Tummy Tuck: Questions to Ask Your Surgeon

If you are considering having a tummy tuck done, you need to ensure you have the most up-to-date information available prior to making any final decisions. There are also certain questions you should ask your provider to make sure he is knowledgeable about this procedure and qualified to operate on you. Learn the essential questions you need to ask him before consenting to undergo surgery.

A physician who is board-certified in plastic surgery has undergone advanced rigorous training in both plastic and general surgery and has also passed written and oral exams. Therefore, if you want to ensure the best possible surgical outcome, you should choose a board-certified plastic surgeon. Ask the physician you are considering using how many tummy tucks he has performed and how many years he has been performing this type of operation, as well as what his success rate has been. Find out if he has hospital privileges to perform this surgery or if he will use a surgery center; if it is the latter, ask if the facility is accredited. He should answer your questions clearly and concisely, but if you feel that he is being evasive or vague, this could be a red flag indicating that perhaps you should find a different physician.

At your initial consultation with the doctor you have chosen, he will decide whether you are a good surgical candidate for the operation prior to scheduling it. You need to find out what you can do to facilitate a successful outcome. For instance, since smoking has shown that it interferes with the healing process, quitting beforehand would be optimal for your health. You may need to stop taking some of your regular medications prior to the operation, such as aspirin, since certain medications can increase the risk of abnormal bleeding. Make sure that you get some answers to your questions about the procedure, including how long it takes and what your anesthesia choices will be. The surgeon's office staff will also go over the surgical costs with you, such as who will be financially responsible for the procedure.

You may have some concerns about what to expect in the postoperative phase, and although no one can predict the level of pain that you will have or the length of your recovery time, your doctor should have some general answers for you. Find out what kind of pain relief you will be offered if over-the-counter pain medication does not alleviate your discomfort, including whether narcotic medication will be available to you if necessary. Your doctor should be able to give you a summary of the activity level suitable for you after a tummy tuck, including limits on lifting, showering, or driving. The length of time before you can return to work will depend on your job requirements, such as whether it is strenuous, and you should refrain from exercising for several weeks following the procedure. You should ask your doctor what warning signs you should be aware of, as well as when you should expect to see the full effects of the operation.

It is important to remember that since a tummy tuck is a major procedure, it is not to be taken lightly. Therefore, make sure you have all of your questions answered before you proceed with the operation.