I Plan to Have a TT in the Next 3 Mos. What Questions Should I Ask Plastic Surgeons During the Consultations?

Foremost, you need to find a surgeon who listens to you and understands what you want in terms of results.  You need to feel good about who you pick and excited about the results they can deliver for you.  I believe that all of this can be discerned during the initial consultation and by asking specific questions that will help you gauge whether or not you will be receiving the best care along with the best results possible.
Having said that, ensure that the surgeon's you are interviewing are board-certified and showcase a diverse portfolio of abdominoplasty cases. More specific questions to review in your consult might include the following:
Am I truly a candidate for a tummy tuck or is there another/less invasive procedure that he/should would recommend post-evaluation of the area?  Are my expectations with regards to results reasonable and attainable? Is the procedure performed under general anesthesia in a true O.R setting? What are the risks involved with having a tummy tuck? Where will you place my scars?  What special techniques will you utilize to keep my results natural-looking? What does the recovery process look like? What will you prescribe for pain? Will I have drains? What is the timeline for follow up care/appointments?
Patients receive an abundance of information during the education and assessment process of a consultation.  I advise you take a list of questions to ask and make notes to review later on.  Should you have any additional questions, follow up with the surgeon's care team and make sure that you feel comfortable and confident before moving forward.

A tummy tuck is a procedure that improves the abdominal contour.  Some of the questions you need to ask are as follows:
How many tummy tucks do you perform?
What is my recovery time?
Do you use drains in my case and why?
What are the risks of the surgery?
Can you show me pre and post op photos that you have personally performed?
What type of anesthesia will I get?
Any other questions you have you need to ask the plastic surgeon. He or she should be open to answering any questions you might have.

Dear Raginrican,

 

As a candidate for Tummy Tuck, I am sure that you have done your homework researching and reading about the procedure.

 

During the consultation, a board certified plastic surgeon of ample experience will guide you well to make an informed decision. Often patients find themselves asking the right questions during consultations without planning in advance.

 

Nonetheless, I encourage any plastic surgery candidate to consider the following advises:

1. Make sure to get the special accommodations required for after the surgery ready before the due date.

2. Disclose all medical information with your surgeons; hiding even the insignificant ones could complicate the surgery and increase the risks of the surgery.

3. Ask about the post-surgical ambulation and nutrition requirements to optimize the healing hence the results

4. Make sure that surgical center where you will have your operation is fully accredited.

5. Note the time required for you to resume your normal daily activities and share future plans with your surgeon (like having children).

 

Thank you for your questions.

Dr. Sajjadian

In addition to the above mentioned questions, i would add the following:

 

1. dvt prophylaxis- how is it performed? 

2. Is liposuction added to the procedure?

3. Is a fascial plication planned?

4. If it is a larger tummy tuck- is there also a pubic lift included

 

Bet of luck!!

Asking about board certification by the ABPS is important, but you should be able to determine that information before your consultation. I would want to know about the accreditation of the operating facility as others have suggested. Ask about the surgeon's policy for dealing with complications. If he/she says complications don't happen, he/she is not being straightforward with you. Ask about DVT prophylaxis. I rarely use Lovenox in my practice, but do think that it should be discussed. Ask about drains. I spent the first 9 years of operating using drains with great results, but have been as equally effective without drains in the last year. I think that most patients are completely safe to go home immediately after an abdominoplasty, but other surgeons have a different opinion. It would be nice to know where you will be recovering. Ask to see before and after photos. Ask to be able to talk with several recent patients about the procedure and their experience with the practice. These are just a few thoughts to consider. 

Here are some questions that you should ask before having tummy tuck surgery:

1. Is the doctor board certified in PLASTIC SURGERY?

2. Where is the procedure done at and will you spend the night or go home the same day?

3. As the patient, do I want to have any more children?

4. Are you a good candidate for surgery? i.e. At a comfortable weight, healthy and have the proper help at home to recover.

5. How long would you need off from work?

6. Will you acheive resonable results that you desire?

 

These are just a few question to begin with at your consultations. I recommend visiting with a few doctors before making your final decision. Good luck!

 

Hello, raginrican. First and foremost, it is very important to be certain that your surgeon is registered with the American Board of Plastic Surgery, which is something you can ascertain prior to attending your consultation. It’s always beneficial to do your research beforehand, such as reading independent patient testimonials (not just the reviews on the surgeon’s own website). With regards to questions to ask during the consultation, I’d suggest that you ask to have a look at both before and after photographs of other tummy tucks – especially if they have any cases that might have had a similar ‘before’ to your current; request that they fully explain the procedure, a surgical plan and followup care for your recovery, including risks as well as benefits; and ask about the facility in which your surgery will be carried out. There is no harm in writing down any additional questions you wish to have answered, just in case your mind goes blank at the crucial moment! Best wishes. 

Finding the ideal surgeon can be confusing. Carefully check the credentials of any plastic surgeon you are considering.  As you look at photos, avoid plastic surgeons who leave patients with scars around the belly button, or who don't have a lot of photos to view. 

Thank you for your question.

All of these are great questions.  The board certification of the surgeon as well as where the surgery is performed are probably 2 of the most important questions you can ask.  Ask to see many examples of the surgeon's work and ask to speak with other patients who have had this procedure performed.

The consultation should walk you through the process and questions may arise as the office staff / surgeon are reviewing the surgery with you.

Good Luck!

1. Are you a board certified PS?

2. How many do you do a year?

3. How many drains/do you use drains?

4. Do you have any pictures or #s of previous patients?

Make sure you click with your PS and feel comfortable with him! Good luck