Educate yourself first: Watching a tummy tuck on television might give you a little information about this surgery. Actually called an abdominoplasty, this is major surgery, not a lunch hour procedure. Research online for actual surgery footage to better understand what will be happening during your surgery. Realize this is major surgery, and not to be taken lightly.
Know your surgeon: Any surgeon in the United States is allowed to do plastic surgery. This does not make them a plastic surgeon. Look for a physician that is a member of the ASPS-American Society of Plastic Surgeons. In order to be a member of ASPS, a physician has to have a minimum of 5 years experience as a surgeon, and a minimum of 2 years as a plastic surgeon.
Learn about the surgery: Men and women often enter the decision to have a tummy tuck before investigating what is really going to happen during the surgery. Some important things that should be considered include your health history: Do you have high blood pressure? Are you taking medication for high cholesterol? Do you bleed easily? What health issues have you been treated for in the last 5 years? Be sure to tell your physician everything. This is no time for secrets. Your life is on the line anytime you have surgery.
Ask about tummy tuck options: Be sure any physician you have a consultation with explains alternatives. Does the doctor think you can get rid of your concerns with exercise? Does the physician state you will not have a 100% success according to your hopes? Has a mini tummy tuck been offered or explained? Do you need a radical tummy tuck? You may not need as much surgery as you think. Would lypo be enough?
After the tummy tuck: Men and Women need time to recover from tummy tucks. Following a tummy tuck, or a mini-tummy tuck, you will be sent home with drains in the lower abdomen that will remain for 2-3 weeks. Usually you can return to work after the drains are removed. You are usually required to wear a compression garment for several weeks afterward as your body heals.
Check your insurance to see if the tummy tuck is partially covered: In some instances, even though you may think of this as a cosmetic surgery, insurance will pay a portion of your costs that provides Women and men who have loose skin and fat on the abdomen can benefit from an abdominoplasty scheme that covers all the aspects of operation. This might include preliminary tests, laboratory fees or consultation fees for a second opinion. What is covered may depend on what your surgeon states as the reason for your tummy tuck. At a cost of $3,000 to $10,000 in some areas, it would be nice to have a portion paid by insurance.
Where does the surgeon do surgery? Will you be using a hospital facility, or will you be in the doctor’s own surgical center? The location may make a difference when it comes to insurance and emergency treatment if needed.
Your support system: You will need some help after this surgery. Be sure you have everything lined up so that once you return home you can relax and heal. Try not to have anyone who is critical of your choice around while you are beginning to enjoy your new look.
