A breast lift, or mastopexy surgery, is a surgical procedure that addresses changes in breast position and shape. If you are thinking about whether it may be an option for you, a consultation is the appropriate first step. Knowing how to prepare for a consultation can help you use the appointment time well and feel more confident asking the questions that matter to you.
What Is a Consultation for Mastopexy Surgery?
A consultation is an appointment with a specialist plastic and reconstructive surgeon to discuss your situation, ask questions, and find out whether the procedure may be appropriate for you. It is not a commitment to proceed with breast lift surgery. The purpose of the consultation is to give you accurate information so you can make an informed decision in your own time.
During the appointment, a physical assessment of your breasts will be carried out. This assessment considers breast position, nipple placement, skin condition, and other factors that help determine whether breast surgery is suitable and, if so, what approach may be considered. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss your concerns.
What Medical Information Should I Gather Before the Appointment?
Coming to your consultation with a clear picture of your medical history makes the appointment more productive. Some of the information you may be asked to provide includes any current medications, including vitamins and supplements, previous surgeries and how you recovered from them, any known allergies, and any existing medical conditions that are being managed.
During your consultation, it can help to bring any recent breast imaging reports, such as mammograms or ultrasounds. If there is a family history of breast cancer, this is also important to mention at the appointment. Sharing this information gives a clearer picture of your health and supports a more accurate and thorough discussion.
What Should I Think About Before My Consultation?
Before your appointment, it can help to spend some time thinking about what it is you are noticing about your breasts and what, if anything, you would like to address. You do not need to have all the answers before you arrive, as the consultation is the right place to explore your questions and concerns.
It is also worth thinking about your general health and lifestyle, as these factors are relevant to surgical planning and recovery. If you smoke, it is important to mention this at your consultation, as smoking can affect healing and may influence whether and when surgery can be considered. If your weight has changed significantly in recent months or may continue to change, this is also worth mentioning, as it can affect the breast over time.
What Questions Can I Ask at My Consultation?
There are no wrong questions to ask at a consultation. Some patients come with a list prepared, while others prefer to let the conversation guide them. Some areas you might want to cover include what the surgery involves and how it is performed, what the incision lines look like and where they are placed, what the recovery period involves and how long you may need off work or away from physical activity, what the risks are and how they are managed, and whether a breast lift alone is appropriate or whether another approach may also be worth considering.
You might also ask about what happens if you are not ready to decide after the consultation, or what the process looks like if you do decide to proceed. There is no obligation to make a decision on the day.
What Will the Physical Assessment Involve?
As part of the consultation, a physical assessment of the breasts will be carried out. This involves looking at the position of the breast on the chest wall, the placement of the nipple and areola relative to the breast fold, the condition and elasticity of the skin, and the overall shape and proportion of the breast. Measurements may also be taken.
Photographs are often taken at this stage for the purpose of surgical planning. These are clinical photographs and are part of the medical record, used to assist with surgical planning and to refer back to at follow-up appointments.
What Happens After the Consultation?
After your consultation, you will be given information about what was discussed, including any surgical options considered and the associated risks and recovery. You are not required to make a decision at the appointment or within any particular timeframe.
If you decide you would like to proceed, the next steps will be explained to you, including any pre-operative requirements and what the surgical process involves from that point. If you need more time or have further questions after the appointment, these can be addressed before any decision is made.
Why Choose Vie at Fraser-Kirk for Breast Lift in the Sunshine Coast
Dr Grant Fraser-Kirk is a specialist plastic and reconstructive surgeon and Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS), and a member of ASPS and ASAPS. He completed advanced breast surgery fellowships in the United Kingdom, including at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, and holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Surgical Anatomy from the University of Otago. His training covers mastopexy surgery as well as the broader range of breast surgical procedures.
At Vie at Fraser-Kirk in Sunshine Coast QLD, breast lift consultations are conducted by Dr Fraser-Kirk. Each appointment is structured to give patients enough time to discuss their situation, ask questions, and consider the information provided before making any decisions.