Important Topics to Cover at Your Tummy Tuck Consultation

There are many ways to go about getting your dream body. A nutritious, healthy diet and proper exercise routines are all part and parcel of a healthy body and mind. Sometimes, even after putting in extensive hours at the gym, some areas won't be as toned as you desire. This case is most common for people who lose a lot of weight. Some regions such as the arms and stomach will likely have loose skin that doesn't go away even with extreme exercises. The saggy skin can be a real downer for most people and even derail their workout routine. This is where a tummy tuck comes to the rescue.

Important Topics to Cover at Your Tummy Tuck Consultation
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What is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure designed to tighten and remove excess skin around the abdominal area. After consultations with a certified plastic surgeon, this procedure is a viable option for both men and women. There is usually misinformation on the difference between liposuction and tummy tuck. Liposuction is a procedure that removes excess fat while a tummy tuck tightens loose skin. The surgeon may perform the two approaches simultaneously to get better results.

How is a Tummy Tuck Done?

Proper planning needs to be done if you are considering getting abdominoplasty. The surgeon makes the first incision across the lower part of the abdomen, and the second one is done inside the navel. Both incisions work to tighten the lower and upper core, respectively. In the cases where there is abdominal separation, the surgeon will also fix that. The navel will be repositioned after the trimming, and the abdomen will be wrapped using sterile gauze.

The Tummy Tuck Consultation

A good starting point to anything is to do proper research. Look up the plastic surgeon you intend to go to and ensure that they are certified and have a proven track record. After you find one and book a consultation, ask questions. When these questions are answered, you will better understand the process and be more comfortable. So let’s look at some questions you should ask.

1. Surgeon’s Credibility

The success rate of the surgeon is an important query. You will need to ascertain that the doctor has a good record of proven results. You want to go for the best you can and avoid any plastic surgeon whose credibility is suspect. The last thing you want is to get subpar results or a botched procedure. When possible, contract the services of a surgeon who has specialized in abdominoplasties.

2. Eligibility

Most healthy individuals looking to rid their abdomen of loose skin qualify for a tummy tuck. However, some lifestyle choices will come into play. The ideal candidate is not looking to get pregnant after the procedure for women. A male tummy tuck is suitable for men who have reached their desired weight and are looking to have better-defined six-packs. People with excellent skin elasticity and no stretch marks are also ideal candidates.

3. Procedure(s)

In some instances, a tummy tuck will not be sufficient, and thus you will require liposuction as well. During the initial consultation, the surgeon will tell how many procedures will be done. People who have diastasis recti will need abdominal muscle repair to fix the separated muscles. You will also get to know whether a mini or a full tummy tuck is appropriate for you.

4. Pain and Medication

All surgeries, cosmetic or not, have a level of pain associated with them. You will be under anesthesia during the procedure, and you should ask about the pain medication you will get after the procedure. You will also need to go for a complete body check-up so that the surgeon can note any medication allergies and pre-existing illnesses. Some of the medications you are on may interact with the anesthesia or the post-op medicine and reduce their efficacy.

5. Recovery

Recovery is just as important as the procedure, and care should be exercised to achieve the best results. The surgeon will brief you on full recovery time and the activities you are allowed to do or not. It would help if you also asked about safely hastening the recovery process. Asking about the recovery is essential because it gives you a rough estimate of the time you need to take off work. The recovery will also entail draining the fluid that builds up through the incisions made during the procedure. As time goes by, you will need fewer drains at the hospital, and the nurse will train you on how to do them at home. Typically an abdominal binder is worn to support the abdomen. Recovery time is usually estimated to be between six and eight weeks.

6. Post Surgery Care

It would be best to ask how much attention you will need after surgery. This will help you determine whether you will need someone to be with you after being discharged and healing at home. There is also the question of how to treat the wound and any signs that should cause alarm. There is also the diet part of recovery that you will need to adhere to. You will also need to know when you can start having showers at home and how long you will need to wear the abdominal garment. Even though there are not many, you need to be aware of the possible risks of this surgery. If you have an issue with the incision scar, ask about the best ways to tend to it and cover it up.

7. Results

The initial conversation will be on the results you expect to see. The doctor will explain and show you the realistic expectations and how long it will take to see said results. You need to ask how long the effects last and what can derail or wipe out your new figure.

When you go through the above-listed questions, you will be more prepared and informed. Knowledge will also foster better healing, so be sure to make the best of the tummy tuck consultation meeting.