It is without a doubt that the first and most important step to a slimmer and tighter waistline and tummy is a private consultation with your board certified plastic surgeon. During the first consultation, you should be prepared to discuss surgical goals, medical conditions, previous surgeries, allergies to drugs, current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drug use. You should also expect to have your overall health status evaluated, including pre-existing conditions or potential risk factors. Your plastic surgeon will provide all options available to achieve your aesthetic goals, recommend a suitable course of treatment, and discuss the likely outcomes of the tummy tuck surgery.
Alongside all the topics mentioned, there are some key questions that should be asked during the initial meeting to ensure that you are prepared and well-informed for the tummy tuck procedure. Here are six must-ask questions at a tummy tuck surgery consultation:
1. ARE YOU A BOARD-CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON?Knowing that your plastic surgeon is certified is a simple way of assessing his or her level of skill, experience and expertise. In order for a plastic surgeon to be board-certified, he or she must meet a number of professional standards regarding education, clinical experience, ethical training and research in their specialized field. Here at Edelstein Cosmetics, our plastic surgeons are all board-certified so our patients can confidently be assured that they are receiving care and treatment from dedicated and highly-qualified professionals.
2. AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR A TUMMY TUCK SURGERY? Good candidacy for a tummy tuck surgery can only be determined by your experienced plastic surgeon. They will want to do a thorough examination of your physical health, the condition of skin and tissue on your abdomen, discuss appropriate timing for the surgery and so on, before recommending the appropriate course of treatment that will produce the ideal results for you.
3. HOW MANY TUMMY TUCK SURGERIES DO YOU PERFORM EVERY YEAR?
This is another simple, yet excellent question to help determine the expertise of your plastic surgeon and their ability to perform tummy tuck surgeries specifically. Some plastic surgeons specialize in an area of plastic surgery, such as facelifts, and have little experience with tummy tucks. As a patient, you will feel more confident about the surgery and results when choosing to work with a plastic surgeon who specializes in abdominoplasty and performs them on a regular-basis.
4. IS LIPOSUCTION INCLUDED AT THE SAME TIME OF THE TUMMY TUCK SURGERY?
Whether or not a liposuction treatment is included with the tummy tuck surgery is dependent on the patient and the patient’s needs. A tummy tuck surgery alone addresses the loose abdominal skin and fat, as well as repairs the underlying weak abdominal muscles. Patients that have excess fat around the waist, including love handles, will find that traditional tummy tuck procedures do not produce a completely, trimmed waistline. To create this more comprehensive and superior improvement of the waist and body contour, a tummy tuck surgery is done in conjunction with liposuction of the abdomen and sides.
5. WILL I NEED DRAINS AFTER SURGERY?
Typically, after a tummy tuck surgery, patients are required to wear surgical drains for a period of time. Some plastic surgeons have developed new ways to allow for a tummy tuck surgery that is free of surgical drains. Be sure to ask your plastic surgeons about the techniques available and what they can do for you.
6. WHO SHOULD I CONTACT IF I HAVE CONCERNS DURING MY RECOVERY FROM A TUMMY TUCK PROCEDURE?
Tummy tuck procedures are extremely safe and effective. However, because it is of a surgical nature, there is a mandatory recovery period which accompanies a tummy tuck. Your consultation is a great opportunity to learn what to expect during recovery. Our plastic surgeons will fully explain and prepare you for the process with proper homecare instructions and the best way to contact us if you should have any questions or concerns.
