Tummy Tuck Information

While there are countless resources on the web for finding information, regarding tummy tuck surgery (and we here at Tummy Tuck Info, certainly encourage you to do your homework), there are some questions that just can’t be answered until you’re meeting with your doctor and discussing the circumstances of your individual situation. There are many FAQs out there relating to many surgical procedures, but no two patients or doctors are alike.

With that in mind, here are some questions you can ask your doctor, upon meeting for consultations about your tummy tuck procedure. As the old saying goes, the only stupid question is one that never gets asked…

Tummy Tuck questions, courtesy of PlasticSurgery.com.

1. I would like to reduce my bulging tummy. How do I know if I qualify for a full tummy tuck or a mini tummy tuck surgery?
2. How many abdominoplasty procedures have you performed?
3. Are you board certified? If so, by which board?
4. Many doctors recommend that a female patient delay surgery if she is going to become pregnant. Why is this?
5. Where will my surgery be performed?
6. What type of anesthesia is typically recommended for tummy tuck procedures?
7. Is this considered an outpatient or inpatient procedure?
8. Do you recommend performing liposuction along with the tummy tuck procedure?
9. How long should I expect to be off my feet before returning to work or resuming my workout activities?
10. Will my scar be noticeable?
11. How long must I wear a compression garment?
12. May I see the before and after photos of your previous patients who have had a tummy tuck procedure similar to mine?
13. What would happen if I gained or lost a large amount of weight after the procedure?

After the highly publicized and unexpected death of Kanye West’s mother, Donda West, from an undiagnosed heart condition during tummy tuck surgery and breast reduction, the state of California has imposed stricter regulations for prospective elective surgery patients.

In California, all elective surgery patients will now be required to have a full body physical examination, before being eligible for any kind of elective surgery.

“Many of us are concerned about the quality of care extended to those who receive elective surgery,” says California Democratic State Senator Mark Ridley-Thomas.

With or without these regulations, we encourage prospective tummy tuck patients to learn if they are physically able to have surgical procedures, via pre-surgery medical tests. Also, it never hurts to do a little doctor-screening at the same time.

Ask your physician if you are right for the procedure you’d like to have. Find out what qualifications and the doctor has and make sure that there are no potential health issues that can affect the outcome of the surgery. Ask your doctor if he or she specializes in the procedure you’re interested in, or simply performs a wide array of procedures, and doesn’t have extensive experience with a particular procedure or body region. If tests reveal potential complications or issues, but you’re doctor seems un-phased and determined to perform the procedure, get a second or even a third opinion.