If you’ve decided to have breast reconstruction, you will need to look for a certified plastic surgeon qualified in breast reconstruction. By the way, your breast surgeon can recommend doctors for you.

In order to get to know whether a surgeon is board certified, you may contact the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). This organization has got a Plastic Surgery Information Service that provides a list of ASPS members in a caller's area who are attested by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Essential Questions to Ask
It is very significant that you ask as many questions of your surgeon as you need to before having breast reconstruction. It is very important to understand all things that concern surgery, if you don’t you should ask your surgeon about it.

Look through the list of questions that are good to get start with. By the way, you may record your conversations with your surgeons or bring a friend or family member with you to the doctor to help you remember what was said. The answers to these questions will help you take your decisions.

- Am I a candidate for breast reconstruction surgery?
- When can I have reconstruction done?
- What types of reconstruction are suitable in my case?
- What is the approximate cost of each type? Will my insurance cover them?
- What is the best type of reconstruction for me? Why?
- What is your (plastic surgeon’s) experience in this area of surgery?
- What results should I expect?
- How will my reconstructed breast feel to the touch?
- Will I have got any feeling in my reconstructed breast?
- What are the possible complications?
- Will I experience any pain or discomfort?
- How long will I have to stay in the hospital?
- Will I need blood transfusions? If so, can I donate my own blood?
- How long is the recovery period?
- What I will have to do with my wound at home?
- How much assist will I need at home to take care of my wound?
- When will I be able to start my exercises?
- What the strength of activities should be?
- What should I do if I get swelling in my arm?
- When can I return to normal activity like driving and working?
- Have I got an opportunity to talk with other women who have had the same surgery?
- Will reconstruction interfere with chemotherapy?
- Will reconstruction interfere with radiation therapy?
- How long will the implant continue?
- What kinds of modifications to the breast can I wait for over time?
- In what way aging will affect the reconstructed breast?
- What happens if I gain or lose weight?
- Are there any new reconstruction options that I should know about?