Questions to Ask Before Undergoing Tummy Tuck Surgery
If you are interested in undergoing tummy tuck surgery but don’t know where to start, don’t worry. You are not alone. Sometimes the most challenging part of a patient’s plastic surgery journey is just getting the ball rolling in the first place. Like any other cosmetic surgery procedure, the first step for prospective tummy tuck patients is a consultation appointment with a board-certified plastic surgeon. During this appointment, I always encourage my patients to raise any questions or concerns they may have, no matter how minor they may seem to them. After all, the main point of this appointment is to help the patient understand their respective surgery and ultimately determine if a tummy tuck is the right choice for their needs.
A tummy tuck can provide outstanding benefits for anyone trying to achieve a flatter, trimmer waistline. During the procedure, I am able to remove stretched, excess skin (and some fat if needed) from the abdomen while also repairing damaged or separated abdominal muscles. To help my patients begin the process of preparing for their tummy tuck, I have provided some basic questions to ask their plastic surgeon during any tummy tuck consultation.
- Are you board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
- Are you a member of any plastic surgery societies or organizations?
- How many years of experience do you have performing tummy tucks?
- Based on my situation, do you feel that I am a good candidate for this procedure?
- What type of tummy tuck procedure makes the most sense for my needs?
- Are there any special techniques for performing a tummy tuck that you have personally developed?
- Will my tummy tuck require a hospital stay? And if so, at which hospitals do you have hospital privileges?
- How much recovery time will I need following my tummy tuck?
- Is there anything I can do to help reduce post-surgery scarring?
- How long will it take until I see the final results from my tummy tuck?
- Do you have before-and-after tummy tuck photos from past patients you have worked with?
- What kind of costs can I expect from my procedure?
- Are there any potential complications associated with tummy tuck surgery?
Hopefully these questions can serve as a guide to anyone currently considering tummy tuck surgery. If you have additional questions of your own that you would like answered, don’t hesitate to schedule a tummy tuck consultation. For more information or to schedule your plastic surgery consultation today, please contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. You can also follow along with me on Facebook and Twitter for additional cosmetic surgery news, videos, and more.