How long after consultation can the procedure go ahead?

Hello, and thank you for your question regarding the timeline between consultation and tummy tuck surgery.

If everything goes according to plan — including a normal medical evaluation, surgical clearance, and full payment — most plastic surgeons can schedule your tummy tuck within 2 to 6 weeks after your consultation. However, this depends heavily on the surgeon’s availability, your health status, and how soon all required preoperative steps can be completed.

Since you’re planning to move to Australia by the end of November, time is tight. Ideally, you should:

Schedule your consultation immediately,

Be prepared to undergo any necessary lab work, medical clearance, or imaging within a few days,

And be flexible with your availability for surgery dates.

Most board-certified plastic surgeons require patients to stay locally for at least 10–14 days after surgery to monitor healing and address any early concerns. You’ll also need to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for 4–6 weeks, so your move and recovery should be carefully coordinated.

If you’re ready and healthy, and your consultation is booked soon, you may still have time to safely complete the procedure before your move. Contact your surgeon’s office right away to discuss scheduling and pre-op logistics.

Sincerely,
Dr. J. Timothy Katzen, MD, MBA, FASMBS, FICS

This depends on a variety of factors, including the availability of the surgeon, anesthetist and the rest of the medical staff, as well as the speed at which the pre-surgery lab tests are completed. It could be a matter of a couple of days or much longer. Please ask your surgeon.

Thanks so much for your question,

After your consultation, if you and the surgeon decide to move forward, the procedure can often be scheduled within a few weeks. Some practices might have a longer wait time depending on their schedule and availability. You may need to undergo pre-operative assessments, such as blood tests, medical evaluations, or imaging studies. The time required for these preparations can vary, but they usually need to be completed before the surgery.

Your availability, personal schedule, and the time you need to arrange for post-operative care and support can also affect when the procedure is scheduled.

Sincerely,
Dr. Emmanuel Mallol