5 Questions to Ask Your Plastic Surgeon About Tummy Tucks

The decision to have a tummy tuck procedure shouldn't be taken lightly and more importantly, being prepared beforehand is crucial. Conducting your own research and coming prepared with a list of questions is an important part of the process. These days, there are different options for tummy tuck procedures and several plastic surgeons who are offering this body contouring help. There are many questions that need to be considered before proceeding with this procedure, such as: How do you know which plastic surgeon is right for you? Which tummy tuck procedure will give me the flat, toned stomach I want? Am I even the right candidate for a tummy tuck?

Knowing your aesthetic goals and finding the right, qualified plastic surgeon means coming prepared to your consultation. Dr. Christopher Khorsandi is one of the leading plastic surgeons in the Las Vegas area. Board-certified and Chief Plastic Surgeon at VIP Plastic Surgery, Dr. Khorsandi has helped both men and women with this body contouring procedure, giving them amazing results. Before undergoing a tummy tuck, there are some questions you need to consider asking your plastic surgeon, so you find the right fit for your tummy tuck surgery.

Question 1: Do you have extensive experience performing a tummy tuck?

Board-certified plastic surgeons like Dr. Khorsandi go through additional training and education to become certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). This certification means your plastic surgeon is proactive in staying up-to-date with the latest techniques. You also want to ask your plastic surgeon about their surgical experience with tummy tuck procedures. Body contouring procedures take a creative eye and surgical touch to sculpt and create the right results. You want to find a board-certified plastic surgeon that is a tummy tuck expert. Ask to see before and after photos of actual patients. Any qualified, experienced plastic surgeon won't mind answering all of your questions and sharing information so patients can feel assured they are in the right hands.

Question 2: Am I a good fit for a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck is a popular procedure for both Las Vegas area men and women. It helps redefine a person's midsection and can create a slimmer waistline allowing patients to have a firmer, smoother profile. Discussing with your plastic surgeon if you are a good candidate will help determine if this is the right procedure for you. Typical ideal candidates for a tummy tuck procedure are at their ideal weight but may have endured major weight loss, pregnancy, or the natural process of aging which can cause saggy, loose skin in the abdominal area. During your consultation, an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Khorsandi will do a thorough examination in order to determine if you are the right fit for a tummy tuck procedure.

Question 3: What type of tummy tuck is right for my goals?

During your consultation, working closely with your plastic surgeon to discuss your end goal is important. The basic goal of any tummy tuck procedure is to get a smoother, more toned-looking abdominal area. Some patients may just need excess skin removed while others may need underlying abdominal muscles tightened. If there is excess fatty tissue in the stomach area, then liposuction may need to be considered as an additional procedure along with your tummy tuck. Whether you need liposuction with your traditional tummy tuck or just a mini tummy tuck to remove a small amount of loose skin, knowing your aesthetic goals beforehand is imperative to share at your consultation. Dr. Khorsandi will listen to your needs and apply his surgical experience to choose which tummy tuck option will achieve the body goal you need.

Question 4: How should I prepare for my tummy tuck procedure?

An unwanted "pooch" or isolated pockets of fat or loose skin can all be results from various aspects of life. Pregnancies, large fluctuations in weight, genetics, and the natural process of aging are all factors that can change how our midsections look. Patients who are healthy, non-smoking, and at their ideal body weight for more than six months will get optimal results from their tummy tuck procedure. Pregnancy can alter tummy tuck results so most plastic surgeons will ask female patients if they are done with being pregnant. Your plastic surgeon is the expert so asking them how should prepare for your tummy tuck procedure is an important question so you both are on the same page before surgery.

Question 5: How can I maintain my results?

A tummy tuck procedure is not a weight loss solution or meant for patients to never exercise again. Patients who have decided to undergo a tummy tuck procedure should ask their plastic surgeon how they can maintain their results. Most tummy tuck procedures are permanent changes in order to achieve a flatter, tighter stomach, but adhering to a healthy lifestyle post-op is essential to keeping your great results. It takes weeks to properly heal and see the final results so follow up appointments with your plastic surgeon are important. Your plastic surgeon will release you to begin exercising again when it is safe, and your body is properly healed. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and staying at your ideal body weight after surgery will help patients maintain their tummy tuck results for years if not decades.

Your initial consultation is an important time to share your goals with your selected plastic surgeon and determine which tummy tuck procedure is right for you. Coming prepared and asking the right questions will help you find a qualified, experienced plastic surgeon for your surgery. Board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Christopher Khorsandi will listen to what you want to fix about your midsection, determine what type of procedure is required to meet your goals, and give you the final tummy tuck results you desire. If you are in the Las Vegas area, we invite you to schedule your tummy tuck consultation with VIP Plastic Surgery’s Chief Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Christopher Khorsandi, today.