Breast reconstruction is very specialised surgery. Surgeons who carry out this type of breast surgery can be breast oncology surgeons or plastic surgeons. Some surgeons are trained in both these specialities and are known as oncoplastic surgeons. Some reconstruction operations need surgeons who are skilled in microsurgery, and it can sometimes be difficult to find people trained in these techniques. You may need to travel to a hospital some distance from your home to have this type of specialist surgery.

To find a surgeon who is experienced in the particular type of reconstruction most appropriate for you, you can ask your breast cancer surgeon if there is anyone in your hospital who carries out breast reconstruction. If there is not, your surgeon may be able to recommend another doctor in your area. It may be difficult to get a referral to a breast surgeon with expertise in this type of surgery because only a limited number of surgeons in this country carry out breast reconstruction operations.

Before you go to see a reconstructive surgeon, it may help you to ask your breast surgeon about the reconstructive surgeon's qualifications, experience and reputation in breast reconstruction surgery.

It is important that both surgeons are sensitive to your thoughts and feelings about having breast reconstruction.

Some questions to ask your surgeon

It may be useful to take this list of questions when you see the surgeon. It can help you to get the information you need to consider before deciding to have breast reconstruction.

• What type of reconstruction surgery would you recommend for me? Why?
• What are the risks and benefits of this type of surgery?
• When can I have surgery?
• Where can I have this surgery?
• Who can carry out this type of surgery?

Questions for the reconstruction surgeon

• What is your experience in this type of surgery?
• What can I expect my reconstructed breast to look and feel like?
• Immediately after surgery?
• After six months?
• After one year?
• What will the scar(s) be like
• How long will I need to stay in hospital?
• How long will it take me to recover?
• What do I need to do to make sure I have a good recovery?