A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the first step towards getting beautiful, natural-looking tummy tuck results. Whether you’ve already scheduled yours are still searching for the right plastic surgeon, you probably have some questions about what you can expect during this important step in the process. This guide will give you an idea of what to expect and what questions to ask at your tummy tuck pre-op.
1. Talk about Your Goals
Before going to your office visit, you should already have an idea of which procedure(s) you want and what you’re looking to get out of plastic surgery. Of course, your plastic surgeon can help you decide if you’re a good candidate for a tummy tuck and/or other procedures you might be considering. But you’ll want to have clear goals outlined for yourself so you can communicate them to your plastic surgeon at your consultation.
Know your main trouble spots or concerns, and have a realistic idea about your tummy tuck results. It also helps to understand what your motivations are for wanting plastic surgery.
2. Ask Questions
While you should do some research on your own at home, there are lots of questions that are best answered during an in-person meeting with your plastic surgeon. Write a list of questions that you want to ask before your consultation. This list might include pre-op questions like:
- Are you board certified?
- How many tummy tucks have you performed in the past?
- Do you have before and after tummy tuck photos I could see?
- Am I a good candidate for a tummy tuck?
- Do you recommend adding liposuction?
- What type of anesthesia is used for this procedure?
- What are the risks?
- What will my scar look like?
- When will I see results?
There’s no such thing as a bad question. Ask as many as you have at your consultation.
3. Have Your Medical Information Ready
Expect to have a physical exam and go over your medical history with your plastic surgeon during your consultation. Prepare by knowing any medical problems that run in your family, as well as which medications and supplements you’re currently taking. Sometimes, you can fill out this paperwork ahead of time to make answering these questions a little easier.
During your physical examination, your plastic surgeon should listen to your needs and goals, assess your overall physical condition and let you know if a tummy tuck could be the right solution for you.
4. Make Note of the Office and Staff
Use this time to make note of things like how clean and organized the office is and how friendly and helpful the staff is. Ask for a tour of the office, including exam and operating rooms, and make sure these areas are clean, organized and inviting.
You should also feel comfortable with your plastic surgeon, so make note of how well he or she listens to your goals and how thorough the physical exam is. Ask yourself if you feel confident and comfortable working with this person.
5. Discuss Financing Options
Some plastic surgery centers offer financing solutions, or they can recommend reputable banks and other financial institutions that can help make your tummy tuck as affordable as possible. If this is a concern for you, your consultation is a great time to discuss your financing and payment options.
Providing patients with plastic surgery and non-surgical treatment options, Dr. Rand uses his medical expertise and aesthetic sensibilities to make a positive impact on the lives of his patients. Dr. Rand is constantly driven by the unique challenges of plastic surgery, a field that seamlessly blends artistry and medical science.
