Your tummy tuck consultation will be the first step toward getting the sleeker, slimmer physique you’re hoping for. After you’ve done some research online and narrowed down your search, schedule an office visit or two with your top cosmetic surgeon picks and be sure to ask these questions at your tummy tuck consultation.
1. How Many Tummy Tucks Have You Performed in the Past?
From your online search, you should be able to glean lots of important information about their credentials. Look for qualifications like memberships with the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and the American Medical Association. During your tummy tuck consultation, you can always double-check to make sure the credentials you read online are accurate and up-to-date.
Additionally, ask about experience.
- How many abdominoplasties have they performed in the past?
- How many complications do they see from this procedure?
- What do previous clients say?
2. May I See before and after Pictures?
Ask to see a few before and after photos of people with similar body types to yours. Doing so will help you gauge not only what your results might look like but also the quality, precision and aesthetic eye of this particular cosmetic surgeon’s work.
When looking at these photos, be aware of red flags like vastly different lighting between the before and after shot, outdated photos and obvious signs of photo editing.
3. Am I a Good Candidate for Abdominoplasty?
At your consult, you should clearly explain your goals and trouble spots. Your cosmetic surgeon should take your feedback into account when performing your physical evaluation and recommending a treatment option.
- Is a tummy tuck the best solution for your needs?
- Should you add liposuction to your procedure?
- What about a mommy makeover?
These are all great questions to ask to help ensure you’ve chosen the best fit for your unique situation.
4. What Can I Do to Prepare for My Tummy Tuck?
Every cosmetic surgeon is going to have slightly different protocols for your tummy tuck preparation. Make sure you understand and follow your cosmetic surgeon’s guidelines to better support your procedure, recovery, and overall results.
- Is there a specific target weight you should try to reach for your procedure?
- If you smoke, how far in advance will you need to quit?
- What can you prep in advance to make your life a little easier once you return home from your tummy tuck?
5. How Long Will Recovery Be, and Will I Need Help?
Most people take around 2 weeks off work to recover from a tummy tuck, although everyone will recover at a slightly different rate. Ask your cosmetic surgeon what they typically recommend.
You’ll need to plan for someone to drive you home from your procedure, as well as provide some help around the house and with child and/or pet care for the first few days. Your cosmetic surgeon should be able to give you a more detailed guide about what to expect while you recover from body contouring surgery.
6. When Will I See Results?
Discuss your tummy tuck timeline during your consultation so you have an idea of what to expect. Your results won’t show up overnight, as your body will need some time to heal, and temporary swelling can camouflage your new body shape.
Around the three-month mark, you should have an idea of what your final result will look like, but keep in mind that it can take 6 months or more to see your full tummy tuck results.
Dr. Joseph J. Castellano is a native Floridian who grew up in the Tampa Bay area. During medical school and his 5 years of training in General Surgery, Dr. Castellano developed a strong interest in Cosmetic Surgery. He followed his residency training with an elective year of specialized training with the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. From 2010-2011, he completed a fellowship in Indiana focused entirely of cosmetic surgery of the face and body. During his fellowship, he received specialized training in facial rejuvenation, breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, and body contouring. Dr. Castellano received his board certification from the American College of Surgeons in 2010.
Dr. Castellano focuses on breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, liposuction, facelift, and eyelid rejuvenation. Additionally, he operates on numerous skin cancers, scar revisions, spider veins, and specializes in the management of aging skin with chemical peels and laser resurfacing.
Request a consultation to meet with Dr. Castellano and learn more about all his practice has to offer.
