Questions To Ask Your Tummy Tuck Plastic Surgeon

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Women and men who are self-conscious about sagging skin around their midsection or who have weakened abdominal muscles due to aging, pregnancy or weight loss, can benefit from tummy tuck cosmetic surgery.

A candidate for tummy tuck should have an understanding of all aspects of the procedure as well as the capabilities of the operating surgeon.

A committed surgeon will encourage patients to ask questions during the initial consultation and will adequately address all their doubts and concerns. Noteworthy, considerate, and board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Roger Tsai provides tummy tuck surgery to patients in West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and surrounding locations across the landscape.

Questions about the Surgeon

Are you board certified in plastic surgery?
How many years of training and experience do you have in this field of plastic surgery?
Have you previously performed body contouring plastic surgery procedures such as tummy tuck, and what has been your patient satisfaction rate?
Where would you perform my tummy tuck surgery – at a hospital, an accredited surgical center or a private surgical suite?
Do you have operating privileges at one of the local hospitals?
If any emergency occurs during or after the surgery is your practice equipped to handle it?
What type of contingency plans do you have in place?
If I am unhappy with the results of the tummy tuck, would you perform a revision surgery?

Questions about Tummy Tuck Surgery

Am I a suitable candidate for tummy tuck surgery?
Would you suggest any additional surgical or non-surgical procedures in conjunction with tummy tuck?
Will I be required to make any lifestyle or dietary changes or adjust my current medications before the surgery?
Will you use general or local anesthesia to perform my tummy tuck surgery?
Would you perform the surgery on an outpatient or in-patient basis?
Are there any serious risks or complications involved in the surgery that I should know about?
How many days of leave should I apply for at my workplace for the recovery?
Can you provide with me tummy tuck before and after photos so that I can have a more realistic understanding?

Questions about the Sticker Price of this Surgery

How much will it cost me to undergo tummy tuck surgery?
Does the cost include the anesthesia fee and surgical venue expenses?
How much would it cost me for post-op costs such as compression garments, medical tests, and prescription meds?
Will I have to pay additionally for any post-operative appointments?
Will the procedure become more cost-effective if I choose tummy tuck along with other treatments at the same time?
Can tummy tuck costs be covered by health insurance in any circumstances?
Will your office guide me about any suitable or plausible medical care financing options?

The patient should make a final decision about the tummy tuck procedure as well as the choice of surgeon after they have gained complete clarity and are satisfied with the answers provided by the surgeon. Adroit and fantastic cosmetic surgeon Dr. Roger Tsai receives patients from West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and other communities and neighborhoods in this section of the southwest for tummy tuck surgery.

For more information on cosmetic plastic surgery procedures and treatments by Beverly Hills board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Roger Tsai, MD please click here or call us at 310.276.1190.Taking patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Orange County, Southern California and other surrounding cities.

Once the patient has decided to go ahead with the tummy tuck cosmetic surgery, choosing the right surgeon for the job is the most vital next step. The impact of the surgery could last a lifetime, which makes it crucial to choose a surgeon who can provide natural looking and desirable results.

On top of this, a highly trained and experienced surgeon can minimize the risks and help the patient achieve a faster recovery.

Profound, committed, and board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Roger Tsai provides tummy tuck surgery to patients in West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and other towns and cities in The Golden State.

Professional Credentials of Dr. Tsai

Dr. Roger Tsai is board certified in plastic surgery by the prestigious American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), which is the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. Dr. Tsai is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). This membership allows him to network and stay updated with the latest developments in the field of plastic surgery.

The fantastic and cordial Dr. Tsai has been named a RealSelf Top Doctor. This popular plastic surgery online platform brings together patients and aesthetic surgeons from all over the country. Dr. Tsai closely engages with patients, and provides them guidance and education. His first goal is to help his patients make the right choices about procedures such as tummy tuck surgery.

The reliable and kind Dr. Tsai has advanced surgical training and experience to provide complex and major cosmetic, plastic and reconstructive surgery procedures, including tummy tuck body contouring surgery. He specializes in all aspects of plastic and reconstructive surgery for the body, breast, and face.

Why Choose an ABPS Board Certified Surgeon?

An ABPS board certified plastic surgeon would have a minimum of five years of medical training with at least two years focusing exclusively on plastic surgery. A trained surgeon will usually have staff privileges at a local hospital. Hospitals conduct thorough background checks before granting these privileges. If the surgeon is approved to work at a hospital or a surgery center, it could be beneficial in case of complications.

Experience

All plastic surgeons can perform tummy tucks, but patients should choose a surgeon who is recognized and has a proven track record of performance. It helps to choose a surgeon who has the experience to perform various types of tummy tucks such as traditional abdominoplasty, partial abdominoplasty, circumferential tummy tuck, and tummy tuck combined with liposuction.

Personal Rapport

Tummy tuck is an invasive and complex procedure. Therefore, it is vital that patients choose a surgeon who they share a good level of comfort with. Patients should ask themselves these questions while talking to potential surgeons for the tummy tuck:

Do I feel rushed in the office, or does the surgeon answer my questions in an empathetic and compassionate manner? Does the doctor evaluate my personal concerns?
Is the surgeon willing to customize the procedure as per my needs or do they follow a one-size-fits-all strategy?
Is the surgeon’s support team professional and friendly?

A personal rapport with the surgeon and their staff can go a long way in ensuring a happy outcome. Standout and sagacious cosmetic surgeon Dr. Roger Tsai receives patients from West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and other suburbs and towns in this region of the state for tummy tuck surgery.

A tummy tuck cosmetic surgery, medically known as an abdominoplasty, is a procedure where the surgeon takes out excessive abdominal skin and fat tissue, and tightens the loose muscles in the abdomen. During the initial consultation, the surgeon will carefully determine the patient’s candidacy for tummy tuck.

Stellar, dignified, and board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Roger Tsai provides tummy tuck to patients in West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and surrounding communities.

Ideal Candidates

Typical characteristics of a good candidate for tummy tuck will include:

Lax skin in the abdomen region

A tummy tuck plastic surgery may address stubborn fat pockets in the abdominal area, but to be a good candidate for this surgery, the patient should additionally have surplus skin around the abdomen. The surgeon will create a significant incision to perform the surgery. If the patient does not have surplus skin, it could create tension in the skin leading to an unsightly “stretched” appearance.

Good physical health

Tummy tucks are relatively safe surgeries. Nevertheless, a patient should not choose this procedure if they suffer from a major underlying health condition. The administration of general anesthesia requires well-functioning heart and lungs. Connective tissue and autoimmune disorders can pose challenges to the healing process.

Have realistic expectations from tummy tuck

Abdominoplasty can have a positive impact on a patient’s looks and confidence levels, but it is performed as a weight loss procedure. After the surgery, the patient will require time to recover and the outcome will be visible slowly as the area heals. The results of the surgery require a balanced diet and exercise regimen to sustain for a long time.

Have given birth or lost a large amount of weight

Pregnancy and obesity can adversely impact the abdominal muscles and cause the skin around the belly to stretch. In these cases, the skin and muscles can be significantly compromised. Even after childbirth or attaining a healthy weight, the skin hangs loosely around the stomach region. A tummy tuck can repair this damage so that the body is aligned to the patient’s new body weight.

Not planning a pregnancy

In case the patient plans to have a pregnancy in the foreseeable future, she should avoid tummy tuck until then. Pregnancy can disintegrate the repaired muscles and stretch the skin around the belly again. This would warrant another tummy tuck to correct the damage.

Not planning on further weight loss

The ideal candidate will be within 15 to 20 pounds of their optimal weight range prior to a tummy tuck surgery. Though a few patients lose some weight post-surgery, losing more than 30 pounds could leave more surplus skin and lax muscles around the stomach, which would negate the benefits of the procedure.

Some candidates may choose tummy tuck as part of a mommy makeover surgery, or combine it with procedures such as breast lift or breast implants for more comprehensive outcomes. Amazing and committed cosmetic surgeon Dr. Roger Tsai receives patients from West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and other towns and suburbs in this region of the southwest for tummy tuck surgery.

A mommy makeover typically involves a combination of cosmetic surgery procedures that can help restore a patient’s pre-pregnancy figure.

The procedure often has a special focus on the abdomen and breasts. Commonly, a mommy makeover includes a tummy tuck, liposuction of the upper arms, abdomen, or thighs, and a breast procedure such as a lift, reduction, or augmentation.

The term “mommy makeover” has become popular in recent years, but the procedures that it involves have had a successful and long history. Remarkable, dignified, and board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Roger Tsai provides mommy makeover surgery to patients in West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and surrounding communities.

When to Undergo a Mommy Makeover?

A woman may consider a mommy makeover if the pregnancy has affected the size and shape of her breasts adversely, she has a lax abdomen and stretch marks, and there are pockets of fat in various areas of the body such as the thighs, arms, and waist that do not respond to diet and exercise.

Developing a Customized Treatment Plan

During the pre-op consultation, the patient and the surgeon can discuss the number and types of procedures that are required. Breastfeeding and pregnancy can cause various physical changes and there are a number of procedures to choose from, such as:

Breast lift
Brest reduction
Breast augmentation
Cellulite removal
Body contouring
Liposuction
Stretch mark reduction or removal

The surgeon can also advise certain skin rejuvenation procedures as a part of the mommy makeover. The inclusion of non-surgical procedures can make the treatment less invasive.

Advantages

The most prominent benefit of a mommy makeover is that it can treat various body parts simultaneously, and the patient can decide which areas she wants addressed. After a mommy makeover, she can see various aesthetic improvements such as:

Decrease in cellulite and stretch marks
A tighter and sleeker figure
Better defined muscles
Mitigation of surplus skin
Smoother skin due to increased collagen production
A figure that is similar to the body prior to pregnancy

Improvement in Health

Mommy makeovers are mainly used for aesthetic purposes, but they can also provide health benefits. Firstly, surplus skin can be uncomfortable and cause chafing and discomfort. In extreme cases, it can cause infections. These health complications can be reduced through procedures such as tummy tuck.

Secondly, oversized breasts can be very uncomfortable. Mommy makeovers may include breast reduction procedure which can help address this condition. Lastly, aesthetic surgery can be the trigger to start a healthy lifestyle. A slimmer, younger-looking figure can inspire a patient to eat healthier and exercise regularly.

Improvement in Confidence Levels

Your enhanced body will provide you with a better sense of self-assurance. This can mean a vast change in your professional, social, and personal life. Your objective should be to identify a surgeon with significant experience in performing mommy makeovers.

Outstanding and cordial cosmetic surgeon Dr. Roger Tsai receives patients from West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and other cities and towns in this part of the country for mommy makeover surgery.

Just like any other surgical procedure, tummy tuck or abdominoplasty involves some amount of risk. Before committing to this cosmetic surgery procedure, the patient should carefully consider the risks and benefits and make an informed decision. The surgeon will require them to sign consent forms prior to the procedure, which will mention that the patient is aware of the risks.

At the time of pre-operative consultation, the surgeon will discuss all aspects of tummy tuck, including the potential risks.

The patient should feel free to ask questions and clear any doubts or concerns they may have at this time. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Roger Tsai provides tummy tuck to patients in West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and surrounding locations.

Common Risks

Some of the potential risks associated with abdominoplasty include:

Adverse Anesthesia Reaction

Tummy tuck is usually performed with the patient under general anesthesia, which entails some degree of risk. Poor reaction to general anesthesia may occur in rare circumstances. An experienced anesthesiologist or a certified nurse anesthetist should be able to detect the problem early before it becomes complicated, and minimize this risk. They will usually remain present in the operating room throughout the procedure to monitor the patient’s response.

Blood Clotting

After tummy tuck plastic surgery procedure, blood clots may form inside a blood vessel. This is a rare occurrence, which may complicate the blood flow. Patients should follow the surgeon’s pre- and post-op care instructions carefully to minimize this risk. Compression garment around the waist and mild exercises during recovery will improve blood flow and reduce the risk of clotting.

Infection Risks

Chances of infection are higher during and immediately after the tummy tuck procedure. The surgical room should be completely sterile to mitigate the risk. Proper wound care is a must after the surgery in order to reduce post-surgical infection risk. The patient should follow the surgeon’s instructions about changing or removing bandages and avoiding contact with the incision sites in the initial days of recovery.

Fluid Accumulation

Following tummy tuck surgery in some patients, seroma formation or collection of fluid between the skin flap and the muscle layer can occur. This will increase the risk of infection. The surgeon will place temporary drain tubes under the incision areas to minimize this risk. The patient should adhere to the surgeon’s instructions about measuring and emptying the drains every day until they are removed.

Slow Healing

It may take a few weeks until the bruising, swelling and pain in the treated sites are completely resolved. But if the symptoms continue to be significant beyond this stage, it may be a case of poor healing. Irregular healing can sometimes lead to skin loss. Scarring in such patients may also be higher. Patients should strictly avoid smoking before and after the surgery for a certain time period as advised by the surgeon to minimize this risk.

Experienced cosmetic surgeon Dr. Roger Tsai receives patients from West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and nearby areas for tummy tuck surgery.

Tummy tuck, clinically known as abdominoplasty, is a major cosmetic surgery procedure involving a few key steps. Some of the steps could vary in each procedure according to the extent of correction required and the type of surgical technique used. The surgeon will explain the steps to the patient at the time of initial consultation.

Once the patient is aware of what to expect during tummy tuck surgery procedure, it can help to reduce their pre-surgery anxiety and make them better prepared for the surgery. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Roger Tsai provides tummy tuck surgery to patients in West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and surrounding communities.

Incision Placement

After the patient is brought into the surgery room and placed under anesthesia, the first step in the tummy tuck procedure will be to create incisions in discreet locations within the abdominal area. The length and number of incisions will depend on the choice of surgical technique. A partial abdominoplasty will only require a small incision to be placed under the navel, while a circumferential tummy tuck will involve a major incision around the entire waist line, including the back.

Navel Repositioning

A traditional tummy tuck surgery may involve navel. This is done to make the tightened and lifted abdomen look more natural. The surgeon will detach the original navel and move it to a more youthful location. In a few cases, the original navel may not be re-attached, but a new navel may be artificially sculpted. This type of artistic cosmetic surgery procedure should only be performed by an experienced surgeon.

Tightening Abdominal Muscles

Due to aging and excessive weight of the abdomen, the underlying abdominal muscles may become weak or separated over time, causing the abdomen to sag. The surgeon will use the incisions to separate the abdominal skin from the abdominal walls. They will pull the weak muscles closer together and stitched them into a position to create a more toned appearance. Abdominal muscle tightening will make the waistline appear narrower.

Removal of Loose Skin

Once abdominal muscles and tissue are tightened, the surgeon will pull the skin downward to make it smooth and taut. Excess skin will then be trimmed away. The surgeon may sometimes perform liposuction as an additional procedure at this stage to eliminate excess fatty tissue before the skin is pulled taut.

Reducing Stretch Marks

Stretch mark removal is not an integral part of tummy tuck surgery, but in many cases the effect of stretch marks can be reduced. This will depend on the location of the incisions. If the stretch marks are present under the navel, they are often eliminated with the removal of loose skin. Even other stretch marks could become less pronounced after a tummy tuck surgery.

Closing the Incisions

Once the procedure is completed, the surgeon will suture the skin together with surgical stitches. This will allow the wounds to close naturally over time. Surgical drains below the skin at the site of incisions will be temporarily inserted. Profound cosmetic surgeon Dr. Roger Tsai receives patients from West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and other cities and towns in this part of California for a tummy tuck.

Abdominoplasty, popularly known as tummy tuck, is a leading body contouring cosmetic surgery to restore a flatter and firmer abdomen. Careful planning and preparation should precede the surgery in order to achieve safe and desirable outcomes and high patient satisfaction levels.

Well-prepared patients are often more confident about the procedure and are in a position to make better decisions about the surgery. Patients in West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and other communities and neighborhoods in this region of the country have an opportunity to receive a tummy tuck from the stellar, prudent, and board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Roger Tsai.

Preparation Tips

The patient should follow these essential tips in order to prepare well for their tummy tuck surgery:

Send past medical records to the surgeon’s office in advance from the doctor and the specialists.
Prepare a list of all current medications, including prescription drugs, over the counter medicines such as aspirin and blood thinners, and vitamins and herbal supplements.
Get x-rays or lab tests recommended by the surgeon.
If any prescription drug schedules need to be adjusted, arrange for the physician to discuss with the surgeon as necessary.
Quit smoking a specified time period ahead of surgery, according to the surgeon’s advice.
Complete any pressing tasks at home or the workplace ahead of time so that the initial post-op recovery period remains stress-free.
Arrange for help during the first few days of post-operative phase, if required.
Arrange for someone who can drive the patient back home after the surgery, and possibly stay overnight for assistance.

The patient should be ready to follow the surgeon’s pre- and post-operative care instructions closely. Not adhering to the instructions can increase the risk during the surgery as well as recovery.

Common Instructions

The surgeon’s office may provide a set of written or oral common instructions to the patient as a part of the preparation for tummy tuck plastic surgery. These may include:

Avoid using aspirin, ibuprofen and other such pain medications and NSAIDs for at least 10 days before surgery.
Do not use vitamin E supplements, homeopathic and herbal remedies or dietary supplements for about a month prior to the surgery.
On the day of the surgery, do not wear makeup, jewelry, body piercings or contact lenses.
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes on the day of the surgery. Loose pants or shorts are preferable and the top should have buttons or a zipper in the front.
Avoid alcohol consumption for at least 48 hours before surgery.
Do not eat or drink anything for eight hours prior to the surgery.
If the patient is a diabetic, they should have their condition reviewed on the morning of the surgery.

If the patient has any last minute questions or concerns, they should not hesitate to discuss with the surgeon. For the recovery period, the patient should arrange for essential items at home in advance for their own comfort.

Committed and magnificent cosmetic surgeon Dr. Roger Tsai receives patients from West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and other towns and cities in this section of the west coast for tummy tuck surgery.

Once a patient has chosen to proceed with tummy tuck cosmetic surgery, they will have an opportunity to engage in a detailed consultation with the surgeon. The surgeon may prefer to schedule this appointment well ahead of the desired date of surgery so that the patient can have adequate time for preparation.

The patient should be ready to participate proactively in the consultation process and make the most of this opportunity. A good consultation will lay the foundation for a safe and predictable surgery. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Roger Tsai provides tummy tuck to patients in West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and surrounding communities.

Health Assessment

One of the vital elements in the tummy tuck consultation process is an evaluation of the general health of the patient to determine whether they are fit to undergo this surgery. The surgeon will review the patient’s medical records and examine their abdominal anatomy and skin elasticity.

The patient should be forthcoming about any underlying health condition as well as current medications that they may be taking.

If the patient is a smoker, they will be required to quit the habit for at least a specified time period before and after the plastic surgery. The surgeon will also assess the patient’s skin type and thickness as well as abdominal muscle laxity in order to create an appropriate surgical plan for tummy tuck.

Cosmetic Goals of the Patient

Every patient will have their own cosmetic goals and expectations from a tummy tuck surgery. The surgeon will seek to understand these goals during the consultation and incorporate them in the customized surgery plan.

The type of tummy tuck surgical technique, the extent of correction, and the placement of incisions are some decisions that can be made more appropriately when the surgeon accounts for the patient’s specific aesthetic requirements.

Patient Feedback

During the pre-op consultation for tummy tuck surgery, the patient should freely discuss about their:

Personal aesthetic needs and goals
Medical and ongoing treatments, if any
Any known drug allergies
Current prescription and non-prescription medications, including herbal supplements and vitamins
Past or present use of tobacco, alcohol or drugs
Previous abdominal surgeries, if any

Surgeon’s Tasks

During the tummy tuck consultation, the surgeon may perform some or all of the following tasks:

Evaluation of the patient’s general health condition, pre-existing illnesses, and risk factors
Taking pre-operative photographs of the patient
Discussing treatment options and costs
Informing about any non-surgical alternatives
Recommending the best surgical technique
Explaining the likely outcome of tummy tuck
Informing the risks and complications
Discussing the recovery and downtime
Answering the patient’s questions
Presenting tummy tuck before and after images as well as past patient testimonials and reviews as required

The patient should preferably create a checklist of questions that they want to ask during the consultation. An experienced surgeon will address all questions to the patient’s satisfaction. Dedicated and standout cosmetic surgeon Dr. Roger Tsai receives patients from West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and nearby areas across the landscape for tummy tuck surgery.

Location

West Hollywood

Dr. Roger Tsai Plastic Surgery
9201 W. Sunset Blvd. GF-1A
West Hollywood, CA 90069

310.276.1190

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