Abdominoplasty, better known as a tummy tuck procedure, is an extremely popular plastic surgery procedure today, and for good reason.
This procedure gives patients the opportunity to get rid of love handles, remove excess fat and loose skin, and tighten the abdominal muscles, resulting in a slimmer and more aesthetically-pleasing midsection.
You can help define your waist and even improve the look and shape of your belly button after a simple procedure. What’s more? You’ll be able to choose from a much wider variety of clothing and bathing suits!
Now, all this may sound excellent in principle, but without the right Plastic Surgeon, you might not get the results you expect. So here are a few questions to ask your Plastic Surgeon before you opt for a tummy tuck. Remember, it’s a long-term investment and you want to be absolutely sure you’re in the right hands. So it’s best to take your time to find the right person for the job.
1. Am I a Good Candidate for Abdominoplasty?
It’s imperative that your Plastic Surgeon be able to tell you whether you’re a good candidate for the tummy tuck procedure or not. So be sure to ask this question and gauge how they respond.
Not everyone should get a tummy tuck. That is why your Plastic Surgeon must examine you and ask a few questions before determining whether or not you are fit for the procedure. Ideally, patients opting for a tummy tuck:
- Must have loose skin and fat that they want to be removed
- Should have quit smoking
- Must be close to their ideal body weight
- Should be at a stable weight for a little while before the procedure
Of course, it goes without saying the patient should also be free from infections at the time of the procedure.
2. How Experienced Is Your Plastic Surgeon?
You don’t want to hire a Plastic Surgeon who’s performing one of their first tummy tucks on you.
You want to take your time and make sure that you find a Plastic Surgeon who’s performed multiple tummy tuck procedures before and is well-versed with them.
Just to be sure, ask the Plastic Surgeon for before and after pictures of their patients’ tummy tuck procedures to get an idea about outcomes. However, always keep in mind that each patient is different and each body reacts differently to any procedure.
3. How Much Will a Tummy Tuck Procedure Cost?
Most patients tend to ask this question before anything else, and it’s extremely important to know how much you’ll be paying for this life-changing procedure. Knowing the cost will help you plan your finances a lot better and arrange the funds necessary to undergo the operation. However, do not make price the most important factor in your decision.
Every Plastic Surgeon charges a different price based on numerous factors including their expertise, their staff expertise (for instance, do they employ an Anesthesiologist or Nurse Anesthetist), the patient’s requirements, the surgery center they’re operating in and so on. Most reputable Plastic Surgeons need to meet the patient and examine them before determining the tummy tuck cost.
Plastic Surgeons need to examine the patient’s body type, the amount of excess fat/skin that needs to be removed, the patient’s physical condition, and the goals and expectations of the patient. Once the Plastic Surgeon is familiar with these aspects of the surgery, they can tell you what they will charge.
Another piece of information you may want to find out from your Plastic Surgeon is the financing options available to you. Peninsula Plastic Surgery provides financing through Care Credit.
4. How Long is the Recovery Period After an Abdominoplasty?
The tummy tuck procedure recovery period is a central part of the entire process as it helps you assess the best time to go in for your surgery. On average, most patients can return to work within 1-2 weeks and get back to exercise within 4-6 weeks.
However, this number varies from patient to patient and you need to ask your Plastic Surgeon about the ideal time for yourself. Depending on the type of work you do, your pre-surgery body weight, and the extent of your tummy tuck, your Plastic Surgeon will be able to give you a more accurate picture of how long it will take to recover.
Just remember to be patient and respectful of your body and allow it ample time to heal and return to its optimal state.
Consider Other Procedures
These are the most important questions you should be asking your Plastic Surgeon when opting for a tummy tuck. You may also want to consider combining a tummy tuck with other procedures for better results.
For example, a tummy tuck with liposuction will allow your Plastic Surgeon to contour your body more effectively, giving you a slimmer yet more curvaceous look. You can even combine a tummy tuck with a breast lift to give you a perkier and more youthful appearance. Combining procedures may also help you save money as each standalone procedure may be more expensive on its own.
So screen multiple professionals, ask a bunch of questions, and choose a Plastic Surgeon who fits the bill. This way you can ensure a smooth procedure minimal complications.
About Dr. Rosso and Peninsula Plastic Surgery
Dr. Rosso is one of the leading Plastic Surgeons in the South Bay and performs a large number of breast lift, breast augmentation, and breast reduction surgeries, in his state-of-the-art Surgery Center or at the local Torrance and Little Company of Mary Hospitals.
Awards & Recognition
Dr. Rosso has been voted 2018 Daily Breeze South Bay’s Favorite; 2017 and 2018 Best of the Beach; and the Peninsula Plastic Surgery doctors and staff have been awarded the 2018 Spectrum Award for Customer Service Excellence. At the end of 2018, he has also received an Award from the ER Doctors and Medical staff at Providence Little Company of Mary Hospital in Torrance for his great work and commitment to patients.