Most women tend to remain with undesirable hanging skin and excess fat in the abdominal area following pregnancy and childbearing. Both men and women may also experience unwanted abdominal changes following significant weight loss. Abdominoplasty is a common plastic surgery treatment that aims to remove excess skin and unwanted fat from the abdominal area. Plastic surgeons will also tighten the underlying belly muscles in order to reveal a firmer and flatter abdominal profile. If you are planning to have a tummy tuck in Baton Rouge LA or any other city for that matter, this article suggests a few questions that you should be sure to ask your plastic surgeon.
Do you have board certification?
Board certification is very important when you are looking for a plastic surgeon not just for tummy tucks but any other procedure as well. The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is tasked with certifying surgeons who adhere to strict standards of training and quality. ABPS certified plastic surgeons will have the requisite training, knowledge, and skills to deliver a successful procedure outcome. While not entirely necessary, membership with professional organizations such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is an added advantage.
Am I a good candidate for this cosmetic procedure?
Top plastic surgeons in Louisiana and elsewhere will only perform cosmetic surgery if they are sure you are an ideal candidate for the procedure. You will need to be in good physical and mental health. Surgeons also ask that you quit smoking at least a few weeks before the surgery, and quit taking certain medications and herbal supplements. Even if you still meet all these basic requirements, the surgeon may still recommend that you have a different procedure other than a tummy tuck. For instance, patients who have a small amount of belly fat and good skin elasticity may benefit from liposuction alone.
How much experience do you have in this procedure?
Experienced plastic surgeons have performed dozens of tummy tucks and have refined their skills over time. Make sure to ask how many tummy tucks the surgeons have performed in the recent past (let’s say over the last 1 year). If the surgeon specializes in a different area such as breast surgery and hasn’t done any abdominoplasty procedures recently, then they may not be the right fit for you. You want to work with a seasoned professional who is not only qualified to perform the surgery but has perfected the artistic element that is necessary to deliver an excellent outcome.
Will liposuction be integrated into the treatment?
In some cases, the surgeon may decide to combine a tummy tuck and liposuction in order to yield optimal benefits. This may be the case in situations where excess fat needs to be removed in areas surrounding the abdomen such as the flanks, back, and thighs. The surgeon should be able to answer this question after listening to your concerns and assessing your problem areas.
How much will the tummy tuck cost?
The cost of a tummy tuck will vary from one patient to the other based on factors such as the extent of treatment, the anesthesia used, and the surgeon’s experience. Most tummy tuck patients at Ruston Sanchez Plastic Surgery can expect to pay anything between $5,000 to $12,00 for this procedure. Health insurers typically do not pay for tummy tuck unless it is being performed for medical reasons. During your visit to Ruston Sanchez Plastic Surgery, the surgeon’s team will provide an individualized cost estimate so you can make arrangements for financing.
Will I need drains after tummy tuck surgery?
Drains are sometimes inserted after a tummy tuck in order to drain away excess fluids during recovery. However, some patients are uncomfortable with this approach and maybe looking to work with surgeons who offer a drain-free tummy tuck. If you are concerned about surgical drains, make sure to let your surgeon know during your tummy tuck consultation so they can chart a way forward.
Will I have scarring after my abdominoplasty surgery?
Scarring is investable after any surgical procedure. Top cosmetic surgeons use advanced techniques to make sure that abdominoplasty scarring is concealed below the waistline and inside the belly button. Post-surgery, the surgeon may also enroll you into a comprehensive scar management program to make sure that your scarring fades optimally with time.
How long will recovery take?
It is important that you know how long recovery will take after a tummy tuck so you can make plans ahead of time. You will need to have someone to drive you home after the surgery and help out with chores for a day or two. Most patients experience pain, swelling, and discomfort over the first few days. The surgeon will prescribe medication to help keep you more comfortable. You will need to take it easy and avoid any strenuous physical activities. All in all, most patients are able to resume normal activities within 2-3 weeks. Exercising and other intense activities may be possible after 6 weeks.
Conclusion
Choosing the right tummy tuck surgeon is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure a successful procedure outcome. During your initial consultation visit at Ruston Sanchez Plastic Surgery, make sure to ask any other questions you may have and let the surgeon know if you have concerns.
Recent Comments