How To Get The Most Out Of Your Tummy Tuck Consultation
Part of my responsibilities as a plastic surgeon is to be there for my patients every step of the way. That includes the time before any surgery has actually taken place. The pre-surgery consultation is an essential and unavoidable part of every patient’s plastic surgery journey. And it’s certainly not something that should be taken lightly. This is why I thought it would be helpful for patients to see a primer on what kind of questions they should be asking during their tummy tuck surgery consultation appointment.
While no two tummy tuck procedures are ever exactly the same, there is often a considerable amount of common ground among patients during the consultation phase. After all, tummy tuck patients often have very similar goals: to achieve a more trim and healthy-looking appearance by addressing excess skin, fat, and tissue, as well as damaged muscles in the abdominal area. All tummy tuck patients should consider these questions before meeting with their plastic surgeon to discuss their procedure:
- Are you board-certified as a plastic surgeon?
- How many years of experience do you have performing tummy tuck surgery?
- Am I a better candidate for any particular type of tummy tuck like a mini tummy tuck or the extended tummy tuck?
- Does it make sense for me to consider a mommy makeover procedure?
- Can I see before-and-after tummy tuck photos from past patients who have undergone this surgery?
- What type of anesthesia will be used during my tummy tuck?
- Will my tummy tuck procedure require a hospital stay? And if so, at which hospitals do you have hospital privileges?
- What should I expect in the days and weeks following my tummy tuck?
- How much post-surgery scarring will I experience following my surgery?
- Can I use plastic surgery financing to help pay for my tummy tuck procedure?
- What preparations should I make in advance for before and after my surgery?
My hope is that these questions will provide an ideal jumping off point for any patient seriously considering tummy tuck surgery. Devoting this level of care and attention during consultation appointments is a big part of why I have been named a Top Doctor in Atlanta for over 20 years. For more information or to schedule a plastic surgery consultation, please contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. You can also connect with me on Facebook for additional tips, videos, news, and more.