Find all kinds of information about Tummy Tucks to make your decision easier.

Preparing for Your Consultation

Do your homework about abdominoplasty and everything it involves. Be aware of all your options. There is a vast amount of information available on the internet, as well as at your local library. You can also pick up free pamphlets at libraries and doctors' offices or send away for them.
Research the many techniques for a tummy tuck and the types and placement of abdominoplasty incisions. This may take some time, but it is worth it.
Schedule a consultation with a abdominoplasty surgeon. Not all plastic surgeons charge for a consultation. Prices vary from free to $500. Some surgeons offer a free consultation if you then have surgery with them, but stipulate that you will be charged if you choose not to have the surgery or go somewhere else. The size of the consultation fee does not reflect upon the skill of the plastic surgeon.
Speak to other people who have had or are planning an abdominoplasty or abdominal liposuction. We have a tummy tuck forum full of people who have had the tummy tuck surgery and who enjoy talking about the experience.
Don't rely on tummy tuck before-and-after photos solely as a hallmark of a surgeon's talent. These photos can be retouched digitally or airbrushed, and may only the represent the surgeon's best work. Make sure that the abdominoplasty before-and-after photos are of the surgeon's own patients. Some surgeons have used stock photography to show what a tummy tuck procedure can do, and do not show his or her work. Although this practice is frowned on, it isn't unheard of. Be sure to ask if the tummy tuck before-and-after photos you are shown are in fact that surgeon's.
Before you meet with a abdominoplasty surgeon, sit down and discuss your wishes and concerns with your spouse or significant other or with close friends. They may have input or concerns you may not have thought of.

What to Bring to Your Consultation

Bring a list of questions you may have for the surgeon. You can print out the list of questions we have, if you want. Write down any others you think of and bring them, too.
Before your consultation, compile a list of the medications you take, if any, and dosage information to bring with you. This list should include vitamin and mineral supplements and herbal products, as well as drugs or supplements you take only occasionally. Please tell your surgeon, and the anesthesiologist for the procedure, about every drug -- over the counter, prescription or illegal -- you take. This is for your own safety. The surgeon and his or her office staff must keep all information about you confidential.
You will also be asked about any allergies you have or if you have ever had a bad reaction to any medications or anesthesia or to latex.
Make up a list of any other surgeries you have had or major illnesses and when you had them, since you will be asked about these and it can be hard to remember dates sometimes. The surgeon will also ask you about the health of your parents and, if they are deceased, what they died of, so have this information handy, too.
You might want to bring some old photos of yourself to show what you looked like or photos from magazines to help you convey to your surgeon how you wish to look or what your expectations are. But remember to be realistic in your expectations. You cannot present a photo of a fashion model and say, "Make me look like that." Abdominoplasty can make your stomach look flatter, it cannot give you a "six pack".