A tummy tuck surgery – otherwise known as abdominoplasty – aims to improve your abdominal profile. It reshapes your abdomen by getting rid of excess fat and tissue, as well as strengthening weakened belly muscles. Deciding to undergo a tummy tuck surgery is a major step that requires you to conduct thorough research. An important factor to consider when preparing for abdominoplasty is how to choose the right surgeon for you. It is crucial that you find a plastic surgeon you can trust, and whom you feel comfortable with. They should also be reliable and highly experienced. This article contains practical tips to help you find the best and right surgeon for your tummy tuck surgery.
1. Should be a board-certified surgeon
A board-certified surgeon has had extensive surgical training with broad experience. It means that they have passed both oral and written exams administered by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. A board-certified surgeon may also decide to join the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), or the American Society for Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). This exposes them to a greater advantage of meeting and exchanging ideas with other specialized and skilled surgeons. Before you decide on the best surgeon for your abdominoplasty, you must check to see that they are board-certified.
2. Select a surgeon who specializes in Tummy Tuck surgery
Well, not all board-certified plastic surgeons specialize in tummy tuck surgery. Some deal with breast surgery, liposuction surgery, rhinoplasty surgery, or other cosmetic procedures. When you decide to undergo a tummy tuck, it is very important that you find a surgeon who specializes in this particular area. This will not only ensure that your surgery goes on smoothly but also means that they will be in a position to accurately assess the best type of tummy tuck procedure for you.
3. Follow up on your surgeon’s work experience
After coming up with a list of board-certified surgeons who specialize in abdominoplasty, the next step is to examine their work experience and reviews by past patients. The surgeon’s website is often a good place to start. Take a look at their recommendations, case studies, before and after photos, as well as how their services are rated on various online platforms. It is important that you put all this into account before you decide on the plastic surgeon to perform your tummy tuck.
4. Try to build rapport
After following the above steps, you need to establish a good relationship with your surgeon. They should come across as knowledgeable, understanding, and upfront. You want to determine whether both of you can establish trust and build a rapport. When you are comfortable with your surgeon, honest communication becomes easier. Besides, you want to trust your body to someone you have faith in. Remember that every surgery has its own risks.
5. Make sure they are regularly accessible
The right plastic surgeon for your abdominoplasty should be very easy to access. It is normal before surgery to have a lot of questions for your surgeon. These may include queries related to the duration of recovery, the risks involved, how long the results will last, and how to maintain the body in its best shape. A reliable and regularly accessible surgeon makes the process easier and more convenient. It is also a good indication that they will be available to provide the required support during the recovery duration.
6. Check the surgeon’s fees for a tummy tuck
Money is a determiner of a lot of things, and prizes differ depending on the surgeon. The best surgeons generally charge a higher fee for tummy tuck procedures. While you cannot select the best plastic surgeon for a tummy tuck based on their cost for the procedure, it is important to work with someone who is within range of your budget (especially considering that tummy tucks are typically not covered by health insurance).
7. The right surgeon should be patient
A tummy tuck surgery should only be performed because you want to, and not because you need to. The best surgeon would tell you that tummy tuck surgery is not a substitute for weight loss and exercise. They should also insist that you have this treatment out of your own volition, not because someone else asked you to.
Conclusion
Finding the right surgeon for your tummy tuck takes several steps. A well-qualified surgeon should be able to meet all the above expectations and much more. They should be more of a friend than a doctor who can support, mentor and direct you on the right steps to follow. If you find a surgeon who you are comfortable with, easily trust and can engage in free conversations, then you shall have found the right surgeon. Otherwise, if you miss out on any of these qualities in your surgeon, feel free to talk to another surgeon until you find the best one for you.
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