Question 1

What is the difference between a breast specialist and a breast surgeon?

Accepted Answer

A breast specialist (sénologue in French) is a physician specialised in breast diseases — which can be a radiologist, a medical gynaecologist, or a surgeon. A breast surgeon is a surgeon specifically trained in the operative management of breast pathologies: benign lesions, at-risk lesions, and breast cancer. Dr Jérémie Zeitoun is a surgical oncologist, breast surgeon and gynaecologist — he handles consultations, surgical indications, surgery itself, and post-operative follow-up. He holds the University Diploma in Breast Surgical Techniques (Oncology and Reconstruction) from Institut Gustave Roussy (2023) and a University Diploma in Breast Pathology from Institut Curie.

Question 2

How long does breast cancer surgery take?

Accepted Answer

The duration depends on the type of surgery: a lumpectomy (conservative surgery) lasts 30 to 60 minutes; a simple mastectomy lasts 1 to 2 hours; a mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction lasts 2 to 5 hours depending on the technique (implant, latissimus dorsi flap, DIEP). These operations are performed under general anaesthesia at Clinique Hartmann (Neuilly-sur-Seine). Conservative surgery may be performed as a day-case procedure (same-day discharge).

Question 3

Is breast reconstruction covered by French national health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Breast reconstruction after breast cancer is fully covered by the French national health insurance (Assurance Maladie) under the long-term illness programme (ALD). All techniques are covered: implant-based reconstruction, flap-based reconstruction (latissimus dorsi, DIEP, PAP), and fat grafting. There is no out-of-pocket cost for cancer-related care in sector 1. In sector 2 non-OPTAM, additional fees may apply, partially reimbursed by complementary private insurance. Dr Zeitoun practises in sector 2 non-OPTAM at Clinique Hartmann.

Question 4

Can I choose my own surgeon for breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely. The right to choose your physician is enshrined in French law (loi Kouchner 2002 and Public Health Code). You may consult any surgeon of your choice, including for a second opinion, regardless of where you were diagnosed. Key criteria when choosing a breast surgeon include: dual specialty in oncology and surgery, training at an expert centre (Gustave Roussy, Institut Curie), annual surgical volume, and participation in multidisciplinary tumour board meetings (RCP).

Question 5

How do I request a second opinion for breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

Seeking a second surgical opinion is a right and a legitimate, common approach. To consult Dr Zeitoun for a second opinion, simply book an appointment via Doctolib and bring: your imaging reports (mammography, ultrasound, MRI), your biopsy results (with histology slides if possible), and the multidisciplinary tumour board (RCP) report if available. Second-opinion consultations are available in person at the Paris 8th practice or by video consultation. They are reimbursed by the French national health insurance.

Question 6

What is oncoplastic breast surgery?

Accepted Answer

Oncoplastic breast surgery combines tumour removal (lumpectomy) with immediate partial reconstruction of the breast, making it possible to remove larger tumour volumes while preserving optimal aesthetic outcomes. It helps avoid mastectomy in cases where standard conservative surgery would have left a deformity. Dr Jérémie Zeitoun is trained in oncoplastic surgery through his University Diploma at Institut Gustave Roussy. Oncoplasty is performed in a single operation, most often under general anaesthesia at Clinique Hartmann.

Question 7

Does dense breast tissue increase cancer risk?

Accepted Answer

Yes. High breast density (ACR categories C and D) is an independent risk factor for breast cancer. Women with very dense breasts (ACR-D) have a 4 to 6 times higher risk of developing breast cancer. Dense breasts also make mammography less sensitive (tumours can be hidden in dense tissue). Additional screening with annual breast ultrasound, or breast MRI, is recommended. In case of doubt, a consultation with a breast surgeon helps assess your personal situation.

Question 8

What is prophylactic mastectomy and when is it recommended?

Accepted Answer

Prophylactic (preventive) mastectomy is the surgical removal of breast tissue in a woman who has no cancer but is at very high risk of developing one. It is primarily recommended for BRCA1 mutation carriers (60-80% breast cancer risk), BRCA2 carriers (40-60%), women with a strong family history, or certain high-risk lesions. It is associated with immediate breast reconstruction using implants or flaps. The decision is always made in a multidisciplinary setting and after genetic counselling. Dr Zeitoun provides comprehensive management at Clinique Hartmann.

Question 9

How much sick leave is needed after a lumpectomy?

Accepted Answer

After a lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery), sick leave is usually 2 to 4 weeks for sedentary or office work, and 4 to 6 weeks for physical work. Light exercise (walking) is possible from the first week; intensive sports or overhead-arm activities are not recommended for 4 to 6 weeks. After mastectomy, sick leave is 4 to 8 weeks depending on the reconstruction technique. These durations may vary based on adjuvant treatment (radiotherapy, chemotherapy).

Question 10

Is labiaplasty covered by French national health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Labiaplasty (reduction of the labia minora) is reimbursed by French national health insurance only when medically justified by documented functional discomfort: pain when walking, during sports or intercourse, chronic irritation, or asymmetric hypertrophy. The CCAM code is JMMA005 with a reimbursement base of €57.44. Outside this indication, it is considered aesthetic and not reimbursed. As a surgical gynaecologist, Dr Jérémie Zeitoun is authorised to perform this operation with national health insurance reimbursement when criteria are met — unlike purely aesthetic surgeons.

Question 11

What is the difference between labiaplasty and nymphoplasty?

Accepted Answer

Labiaplasty and nymphoplasty refer to the same surgical procedure — reduction or correction of the labia minora. Nymphoplasty is the French medical term used in the national health insurance nomenclature (CCAM). Labiaplasty is the Anglo-Saxon term, frequently used in aesthetic surgery contexts. As a surgical gynaecologist, Dr Zeitoun performs this procedure as day-case surgery at Clinique Hartmann.

Question 12

How do I book an appointment with Dr Zeitoun?

Accepted Answer

Appointments with Dr Jérémie Zeitoun are booked via Doctolib (available 24/7) or directly through the practice. Dr Zeitoun consults at the Paris 8th practice (241 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris) and at Clinique Hartmann (Neuilly-sur-Seine, 92200). A second-opinion consultation is available in person or by video consultation. Appointment lead time is generally less than one week for a standard consultation, and faster in case of diagnostic urgency.

Question 13

Does Dr Zeitoun perform day-case surgery?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most benign breast surgery (fibroadenoma, cyst, papilloma, at-risk lesions) and labiaplasty are performed as day-case procedures at Clinique Hartmann: the patient arrives in the morning and is discharged home the same evening. Lumpectomy for cancer can also be performed as day-case surgery. More extensive procedures — mastectomy alone (1 night) or mastectomy with reconstruction (2-4 nights) — require a short hospitalisation. Clinique Hartmann is certified for day-case oncological surgery.

Question 14

Where does Dr Zeitoun operate?

Accepted Answer

Dr Jérémie Zeitoun operates at Clinique Hartmann, part of Groupe Hospitalier Privé Ambroise Paré – Hartmann (48 ter Boulevard Victor Hugo, 92200 Neuilly-sur-Seine). This institution is part of the Institut du Sein Henri Hartmann (ISHH) network, one of the reference centres for breast cancer surgery in Île-de-France, ranked among the leading private institutions for breast cancer management. He consults at the practice located at 241 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Paris 8th.

Question 15

Was Dr Zeitoun trained at Gustave Roussy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dr Jérémie Zeitoun was trained at Institut Gustave Roussy (Villejuif), the leading European cancer centre, where in 2023 he completed the University Diploma in Breast Surgical Techniques (Oncology and Reconstruction) — the reference training for oncoplastic and reconstructive breast surgery. He also holds a University Diploma in Breast Pathology from Institut Curie (2018-2019), a Specialist Degree (DES) in Oncology Surgery (2022), and a Specialist Degree (DES) in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (2020).

DoctorJérémieZEITOUNSurgical oncologist · Breast surgeon · Gynaecologist · Paris

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DoctorJérémieZEITOUNSurgical oncologist · Breast surgeon · Gynaecologist · Paris

A completesurgical expertise

A question?Sophie answers.

Surgery onvideo —before your consultation

What my patientshave written

To betterunderstand