The consultation is a huge part of the tummy tuck experience for both the patient and the plastic surgeon. At my practice near Richmond, VA, consultations give me the opportunity to share my recommendations and answer any questions you may have about the exciting steps ahead. Asking the right questions is a great way to make sure you feel as prepared, informed, and empowered as possible before you schedule your surgery.
If you’re not sure where to begin, here are a few question suggestions that will start important conversations during your consultation.
Where will my tummy tuck be performed?
It’s important to know where your surgeon will be operating so you can make sure the facility is accredited and equipped for plastic surgery procedures.
We are located in Midlothian and a short drive from Stony Point Surgery, our most frequently used surgery center. I also have privileges at Johnston Willis Hospital. Both of these facilities are fully accredited surgical centers.
How much will my tummy tuck cost?
The cost of a tummy tuck starts at $6,950; however, this price can vary based on considerations such as the extent of the corrections and whether the tummy tuck is combined with other procedures.
Once the specifics of your surgery are discussed at your consultation, our practice will provide more detailed pricing information that includes all fees for anesthesia, facilities, and overnight accommodations, if desired. We’ll also review your available options for financing your procedure to make the experience more affordable.
What can I expect before, during, and after my tummy tuck?
Your consultation is a great time to make sure you know what’s in store for you at all steps of the surgical process.
We’ll discuss any prep you’ll need to do beforehand, what will happen the day of your surgery (including the techniques and anesthesia used), and how you’ll need to care for your body during recovery.
You can get a jump-start by reading the tummy tuck prep checklist we’ve created in this blog post.
How long will my tummy tuck recovery be?
It’s important to plan accordingly for time away from work, exercise, and other activities. In general, you can expect to need at least a week away from work, depending on how physically demanding your job is, and 4 to 6 weeks away from vigorous exercise.
Recovery timelines can vary a bit based on the extent of your surgery. We’ll discuss your realistic recovery timeline to help set your expectations and make sure you’re prepared to take the necessary time away to recover fully.
How can I expect my results to look over time?
Tummy tucks typically produce long-lasting results, barring future pregnancies or major weight changes. I’ll provide an idea of what you can expect from your results, as well as information about how long you can expect the look to last. I’ll also review before-and-after photos with you to give you an idea of the results you can expect. You can browse photos online at any time in our tummy tuck before-and-after photo gallery.
I’m happy to answer these and any other tummy tuck questions you may have during a consultation at my plastic surgery practice near Richmond, VA. If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about the procedure, please contact us online or call (804) 267-6009.