Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

A breast specialist is a physician dedicated to breast diseases — they may be a radiologist, medical gynaecologist or surgeon. A breast surgeon is specifically trained in the surgical management of breast pathologies: benign lesions, high-risk lesions and breast cancer. Dr Jérémie Zeitoun is a surgical breast oncologist — he handles consultation, surgical indication, the operation itself and post-operative follow-up. He holds the DIU in Surgical Breast Techniques 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 (breast-conserving surgery) takes 30 to 60 minutes; a simple mastectomy takes 1 to 2 hours; a mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction takes 2 to 5 hours depending on the technique (implant, latissimus dorsi flap, DIEP flap). These procedures are performed under general anaesthesia at Clinique Hartmann (Neuilly-sur-Seine). Breast-conserving surgery can be performed as day surgery (same-day discharge).

Question 3

Is breast reconstruction covered by French health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Breast reconstruction after breast cancer is covered 100% by French Social Security under the long-term illness programme (ALD). All techniques are covered: implant-based reconstruction, autologous flap reconstruction (latissimus dorsi, DIEP, PAP) and breast fat grafting (lipofilling). There are no out-of-pocket costs for cancer-related care in sector 1. In sector 2 non-OPTAM, additional fees apply, partially reimbursed by complementary health insurance (mutuelles). Dr Zeitoun practises in sector 2 non-OPTAM at Clinique Hartmann.

Question 4

Can I choose my breast cancer surgeon?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely. The right to freely choose your physician is established by French law. You may consult any surgeon of your choice, including for a second opinion, regardless of where you were diagnosed. Important criteria when choosing a breast surgeon: dual specialisation in oncology and surgery, training at a reference centre (Gustave Roussy, Institut Curie), annual surgical volume, and participation in multidisciplinary tumour boards.

Question 5

How do I get a second opinion for breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

Requesting a surgical second opinion is a legitimate and increasingly common step. To consult Dr Zeitoun for a second opinion, simply book via Doctolib and bring: imaging reports (mammography, ultrasound, MRI), biopsy results (with histology slides if possible), and the multidisciplinary tumour board report if available. Second opinion consultations are available in person at the Paris 8 office or via teleconsultation. They are reimbursed by French Social Security.

Question 6

What is oncoplastic breast surgery?

Accepted Answer

Oncoplastic breast surgery is a technique that combines tumour removal (lumpectomy) with immediate partial reconstruction of the breast — allowing larger tumour volumes to be removed while preserving optimal aesthetic outcomes. It avoids mastectomy in cases where conventional breast-conserving surgery would have left a deformity. Dr Jérémie Zeitoun is trained in oncoplastic breast surgery through his DIU at Institut Gustave Roussy. Oncoplastic procedures are performed in a single operative time, usually under general anaesthesia at Clinique Hartmann.

Question 7

Do dense breasts increase the risk of breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

Yes. High breast density (BIRADS categories C and D) is an independent risk factor for breast cancer. Women with very dense breasts (BIRADS-D) have a 4 to 6-fold higher risk of developing breast cancer. Additionally, dense breasts make mammography less sensitive (tumours hide in the dense tissue). Supplementary screening with annual breast ultrasound, or even breast MRI, is recommended. If in doubt, a consultation with a breast surgeon will help assess your individual situation.

Question 8

What is prophylactic mastectomy and when is it recommended?

Accepted Answer

Prophylactic (or preventive) mastectomy is the surgical removal of breast tissue in a woman who does not have cancer but is at very high risk of developing it. It is mainly recommended for BRCA1 mutation carriers (60-80% lifetime breast cancer risk), BRCA2 carriers (40-60%), heavy family history, or certain high-risk lesions. It is paired with immediate breast reconstruction by implant or flap. This decision is always made through multidisciplinary discussion and after genetic counselling. Dr Zeitoun provides this comprehensive care at Clinique Hartmann.

Question 9

How long is the recovery time after a lumpectomy?

Accepted Answer

After a lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery), sick leave is typically 2 to 4 weeks for office or sedentary work, and 4 to 6 weeks for physical work. Light exercise (walking) is possible from the first week; intense sports or arms-overhead activities should be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks. After mastectomy, sick leave ranges from 4 to 8 weeks depending on the reconstruction technique. These durations may vary based on adjuvant treatments (radiation therapy, chemotherapy).

Question 10

Is labiaplasty covered by French health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Labiaplasty (reduction of the labia minora) is covered by French Social Security only when medically justified by documented functional discomfort: pain during walking, sports or intercourse, chronic irritation, or significant asymmetry. The CCAM code is JMMA005, with a reimbursement base of €57.44. Outside this indication, it is considered cosmetic and not covered. Dr Jérémie Zeitoun is a gynaecologic surgeon authorised to perform this procedure with Social Security coverage when criteria are met — unlike a purely cosmetic surgeon.

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 Social Security nomenclature (CCAM). Labiaplasty is the English term, frequently used in cosmetic surgery contexts. Dr Zeitoun, as a gynaecologic surgeon, performs this procedure as day surgery at Clinique Hartmann.

Question 12

How can I book an appointment with Dr Zeitoun?

Accepted Answer

Appointments with Dr Jérémie Zeitoun can be booked via Doctolib (24/7) or directly through the office. Dr Zeitoun consults at the Paris 8 office (241 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris) and at Clinique Hartmann (Neuilly-sur-Seine, 92200). Second opinion consultations are available in person or via teleconsultation. Waiting times are typically less than a week for a standard consultation, faster for urgent diagnostic situations. The team consults in English and French.

Question 13

Does Dr Zeitoun perform day surgery?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The vast majority of benign breast surgeries (fibroadenoma, cyst, papilloma, high-risk lesions) and labiaplasty are performed as day surgery at Clinique Hartmann: the patient arrives in the morning and goes home the same evening. Lumpectomy for cancer can also be performed as day surgery. More extensive surgeries — mastectomy alone (1 night), mastectomy with reconstruction (2-4 nights) — require short hospitalisation. Clinique Hartmann is accredited for ambulatory cancer surgery.

Question 14

Where does Dr Zeitoun operate?

Accepted Answer

Dr Jérémie Zeitoun operates at Clinique Hartmann, part of the Groupe Hospitalier Privé Ambroise Paré – Hartmann (48 ter Boulevard Victor Hugo, 92200 Neuilly-sur-Seine). This facility is part of the Institut du Sein Henri Hartmann (ISHH) network, one of the reference centres for surgical breast oncology in the Paris region, ranked among the best private facilities for breast cancer care. Consultations take place at 241 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Paris 8.

Question 15

Was Dr Zeitoun trained at Gustave Roussy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dr Jérémie Zeitoun was trained at Institut Gustave Roussy (Villejuif), Europe's leading cancer centre, where he completed in 2023 the DIU in Surgical Breast Techniques (oncological and reconstructive) — the reference programme for oncoplastic and reconstructive breast surgery. He also holds a University Diploma in Breast Pathology from Institut Curie (2018-2019), board certification in Surgical Oncology (2022) and in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (2020).

Publications Medical articles Dr Jérémie Zeitoun · English-speaking surgeon Paris 8

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