Do you have excess skin or fat around your abdomen, and dieting and exercise aren’t making any difference? If so, you may have decided it’s time to schedule a consultation for abdominoplasty, a.k.a. a tummy tuck.
Congratulations! It’s a big decision. And it’s a decision that has probably left you wondering what questions to ask before your tummy tuck.
That’s completely normal. Knowing the right questions to ask during your consultation can make all the difference in achieving a satisfying, not to mention safe, outcome. Before you schedule any consultation, be sure it’s with ONLY a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Questions to Ask Before Your Tummy Tuck
Having a tummy tuck can significantly improve the appearance of your midsection. During the procedure, your board-certified plastic surgeon will remove excess skin, tighten weakened muscles, and contour the abdominal area. But most patients want more than that basic knowledge. So here are seven questions you can bring to your consultation:
- Am I a Good Candidate?
During your consultation, your surgeon should evaluate your goals, health status, and general anatomy to determine whether a tummy tuck is in your best interest. He or she should also inquire whether you’re planning any significant weight changes (such as those that come with pregnancy or quick weight loss) in the future, since these can affect the long-term results.
Generally speaking, patients with sagging abdominal skin, diastasis recti (separated abdominal muscles), or fat deposits that are unresponsive to diet and exercise are ideal candidates.
- Are There Risks?
Abdominoplasty is generally safe. Of course, all surgery carries some degree of risk. And there is always the chance of complications such as infection, bleeding, poor wound healing, and fluid build-up. He or she will be able to further explain these risks and complications and provide ways they can be mitigated.
- What Should I Do to Prepare?
Before a tummy tuck, you’ll be advised or required to quit smoking, eat a healthy diet, get plenty of rest, and stop taking certain medications. Your surgeon should give you detailed instructions along with clear and personalized guidance that will help you get the best results.
- Which Technique Is Best for Me?
This is a question many patients don’t know to ask. There are actually several different tummy tuck techniques. They are the traditional, mini, extended, and endoscopic. Depending on the factors of your specific situation, your surgeon will choose the best method that will meet your unique needs.
- Will There Be Other Procedures Involved?
In most cases, this will be up to you. It’s not unusual to include liposuction around the hips, lower back, and flanks during a tummy tuck surgery to enhance contouring. If you’re aiming for a more dramatic body transformation, you may opt to add a breast augmentation, breast lift, or lower body lift. You’ll want to know how these treatments will benefit your overall results, as well as how they’ll affect your recovery.
- What Will Recovery Be Like?
Your surgeon should be able to give you an idea of how much time you’ll need to take off work, as well as what your activity restrictions will be and when it will be safe to resume exercise. He or she should also be clear about the use of compression garments, follow-up appointments you’ll need to attend, and ways to minimize discomfort after surgery – including the use of EXPAREL®.
- How Long Will the Results Last?
A tummy tuck should give you a firmer and more contoured abdomen for years, which is thrilling. But it’s important to remember that while this outcome is long-lasting, aging and gravity can affect your skin over time. Plus, you’ll need to maintain a stable weight. Based on all of that, you can discuss with your surgeon how your results might evolve.
Get Informed About Your Tummy Tuck
Are you ready to embark on your tummy tuck journey? Then contact us today to get started!
Knowing the best questions to ask before your tummy tuck will help you feel confident and informed as you head into your consultation. We look forward to sharing this experience with you.