According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, tummy tucks are the fourth most popular cosmetic surgery. Tummy tucks are a great option for patients looking to remove excess skin or stubborn fat in the abdominal region.
You know you want a tummy tuck, but where should you turn? While getting a recommendation from a friend or family member is great, you should still vet your Sacramento tummy tuck surgeon.
Read on for the top questions you should ask a surgeon at your tummy tuck consultation. From experience to pricing and beyond, these questions will help you make an informed choice.
Am I a Good Candidate for the Tummy Tuck Procedure?
A trustworthy surgeon will tell you upfront if you are a good candidate for the tummy tuck procedure. A common misconception is that the tummy tuck is a weight loss procedure. The reality is that tummy tucks are generally reserved for patients who have skin or fat distribution that typical diet and exercise can’t address.
You should have a relatively stable weight before you seek a tummy tuck. If you smoke, you will need to quit before your surgery date. Smoking complicates surgery in a variety of ways, including increasing anesthesia risks and prolonging healing.
Should I Get a Full or Mini Tummy Tuck?
The standard or full tummy tuck procedure involves correcting the entire abdominal area. Not all patients require a full tummy tuck to achieve the results they desire.
Your surgeon should offer mini tummy tucks in addition to full tummy tucks. Mini tummy tucks are smaller, faster, and often less costly procedures. The mini tummy tuck is ideal for removing the “pouches” of skin or fat below the belly button that many patients can’t get rid of naturally.
Can You Address Diastasis Recti?
Diastasis recti is a condition in which the abdominal muscles separate. This can cause a bulge in the center of the abdomen that is not the result of weight gain. This condition affects many patients but is particularly common in postpartum mothers.
Cosmetic surgery is an effective way to address diastasis recti. If you’ve been diagnosed with this condition, make sure to discuss it with your tummy tuck surgeon. They should be able to repair the separation to reduce the possibility of future bulging.
How Can I Minimize Scarring?
Minimizing scarring starts with your surgeon’s technique. They should place the incision right above the pubic area, from hipbone to hipbone, where the scar will be inconspicuous.
Once you verify that your surgeon knows how to minimize scarring, discuss the steps you can take in recovery. This will include minimizing UV exposure, wearing compression garments, using scar reduction products, and more. You should also eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, limit your alcohol intake, and refrain from smoking to allow your body to heal from the inside out.
What Should I Expect from Recovery?
Tummy tucks are outpatient procedures, meaning you’ll return home the same day as your surgery. However, you should not expect to resume normal activities for at least one week and possibly longer.
Make sure to talk to your surgeon about the recovery process so you can plan your schedule accordingly. Discuss things like pain management, rest, and cleaning the surgery site. Discuss your post-operative appointments and get them on the books. Ask for pre-surgery preparation tips, as well.
Do You Have a Portfolio of Previous Work?
When it comes to cosmetic surgery, the success of the procedure is measured in a variety of ways, including appearance. You deserve to work with a surgeon who produces quality results and has years of experience.
Start by asking how many times your surgeon has completed tummy tucks. Then, ask to see before and after photos of previous patients. Note that it’s industry standard to provide these pictures, and you may not want to trust surgeons who won’t produce them.
Can I Combine a Tummy Tuck With Other Procedures?
Some patients want to address other issues in addition to excess skin or fat in the abdominal area. For example, you may want to get liposuction before your tummy tuck. This can often be done at the same appointment, although it will depend on the specifics of your case.
If you’re looking for a more comprehensive approach to excess skin removal, you may be looking for something like a full body lift. Make sure to address all your areas of concern during your tummy tuck consultation so you and your surgeon can decide if it’s the right procedure or if others would better suit your goals.
What Should I Expect From Billing?
Pricing transparency is crucial in cosmetic surgery because insurance typically only covers procedures that are deemed medically necessary. A full tummy tuck in Sacramento may cost between $9,000 and $11,000.
How does your surgeon’s office approach billing? If you’re unable to pay for your tummy tuck upfront and in full, what payment plans do they provide? CareCredit is a great financing tool that we use that allows patients to pay for their surgery in monthly installments.
What Anesthesia Will You Use?
General anesthesia is considered the appropriate choice for tummy tucks. Make sure you talk to your doctor about this aspect of your surgery, especially if you’ve had complications with anesthesia in the past.
If you’ve never been given general anesthesia, discuss aftercare. For example, your surgeon should tell you that someone else will need to pick you up from your surgery. You should avoid drinking and operating heavy machinery for a minimum of 24 hours.
Call Dr. Haus for Your Sacramento Tummy Tuck
Are you looking for a Sacramento tummy tuck? Before you schedule your appointment, it’s important that you vet your surgeon. Use this guide to ask your surgeon questions and be sure to take notes during your tummy tuck consultation.
Dr. Haus has over two decades of cosmetic surgery experience. He is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and more. Contact us for high-quality cosmetic results.
