Planning for a mastectomy – what do patients need to be aware of?

Careful planning is crucial when it comes to a mastectomy in Zurich. The plastic surgeon adjusts the breast removal operation to fit each individual patient’s exact circumstances. That of course includes accounting for the patient’s goals and desires, so that the results will be harmonious and aesthetic in a way the patient is completely satisfied with. However, mastectomy cannot always deliver the exact results people have in mind, which is why it is so essential that the plastic surgeon talk to them beforehand about what the treatment can offer and what, if any, restrictions may apply.

Finding the right surgeon

With any plastic surgery procedure, the most important first step is to find the right surgeon for the job. Patients often see this as a hurdle, because they aren’t sure how to identify a good, reliable doctor. One of the biggest factors is choosing a surgeon who has the right qualifications in the field of aesthetic, plastic, and reconstructive surgery—that’s the only way to minimize the risk of complications and undesired side effects. The surgeon’s level of experience also plays a role in aesthetically pleasing, healthy-looking results.

The more frequently a plastic surgeon has performed the particular procedure in question, the more likely it is that the patient can look forward to desirable results and a low risk of complications.

Patients should never have a mastectomy performed by any doctor who does not provide thorough consultation, fails to answer questions, or puts any kind of pressure on them to have the operation. A doctor-patient relationship based on trust is essential to the success of the entire treatment, so if   anything about the conversation feels „off“, it’s better to get a second opinion from a different plastic surgeon.

The individual consultation session – the be-all and end-all of treatment

Any respectable plastic surgeon who values patient safety, satisfaction and well-being will take plenty of time to discuss the procedure with the patient in detail. As part of an individual consultation session, the surgeon will ask about the patient’s personal motivations for seeking a mastectomy, and together the two of them will work out a treatment plan most suited to the patient’s needs.

It goes without saying that a good plastic surgeon will use the consultation as an opportunity to answer the patient’s questions and explain any risks associated with the procedure. Knowing all the key details about the mastectomy process is the only way for patients to set realistic expectations for their own results and make an informed decision on whether to proceed.

What kinds of preliminary medical tests are necessary?

Most of the time, no preliminary medical testing is needed before a mastectomy. The personal consultation session will include a discussion of the patient’s complete medical history and a physical examination, so that the doctor can rule out any potential contraindications that would make mastectomy an inadvisable option. For planning purposes, the doctor will often use radiographic imaging (X-ray or ultrasound, for example) to evaluate tissue and structures; the plastic surgeon and the patient will discuss whether such an examination is necessary in the patient’s particular case.

How do I prepare for my mastectomy?

Generally speaking, mastectomy surgery does not require any special preparation. Patients can prepare for their personal consultation sessions by noting down concrete questions to ask the specialists. Patients should also talk to their psychiatrists or psychologists beforehand to get a letter of referral, which will be required for cost reimbursement purposes – the plastic surgeon will send it to the insurance company along with photos taken during the consultation session. Patients who take medications or other substances that can affect blood coagulation should discontinue them about a week before surgery if possible. Naturally, the plastic surgeon will discuss these types of questions more thoroughly during consultation.

The day of the operation – procedure and information

Patients are admitted to the hospital the day before their mastectomy or two hours prior, depending on their individual treatment plans. They consult with the plastic surgeon and the anesthesiologist to review the plan and make sure that they are in good health. Once the specialists have determined that no contraindications to surgery have developed, the patient is brought into the operating area with an empty stomach. The patient’s mammary glands are removed while the patient is under general anesthesia. For optimum results, additional liposuction is usually required to remove any fat deposits around the breasts. Generally speaking, patients pay liposuction costs out of pocket.

Individual consultation and care before, during, and after your mastectomy

Are you looking for more information on mastectomy procedures, or would you like to schedule a personal consultation at my clinic in Zurich? I would be glad to provide you with the information you need and explain the procedure to you in detail. Having spent many years working in aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, I know what a major step breast removal represents for you and how hard it can be to discuss it openly, which is why creating a friendly, confidential discussion environment is a major priority for me. I want you to feel comfortable at my clinic, and I want you to know that you’re in experienced, competent hands. I look forward to meeting and assisting you!