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breast surgeon atlanta

Get the Facts: What You Should Ask During Your Breast Surgery Consultation

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Breast surgery is a very personal and oftentimes taxing experience even when it’s elective. Whether you are receiving breast augmentation, breast reduction, or breast reconstruction, it’s critical that you have a clear understanding of the procedure. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, I always encourage my patients to ask as many questions as they like, and to return for a second conversation if need be after the initial consultation. Sometimes patients come armed with a long list of questions; all too often, however, patients arrive without having carefully thought about the information they will need to make an educated decision.

Below, I’ve put together a list of questions to help my breast surgery patients have a productive and informative consultation. Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list. Use it as a starting point to help you brainstorm other questions and start thinking about what you personally want to get out of your breast surgery.

  • What are my breast surgery options? Not every technique or procedure is right for every patient. Using your medical history, physical state, and personal preferences, I can help you make a decision. I will also explain the advantages and disadvantages of each procedure.
  • What are the possible complications for breast surgery? While serious complications resulting from breast surgery are unlikely, as with any surgical procedure, there are no guarantees.
  • What can I realistically expect from my surgery? I am glad to provide before-and-after photographs of patients who underwent the surgery you are considering. Remember, though, that no two patients are alike.

  • Will I have to make permanent lifestyle changes after my breast surgery? In most (but not all) cases, patients are able to return to their regular activities within a few months. Please ask if there is a specific activity you are curious about.
  • How will my breasts feel after surgery? It depends on the material (your own fat or tissue, or breast implants) you plan to use and whether you have breast reconstruction surgery. I am happy to share my opinion and experiences, if you wish, to help you make a decision.
  • What is recovery like? Your breasts will be bandaged immediately after surgery. You will need to take it easy for three to four days; high-impact activities like jogging are strongly discouraged. I may prescribe pain medication for you. When you are ready to go home, we will set up a date for your follow-up appointment.

The answers I’ve provided here are abbreviated versions of what you can expect to hear when you visit my office for a consultation. I hope that you use this list to come up with your own questions and to more thoroughly explore your needs and preferences when it comes to your breast surgery. If you are ready to schedule a consultation, please contact my office today. Be sure also to follow me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott, on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for important breast surgery news and information.

Ask Dr. Elliott: What Happens During a Breast Reconstruction Consultation?

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As a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, I frequently work alongside breast cancer patients to help offer relief and options for breast reconstruction. In a breast reconstruction consultation, I talk thoroughly with them to aid in the decision for choosing the best procedure for their individual needs.

During the breast reconstruction consultation, a patient wants to know the ins and outs of breast reconstruction in terms of the procedure itself as well as the options available. All of your questions should be matched by knowledgeable, clear answers provided by your chosen board-certified plastic surgeon. Regardless what route you choose to pursue, I value caring for and helping my patients comprehend every step of the surgical process.

The most important thing you can do when you meet me or any surgeon is to do your research ahead of time, ask thorough questions, and courageously address any concerns so you can completely consider all possibilities before making the life-changing decision of having breast reconstruction. Learn more details in my video, posted below.

 

We will continue to post new videos discussing various aspects of plastic and reconstructive surgery in the coming months. If you would like to schedule a consultation in order to have your questions answered personally, please contact us today. For more on breast reconstruction and other procedures, please visit my website and follow me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott, on  Facebook, Twitter, and Google +.

Why Mastopexy?

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Pregnancy, breast feeding, weight loss, aging skin with lost elasticity, and genetics all contribute to why women experience breast sagging.  Board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Franklyn Elliott performs breast lift surgery, also known as mastopexy, to address these issues as well as revive the breasts to a more youthful appearance. Before surgery, Dr. Elliott will discuss the expected results from breast lift procedures to provide each patient with realistic expectations and to find the best technique suited for their unique needs.

breast lift atlanta georgia mastopexyDr. Elliott performs mastopexy by raising the position of the breasts before removing excess skin and tightening remaining tissue, while reshaping the breasts based on your individual desires. Contrary to some belief, breast lift surgery will not change the size of your breasts. Rather, the goal of the procedure is to make breasts are more firm, lifted, and youthful, while in necessary cases adjusting the position of the areolas and nipples. On the other hand, if the patient desires slightly smaller breasts along with a breast lift, this can also be accomplished in the same operation. While breast lift surgery and breast augmentation are often confused as being similar procedures, it is important to address that they serve two separate purposes.

Breast implants can add volume and enhance the appearance of the breasts, but if an individual desires perkier breasts, breast lift surgery is necessary to raise their position. For those who wish to both lift and enlarge breast volume simultaneously, breast augmentation can be combined with a breast lift procedure. For some patients, breast lift is incorporated in mommy makeover surgery, as breast feeding often has an adverse effect on breasts. With Dr. Elliott’s implementation of advanced techniques and progressive suturing, breast surgery scarring is kept to a minimum. Post-operative scar treatment care is also important in healing and fading scars over time, which patients are educated on during the surgery process.

View Dr. Elliott’s before and after gallery to see what breast lift surgery can accomplish. If you are interested in breast lift surgery or another cosmetic procedure, please schedule a consultation. Be sure to connect with Dr. Elliott on Facebook, Twitter, and Google + for the latest cosmetic and reconstructive news and information.

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