'General surgeons' are not necessarily 'plastic surgeons' (who require way more extensive training) and I know many regional patients discovered that, sometimes, with unhappy results. This is why I went to Sydney for my surgery.
I only had 'minor' fat redistribution with my specialist breast surgeon, who removed my nipple & replaced it after removing the tumour - and my Onc can barely notice the difference between my good one & the bad one ... I don't believe my surgeon is a plastic surgeon 'as such'. If I'd had more extensive surgery I probably would have gone down the Plastic Surgeon road tho ...
You should be able to google your family member's current surgeon and see comments on their ability (similar to trip advisor.) .. but with a bigger procedure... a 2nd opinion from a dedicated breast plastic surgeon would be a good idea.
Take care and all the best for your buddy.
