No idea where to start looking for tummy tuck doctor - what questions should I ask & what are red flags?

When seasrching for a surgeon for any procedure you should make sure that they are board certified in plastic surgery. You should also ask to see if they perform many of the procedures you are searching, in your case a Tummy Tuck. You sould also review lots of thee surgeon's before and after photos. Finally you should make certain that the surgeon;s operatin room is accredited.Good luck!

Hello! Congratulations on beginning your journey! To find the best doctor for you, I would recommend looking for board-certified plastic surgeons in your areas that have before and afters that you like the look of on their website.
American Board of Plastic Surgery - You can search doctors on this website to make sure they are board certified in this specialty. The "plastic surgery" part is important here. You want your surgeon to be board certified in at least this specialty (instead of general surgery or dentistry).
Multiple Consultations - Even if you love your first doctor, I would recommend going to a maximum of 3 different consultations at different practices. You may notice that treatment plans look different and that you might vibe better with a different type of bedside manner. Plan to spend $100-200 on each of these consultations. I don't recommend more than 3 consultations, as the options can get overwhelming instead of helpful.
Online research is helpful, but there is a limit - Get educated on tummy tucks of all kinds and expected recovery. When you are 100% comfortable with the procedure, start calling specific practices and asking questions to their team directly.
As far as red flags, trust your gut. If you aren't 100% sure about a physician, continue your consultations until you find the right one for you.

This is a fantastic question. When searching for a tummy tuck surgeon, it's important to ask about their experience, qualifications, and approach to the procedure. Some questions to consider include:

How many tummy tuck procedures have you performed?
Are you board-certified in plastic surgery?
Can I see before and after photos of your tummy tuck patients?
What is your approach to patient care and safety during and after the surgery?
What are the potential risks and complications associated with tummy tuck surgery?
What type of anesthesia do you use, and who will administer it?
What is the recovery process like, and what kind of post-operative care do you provide?
Do you have hospital privileges, and where do you perform the surgery?
Can you provide references or patient testimonials?

Red flags to watch out for include:

Lack of board certification or relevant training in plastic surgery.
Unwillingness to provide before and after photos or discuss potential risks.
Pressure to undergo additional procedures or upselling of unnecessary services.
Poor communication or bedside manner during the consultation.
Use of outdated or unsafe surgical techniques.
To research a doctor's background, you can check their credentials and board certification through official medical websites or directories. Look for reviews and testimonials from previous patients, and consider scheduling consultations with multiple surgeons to compare their recommendations and comfort level. Ultimately, trust your instincts and choose a surgeon who makes you feel confident and well-informed about your decision.