Tummy Tuck Q&A
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Tummy Tuck Consultation Advice

asked 2 years ago by sam429 in tampa, fl
Latest answer by Armando Soto, MD
Question viewed 510 times
Tags: consultation

For tummy tuck, how many weeks in advance I should have a consultation?

13 answers to Tummy Tuck Consultation Advice

+1

Timing of Consultation and Surgery

Hi there- The timing of your consultation will depend greatly on your choice of surgeon, as the variables that will affect this the most will be how busy your surgeon is (some might be able to get you in soon for surgery, while others are busier and will not be able to do your surgery for some time), and how long it takes the surgeon you choose to do the procedure you need (in other words, this is another example of the truism that we are no all created equal). My best advice to you is to... more
Armando Soto, MD

Orlando Plastic Surgeon

www.DrArmandoSoto.com

+1

Timing for a tummy tuck after your consultation

Hello - Make sure you have enough time to get your preoperative clearance from your primary care physician as well as time to get your bloodwork completed. Also, if you're consulting with several doctors give yourself time to digest all of the information that you'll be given. Try not to rush into something like cosmetic surgery that can be expensive and alter the way that you look. Good luck!
Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

www.BaltimorePlasticSurgery.com

+1

When you should get your tummy tuck consultation depends on your scheduling and that of your surgeon

The longer in advance you have your consultation for a tummy tuck, the more time you have to plan for your recovery and the more flexibility your surgeon is likely to have to get you on his or her operative schedule. But there is no right or wrong way to do this. I see some patients in consultation who want the surgery as soon as possible, and we work to get them done that way. Others come in and schedule their surgery for 8 months from the consultation and that is ok too....
Elizabeth Lee, MD

Bay Area Plastic Surgeon

artfulsurgery.com

+1

Timing for tummy tuck consultation

Even if you are well-prepared for your consultation, it is amazing how many new questions may come to your mind! My advice is schedule your consultations at least 8-12 weeks before your planned surgery date. This allows you to see at least 2-3 board certified plastic surgeons, compare personalities, results, prices, etc. This is elective surgery, so there is no urgency to it! Take your time and make sure all your concerns are addressed. see video
Michael A. Jazayeri, MD

Santa Ana Plastic Surgeon
+1

Interval between Consultation and Surgery

You should allow 8-12 weeks time between consultation and surgery. Plastic surgeons are often busier when the weather is warm, kids are in school and the economy is humming. I would recommend you not view the consultation as a useless preliminary, regardless of how highly recommended the Plastic surgeon is. This is YOUR chance to review and asses the person you are entrusting your well-being to. So, take your time. read about him / her. Ask as many questions as you have and see several... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+1

Depends on health status but usually few weeks

If you are healthy, non smoker and had recent labs and/or physical, getting a tummy tuck becomes a scheduling issue. Medicaly, i like to have few weeks between the consultation and surgery to allow for proper pre-op, instructions etc.
Hisham Seify, MD, PhD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1

Start early, plan it out well

It may take several weeks to get an appointment for a consultation. Then it may take another month or two or even more to find a surgery date available that fits both your and your surgeons schedule.  You also have to have a physical by your medical doctor within 30 days of surgery as well as blood work. I would recommend 2-3 months minimum
Daniel P. Markmann, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

DiscoverTheBeauty.com

+1

6-8 weeks in advance of surgery

On average 6-8 weeks ahead should be adequate unless you have multiple medical problems. In this case a more lengthy than usual pre-operative evaluation may be required. Head's up time might also vary with your surgeon's back log of tummy tuck cases. Best Regards.
John P. Di Saia, MD

Orange Plastic Surgeon
+1

Plan ahead for tummy tuck

Typically it takes a few weeks to get in to see a busy plastic surgeon, and then there is lag time to when the surgery can be scheduled as well. You want to think also about the recovery after surgery, particularly of you want to be swimsuit-ready for summer. Of course getting the appointment doesn't lock you into a schedule for surgery, so no reason to put it off.
Richard Baxter, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tummy Tuck is not a 'last minute' operation

I would add to the comments above that its a good idea to meet a few plastic surgeon's prior to scheduling surgery. Get several opinions and choose the surgeon that you feel the most comfortable with. Tummy Tuck surgery is a major procedure- I generally check a set of pre-operative labs on my tummy tuck patients. I also discuss the procedure with their primary care physician if there are any medical issues (high blood pressure, cardiac problems etc). These visits take a few weeks to... more
Scott Sattler, MD

Bellevue Plastic Surgeon
+1

Preop visit for a tummy tuck

A busy plastic surgeon will be booked out for a while (maybe a couple of months) so if you want to pick your surgery time, you should go in asap. Make sure you are within 10-15 pounds of your ideal weight also. It isn't a great sign for you to meet a doctor and have them able to do your surgery the next week because unless they have a cancellation, it means they aren't very busy.
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tummy tuck consultations

This depends on how booked your surgeon of choice is.  You should plan to have a consultation at least 6 weeks prior to your expected date of surgery, but if your surgeon's operating schedule is full, you might be told to go in 6 months in advance for the first consult and then a month prior to surgery for a follow-up consult.  I suggest calling the office you have in mind and asking them to guide you with this.  Good luck, /nsn.
Nina S. Naidu, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Weeks in advance for consultation

If seeing more that 1 boarded plastic surgeon than I advise at least 1 month prior to operating date. It is allowing you a chance to select the plastic surgeon, find a common date for the operation, and check out your blood tests. From MIAMI Dr. B
Darryl J. Blinski, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon

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