist. Be sure you feel comfortable with your surgeon before proceeding and all your questions have been answered. Good luck

Joshua Cooper, MD, FACS · Answer

-You have an interesting question, and I suppose it may differ from surgeon to surgeon.

	-I meet with all breast reduction patients, and all cosmetic surgery patients, at least twice before their operation.  The first time is the initial consultation, and then once again at a preoperative visit to go over consents, answer any final questions, examine the patient again prior to the operation, and review their medical history to make sure that nothing has changed.

	-If you would like to meet with your surgeon again prior to your operation, I would recommend calling his/her office and requesting another visit.

	-Best of luck to you!

Mitchell Brown, MD · Answer

There is no formula for how many times you should see a surgeon before surgery. In any surgery, especially elective surgery, it is important that you feel fully informed about your options for surgery as well as the potential risks and complications. If this can be achieve in a single appointment, great, otherwise I would encourage you to have another appointment prior to surgery so that all of your questions can be answered in advance. Sincerely, Dr. Mitchell Brown

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

You've had your consultation and your pre-op is going to be scheduled. I personally will see my patients at my pre-op to go over any questions or concerns from my patient and to also perform the physical exam. Yes, some delegate this task to others but in California, the doctor (or NP or PA) is supposed to go over the informed consent with the patient. Then you are seen just before surgery where the plan is again confirmed and you are marked on.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

I see patients twice, as a rule, before breast reduction.  The first, lengthy consultation is to discuuss the surgery, the patient's needs, and to determine whether the surgery is likely to be covered by insurance.  A second consultation is scheduled about one week before the procedure to reinforce and answer the questions that always arise when surgery is imminent.  Finally, I see each patient in the hospital before they go into the OR.  If you have questions or feel that you need to see the doctor, then you should insist on that second in-office consult.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your decision to proceed with breast reduction surgery; this operation tends to be one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform.

	In regards to your question regarding preoperative visits, this will vary from one practice to another. In my practice, there are at least 2 visits before proceeding. If at all possible, I also like to meet with the patient the day before surgery for preoperative markings. Of course, the patient and I meet again the morning of surgery to address any residual questions/concerns.

	 Remember that this is elective surgery; make sure you feel comfortable before proceeding.

	 Best wishes.

How Many Times Should Your Surgeon Want to See You Before Your Breast Reduction?

Answers (6)

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