12 Questions to Ask Your Plastic Surgeon Before Getting a Tummy Tuck

Are you unhappy with how you look in bathing suits or lingerie? Are you ready to lose your tummy rolls and love handles? Would you really like to have a sexy, toned, flat stomach and trim midsection? A tummy tuck may very well be the beautiful solution you’ve been looking for.

A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is an effective, highly successful way to reduce excess fat and loose skin, and tighten and tone weakened or separated stomach muscles. The result? A smoother, firmer, flatter midsection.

Tummy tuck surgery also strengthens weakened stomach muscles, improves the look and shape of the belly button, takes away fat and loose skin, defines the waist, creates a tighter abdomen and enables clothes to fit more comfortably and attractively. To learn more about the range of body sculpting procedures I offer, click here.

12 Questions to ask before deciding to have tummy tuck surgery

If you’re interested in getting a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) but aren’t sure which questions to ask, here are some things to think about during your initial consultation with your plastic surgeon. Asking the right questions prepares you for the procedure and gives you the confidence you need to make your final decision.

1. Are you board certified and if so, by which board(s)?

Before undergoing tummy tuck surgery, it’s very important to make sure your plastic surgeon is qualified to perform this highly specialized surgery. He/she should be board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) as well as the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS). I am board certified by ABPS and a member of both organizations.

2. What type of facility do you operate in?

Almost all cosmetic surgery is performed outside of a hospital. However, not all outpatient facilities are created equal. I perform all of my cosmetic surgery in The Surgical Specialty Center of Westchester, a state-of-the-art 4-operating-room, 11-recovery-bed ambulatory surgery center that meets the New York Department of Health standards for Hospitals under Article 28.

3. How experienced are you in performing tummy tucks?

You certainly do not want your plastic surgeon to be “practicing” on you for this type of surgery. In my opinion, he/she should have performed a large number of successful tummy tuck procedures, optimally for 10 years or more. (I have performed hundreds of tummy tucks, for over 20 years.) Ask to see “before and after” pictures (unretouched).

4. Am I a good candidate for this procedure?

In my plastic surgery practice, I have found that the best candidates for abdominoplasty:

are in good health
have sagging skin, loose muscle and excess fat which they want removed
are within 20% of their ideal body weight
have had significant weight loss and have kept it off for at least 6 months
do not smoke
men are also good candidates for a tummy tuck, especially if they have experienced extreme weight loss

5. How much does a tummy tuck cost?

Often, one of the first questions my patients ask me when they’re considering tummy tuck surgery is how much it will cost. My answer is that there is no one standard price. Every person’s body and the results they’re hoping to achieve with a tummy tuck are unique to them. That’s why I determine the exact cost after I have met with a patient, evaluated their body type, amount of excess fat and skin, overall physical condition, and their personal goals and expectations. Then together, we will discuss how the procedure will deliver the best possible results. For further pricing details, please contact me.

6. What happens during the procedure?

Requiring 1-2 hours in the operating room under general anesthesia, a typical tummy tuck is able to remove several pounds of stomach fat and excess skin and tighten abdominal muscles. Utilizing a horizontal or U-shaped incision made above the pubic area, your plastic surgeon will remove excess skin and tighten the abdominal muscles. In some cases, a second incision is made around the navel to also remove excess skin above the belly button in order to achieve the most natural-looking results.

7. How long of a recovery period can I expect?

Recovery times vary, but most of my patients are back to work in 1-2 weeks. Most activities can usually be resumed within 1-2 weeks as well, and exercise after 6 weeks. Keep in mind that these time frames are subject to the type of work you do, the extent of your surgery and how quickly your body heals.

8. Are there risks associated with this surgery?

Like any surgery, there are routine risks associated with abdominoplasty such as bleeding, bruising and infection.

9. What happens if I develop complications?

Make sure you are fully informed about what you are committing to and that you can handle a temporary setback. With some of my patients, what they at first thought was a potentially serious post-surgical problem was actually completely normal, or went away on its own, or healed without my intervention. If, however, there is an actual problem, you’ll want a strong doctor-patient relationship in order to undergo whatever action needs to be taken. Remember, we are partners going through this together.

10. Will the results change over time?

The results of a tummy tuck are permanent. However, if you lose or gain a considerable amount of weight after the surgery, this could negatively affect your results.

11. Can I get pregnant after a tummy tuck?

Yes. However, if you plan to get pregnant, you should postpone a tummy tuck until after you've had children. That’s because during the surgery, the vertical muscles are tightened and future pregnancies can separate those muscles.

12. Is a tummy tuck covered by insurance?

Abdominoplasty is not covered by medical insurance when performed for cosmetic reasons.

For even better results, consider adding liposuction and a Brazilian Butt Lift

Many of my patients decide to have liposuction at the same time as tummy tuck surgery to achieve the trim, young-looking, hourglass silhouette they’ve always wanted. As well as removing fat and loose skin from your midsection and tightening your stomach muscles, I can also extract unwanted fat from around your hips, thighs and buttocks during the procedure. For more information on liposuction, download this free fact sheet.

In addition, I can re-use this unwanted fat and transfer it to your buttocks to enhance their size and shape for a Brazilian Butt Lift. For more information on Brazilian Butt Lift, download this free fact sheet.

If you are interested in a tummy tuck

I understand that choosing to have a tummy tuck is an important decision for a woman. I also know how much it means to each and every patient to achieve the results she wants.

If you are thinking about getting a tummy tuck and would like to schedule a free consultation, please contact me and I will send you additional information prior to your appointment. To make sure you are fully informed about your surgery options and understand exactly what results to expect, I will take all the time you need to make sure your questions are answered.

Learn more about body sculpting procedures

For further information on body slimming, toning and contouring procedures, you might find these pages on my website helpful:

Board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS), and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), Samuel J. Beran, MD is a highly accomplished plastic surgeon with offices in Manhattan, Harrison and Mount Kisco, NY. With more than 20 years’ experience and a thorough command of the most advanced techniques and technologies, Dr. Beran consistently provides his patients with the highest level of plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast, face, skin and body. Recently, Dr. Beran was named a “Top Doctor” by RealSelf for his dedication to responding to consumer questions and patient feedback. The “Top Doctor” designation is awarded to less than 10% of the RealSelf physician community.

Harrison & Valhalla: (914) 761-7070