I am very nervous as I have a breast reduction consult scheduled. What all happens during the physical exam? Will I be uncovered the whole time? Also I am a minor so will I need to have a guardian present.
It is normal to be nervous, but the consult is just you getting to know your surgeon and them getting to know you! They’ll ask you questions about your medical history and perform a physical exam, which typically includes checking your chest, breast and underarms for lumps or abnormalities. The breast exam may include taking measurements of your breast, as well as photographs for surgical planning and submitting to insurance. You should only need to be uncovered from the waist up, but you should be provided a gown or robe so you only need to be uncovered for the exam and photos. As a minor, your parent/ guardian may be in the room with you. Most surgeons also have a chaperone in the room for the physical exam, and if there isn’t one you may request one. Good luck with your consult!
Being nervous is normal. Usually during the physical exam the breasts are checked for abnormalities, lumps, and rashes. Measurements and photos of the breasts are also taken. It is typical to put the patient in a gown and only your chest should be uncovered during the exam portion only. You will not be uncovered the whole time, but rather only during the exam. Yes, you should have a guardian present as you will need a guardian to sign your consent form ultimately so they should have an understanding of the procedure and process. Additionally, given your questions you may want to consider seeing a female plastic surgeon for your consult if that would make you feel more comfortable. Good luck!
Being a minor you need your parents during the consultation and physical examination. There should be a chaperon also in the room, during the physical examination. In my office a chaperon is 100% present in the examination room, for examination and picture taking, No exclusion, male or female of any age.
It is for your comfort and safety. As a minor you and your parents need to sign the informed consent. My consultation and examination is about a minimum of two hours.
Thank you for this very excellent question. It is absolutely normal and okay to be nervous during the consult It is a good idea to have a guardian present during the consultation. I also have a female staff member present during the examination as well.
How consults work are that I meet with the patient to determine concerns and take a health history. Then I step out of the room, and have the patient change into a medical gown. My staff member then takes photographs of the breasts as they are part of the medical record as well as a requirement for insurance. coverage. I then perform a full physical exam, which involves checking for masses, abnormal lymph nodes, and breast measurements. After this I ask the patient to cover up and we discuss what the surgical options are to achieve her goals.
Best of luck with your consult and please see a board certified plastic surgeon to ensure the highest level of quality.
Dear elaylay123,
It is very normal and natural to be nervous about a medical consult. I'm even nervous when I visit my doctor. Anyway you will be fully dressed, or at least in a robe/gown for most of the consultation. You will only need to disrobe for the actual examination and photographs to submit for insurance authorization. You will need a parent or legal guardian to accompany you. Good luck!
It is very normal to feel nervous during your consultation. Even as physicians we get nervous going to our doctors appointments. Breast reduction is a life changing surgery and most patients are very happy with their results. During the consultation we will first go through what are the issues you are having as well as talk about your goals and desires. Then we we do an examination make sure there are no masses or lesions and do measurements to estimate amount of tissue that would be removed. In some instances we can provide you with what your breasts may look like postoperatively. We will also obtain pictures and answer any questions. We can also mark out what incisions need to be made. Since you are a minor you would need a chaperone. We know that the original consultation might be too much and if you would like to have another visit prior to surgery we offer in person and virtual consultations.
It is normal to be nervous but you will be ok. They need to examine you to determine the size of your breasts, rashes under, shoulder bra strap grooves, asymmetries, lumps, etc. and then determine if a breast reduction is going to help you. Your guardian should be present and a lot of times required. There will be an assistant and most likely a female present during your exam that will take only a few minutes. Then they can explain to you about the surgery and what you can expect. I suspect you are interested in a breast reduction or you would not go to a consultation. After you have all your information you are the only one that will decide if this is good for you or not.