Four Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Having a Tummy Tuck
Have you been thinking about getting a tummy tuck? Maybe you already have a consultation scheduled. Either way, it is important to know what kinds of questions to ask your potential tummy tuck surgeon to ensure you have a good understanding of what to expect during the procedure, during your recovery period, and after you have healed. At Mesbahi Plastic Surgery in McLean, VA, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Alex Mesbahi helps patients achieve firmer, slimmer, more desirable figures with advanced tummy tuck surgery, formally known as abdominoplasty. If you’re thinking about a tummy tuck in the Washington, D.C. area, schedule a consultation with Dr. Mesbahi to get the answers to all of your tummy tuck questions, four of the most important of which are listed below.
What is your experience?
Don’t ever hesitate to ask your surgeon about their experience, education, and training. Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon is critical for ensuring the safest experience, most successful procedure, and most aesthetically pleasing result possible. It can also be helpful to browse the surgeon’s website and view before-and-after photo galleries and read patient reviews to get an even better idea of the surgeon’s skill, experience, and style.
Am I a good candidate for a tummy tuck?
Ideal candidates for tummy tuck surgery should be:
- In good health
- Have maintained a healthy, stable weight for at least 6 – 12 months prior to surgery
- Non-smoking
- Done with pregnancy, having children, and breastfeeding
- Committed to maintaining a stable weight after surgery through diet and exercise
How long will I need to take off work for tummy tuck recovery?
On average, patients should plan to be away from work for about 2 – 3 weeks following tummy tuck surgery. For patients who undergo a less extensive procedure – like a mini tummy tuck – it may be possible to return to work and other engagements sooner. Patients who combine their tummy tuck with additional treatments and procedures can expect their recovery period to last longer. Even after returning to work following tummy tuck surgery, strenuous physical activity, exercise, and other routines may be restricted for several more weeks or months. During your postoperative follow-up appointments, Dr. Mesbahi will monitor your healing progress and let you know when it is safe to resume your normal activity level.
What results are possible with tummy tuck surgery?
Some of the most common concerns that can be dramatically improved or even reversed with tummy tuck surgery include:
- Loose skin after pregnancy
- Abdominal stretch marks
- Stubborn belly fat
- Tummy pooch
- Diastasis recti (separated abdominal muscles)
- Muffin top
One of the most exciting changes that many patients experience after tummy tuck surgery is a boost in their self-confidence. For many people, tummy tuck results in clothing fitting better and more comfortably, which can also add to heightened self-esteem. With a skilled surgeon and a stable, healthy weight over time, tummy tuck surgery can keep patients looking and feeling their best for years to come.
Slim down and firm up with tummy tuck surgery in McLean, VA
Whether pregnancy took a toll on your tummy or you’ve developed loose skin after weight loss, tummy tuck surgery may be the body contouring solution you’ve been searching for. Call Mesbahi Plastic Surgery near Washington, D.C. to schedule your one-on-one consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Alex Mesbahi today, and take the first step toward a life-changing transformation with tummy tuck surgery.