Your Consultation
Your consultation appointment is a very important meeting which allows you to make an educated choice on who is to perform your tummy tuck procedure.  Before your consultation you should compile a list of surgeons you wish to meet with (at least 3), research their credentials, medical licensure and read various reviews around the web.  Although do take care in taking reviews found online without seeing the actual photos of real patients and speaking with them.  The Internet has given the masses a soapbox on which to genuinely proclaim their happiness or dissatisfaction whether founded or not, as well as allows marketing firms to post either positive or negative reviews without any credibility.  Investigate whether the claims are genuine to the best of your abilities. 

Preparing For Your Consultation

What To Bring DOWNLOAD .PDF PRINTABLE VERSION

• A list of questions to ask your surgeon, be sure to print out our helpful list above.

• Photos of yourself that you feel you conveys the problem area in a manner you feel could use improvement.

• Photos of others' results to convey what you would ideally like to achieve. This will help your surgeon gauge if your expectations are realistic, as well as help you explain what your goal is and if this goal is possible.

Your Tummy Tuck Consultation: What To Expect
Arrive at your consultation on time, and even a little early to fill out the necessary paperwork.  Do not be late for your consultation or you may lose your appointment.   When you fill out your paperwork, please be completely honest when disclosing your medical history and the presence or possibility of any disorder, whether it be physical or mental, including any and all medications that you take.

• The surgeon will usually ask you what you want to change about your figure.  You should address the areas which you feel would benefit from tummy tuck and/or liposuction.

• The surgeon will then tell you how he or she thinks you will benefit from a tummy tuck or if you require a tummy tuck at all.  You may simply need liposuction.

• You will then discuss your options in anesthesia, the incision type and placement and more.  Anything that you wish to know, you should discuss during this time.

• You will discuss the risks of tummy tuck surgery, and you may be given an informed consent sheet as well as discuss the anesthesia risks.

• If you are having liposuction as well, you may discuss the approximate volume removal projected for the procedure.  This is usually addressed in liters, or as cubic centimeters or cc.  

• You should discuss touch-up procedures, or revision surgery, if it may be necessary and your costs if the need arises. 

• You will look at your surgeon's before and after photos.

• You may be given a referral sheet to speak with a few of the surgeon's patents.  If not, ask for one if you wish to do this.

• You may also request to tour the facilities if your surgery will be performed onsite.

• You may receive literature regarding the surgeon's education and training, curriculum vitae or any other pertinent information.

• You may be given a list of what you spoke about at your consultation.

• You may discuss costs and fees with either the surgeon during your meeting or with a financial planner towards the end of the consultation.

Questions To Ask Your Plastic Surgeon DOWNLOAD .PDF PRINTABLE VERSION

The Physical Examination
You will be asked change into a surgical gown.  After you are finished your surgeon (and possibly a female nurse or assistant if the surgeon is male) will come in to examine your abdomen and possibly other treatment areas, your skin condition, type, thinness and elasticity.  The surgeon may pinch or tug on your skin gently to test your laxity.  You may feel awkward during this time so prepare yourself for it.  Although this may be your first time, the surgeon has performed this type of examination many times  You will more than likely be asked to bend over and relax your abdominal muscles.  Your surgeon can then determine if you will need tightening of your abdominal muscles as well.   In order for your surgeon to fully gauge what needs to be done, just  relax and let it all "hang out".

Scheduling Your Surgery
If you feel comfortable with the surgeon and are confident that he or she is the one to perform your tummy tuck procedure, you may wish to schedule a surgery date before you leave.  This will normally require a deposit.  If you are planning on having additional consultations with other surgeons before making your final decision, you can always call the office and schedule your appointment later if you choose this particular surgeon. 

If you do schedule your surgery, you will be given instructions on how to have the lab work (if applicable) performed which may be necessary for your surgery.  You will also be given information on how to prepare, what to purchase and sign additional paperwork.

You may also schedule a pre-operative appointment for further examination if need be, picking up your prescriptions or compression garments.  Your consultation appointment is designed to allow you to feel comfortable and confident with your surgeon's abilities so do not hesitate to ask or request any additional information during this time or any time while under your surgeon's care.