Nervous about getting a tummy tuck - how should I proceed?

Question

I’m 23 years old and currently considering getting a tummy tuck, but I’m feeling very nervous and want to make sure I’m making the right decision. I’ve done a lot of research and I’m interested in traveling abroad for the procedure, possibly to the Dominican Republic. I’m looking for a surgeon with a strong safety record, good communication, and great results. My main concerns are: * Am I too young for a tummy tuck at 23? * What are the most important things I should look for when choosing a surgeon/clinic abroad? * What questions should I ask during a consultation? * What are the biggest risks or things you wish you knew before getting a tummy tuck? * Would you recommend waiting, or is it reasonable to move forward if I’m confident in my decision? I would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has had a tummy tuck, especially at a younger age or who traveled internationally for surgery. I’m also nervous about dying or if something goes wrong

Michael Kreidstein, MD, FRCS(C) · Answer

You prioritize communication.  Do you speak Spanish? Even if surgeon speaks Spanish, likely other staff will not.  
If you travel and THEN have consultation, you may find yourself invested in a trip for surgery and 'obliged' to have  an operation that is not well-advised.
You are nervous about if something goes wrong- rest assured it will be much more difficult to manage any problems if you are in a foreign country or if you have returned home and are unable to access your original surgeon.
Travelling to save some money on surgery has a much higher risk of going poorly.  You are better to save and wait until you can do it locally.
Best wishes

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Most women getting tummy tucks either have stretched out skin from pregnancy or extreme weight loss. If neither of these apply to you, you may not need a tummy tucks. Possibly lipo instead. Overall too young for a tummy tuck

John LoMonaco, MD, FACS · Answer

I have performed tummy tuck in young women prior to pregnancy typically after they have lost a large amount of weight. If there's a dramatic amount of excess skin this can severely affect confidence and some patients are even unwilling to date due to the excess skin.  Your pants for future pregnancy should of course be discussed with your surgeon because future pregnancy will partially reverse the results of your tummy tuck.

Being in Texas I see many patients who have traveled or gone abroad for plastic surgery and I am completely against it.  It does offer a cost savings however "you dont get what you don't pay for."

That means that you have no legal protection, and there will be no license Board to enforce any actions against a surgeon abroad that may not be doing the best work. Is also difficult to find information about a surgeon or his surgery centers licensure and safety credentials.

In case of problems abroad you may have difficulty getting your health insurance to cover those issues.

Tummy tuck has a risk of blood clot, and travel adds to that risk.

Finally and most importantly my own patients are followed for 6 months and there is all kinds of care that is necessary during that time. You will not be able to easily find anybody to take care of you after surgery done abroad.

Manuel Diaz, MD · Answer

I understand your nervousness&mdash;it's an important decision, and it's good to do thorough research before deciding.
Are you too young at 23?Not necessarily. What matters is a stable weight, good overall health, not planning a pregnancy in the near future, and that the decision is yours, not due to external pressure.
Before deciding on the procedure: Something many patients don't know: not everyone needs a tummy tuck. Sometimes the problem is just excess fat, which can be resolved with liposuction, without the need for major surgery. A good surgeon will evaluate your case first and honestly tell you which procedure is right for you&mdash;not the one you think you need based on what you saw online.
What to look for in a clinic abroad:
Real board certification in plastic surgery (not "general surgeon")Accredited facilitiesClear emergency management protocolStructured post-operative care plan&mdash;recovery house, transportation, meals, medications, nurse the first night. If a clinic doesn't offer any of this, be wary.
Questions for consultation
Complication rate and how are they managed?Who administers the anesthesia?What happens if I need care when I return to my country?Can I talk to previous patients?
Main risksThe most serious in abdominoplasty is thromboembolism (clots), so early mobilization and good postoperative care are key, not just comfort. Also: infection, seroma, irregular healing. No one honest will tell you that the risk is zero.
Wait or continue?If you've done your research and understand the real risks, and your only hesitation is normal pre-surgical fear, that's no reason to wait. If the question is whether you really want it, take more time.
About the fear of something going wrongIt's valid. It goes down a lot when you choose a board-certified surgeon, accredited facility, and feel like there is a clear plan for every scenario, not just when everything goes well.

Nervous about getting a tummy tuck - how should I proceed?

Answers (4)

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