Meeting with the surgeon

What is a surgical consult?

Your first appointment with the surgeon is called a surgical consult. During the surgical consult, the surgeon will ask about your goals for surgery and provide you with information about your surgical options. It’s also an important opportunity for you to ask questions.

What to expect during your surgical consult

Before the appointment for your surgical consult, you’ll receive information about what to expect during this appointment. Each surgeon does things a bit differently, but generally the surgeon will:

Ask questions about your gender, general health and family history
Conduct a physical exam of your breasts and underarm area (you will be asked to remove your shirt and undergarments)
Record your breast and nipple measurements
Take preoperative photos of your breasts
Check your blood pressure
Ask you to get blood work done before surgery
Explain potential risk and complications
Explain possible surgical outcomes
Give instructions for aftercare, including return to physical activity

As part of the consult, the surgeon will recommend what they feel is suited to your body shape and goals. Their recommendation may not align with what you had hoped for. If this happens, you can:

Discuss your preferences with the surgeon.
Reach out to your primary care provider for help to come up with a new plan.
Request a second opinion. If you want to pursue a second opinion:
- Contact Trans Care BC if your referral was sent to the Trans Care BC Central Waitlist.
- Contact your primary care provider if your referral was sent directly to the surgeon.

Depending on your age and risk factors, the surgeon may also ask for a blood test, electrocardiogram (ECG), an anesthesia consult or other investigations.

And finally, the surgeon’s office will call you later with your surgical date.

Preparing for a surgical consult

Being as prepared as possible for your surgical consult will ensure you have the information you need to make the best decisions for yourself.

A few things you can do to prepare include:

Understanding the procedure by reading our information on surgical options, risks and complications.
Searching online for before-and-after photos of the implant type, size and placement you’re seeking. Find photos of people who have a body similar to your own.
Preparing a list of questions (see below) and bring along a pen and notebook to the appointment. You may also want to ask a support person to attend the appointment and take notes so you can focus fully on the conversation.
Preparing a complete list of any current medications and supplements (including traditional medicines, herbs, vitamins, minerals, etc.) including the dose and frequency.

Sometimes this appointment may take place on Zoom (or a similar platform). It’s still helpful to prepare in advance and have a list of questions and a way to take notes.

Here is a list of questions you may want to ask your surgeon:

Based on your goals, what would be the ideal size of implant for you?
Why do they recommend this particular size range for you?
Based on your goals, what would be the ideal type of implant for you? Why do they recommend this particular type?
Based on your goals, what would be the ideal placement (subglandular, subpectoral) for you? Why do they recommend this particular position? How will this affect where your breasts sit on your chest?
Based on your goals, what would be the ideal shape (round or teardrop) for you? Why do they recommend this particular shape?
Do they have photos of surgical outcomes of other patients who had this surgery (both successful and unsuccessful outcomes)?
What are the complication rates for this surgery?
What are the chances that you might need a revision with this type of surgery?

Next steps after your consult

If you've been cleared for surgery by your surgeon and you choose to go ahead, the surgeon’s office will:

Book a date — The surgeon's office will contact you to confirm your surgery date.
Complete the operating room booking package — The surgical team will complete the operating room booking package. While some people will complete the booking package at their initial consult, others may need a few additional assessments with their surgeon.
Confirm your location and time — Finally, your surgeon's office and/or the facility where you will be having surgery (hospital or surgical centre) will contact you with details about the location and time for the procedure.