Finding The Best Tummy Tuck
You've worked out, dieted and have achieved the weight loss you were wanting, but you have loose skin. Nothing you do seems to fix this issue. You could work out until you are lying in a pool of sweat and it is still there. This can be a daunting issue, especially after all the hard work you've put in to lose the excess weight. This doesn't have to be the end of your journey. Plastic surgery is a viable option to attain the results you were wanting, or at least a lot closer to the results you desire.
Before you go under the knife, there is a procedure to follow so you can make sure you are getting the best surgeon. Plastic surgery comes with its own set of risks and to minimize those you need to find a capable surgeon with a great reputation.
The most important thing in plastic surgery is deciding upon a surgeon. There have been horror stories about experiences with bad surgeons. Unfortunately, not everything you get done can be fixed, which is why choosing a good surgeon is very important. Just like there are horror stories, there are stories of miraculous results. Often the deciding factor between those two different types of stories are the doctors.
First and foremost, make sure the surgeon you are choosing is a board certified cosmetic surgeon. If the surgeon is not certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, then do not even entertain him or her as an option.
Even though the doctor you are talking to is a plastic surgeon, find which area he specializes in. You want to make sure he has plenty of experience in the procedure you plan to have. You definitely want to know the amount of surgeries he has performed. Asking to see the results of some of his prior surgeries as well will definitely help you in making your choice.
The average cost of a tummy tuck is $5,493, according to 2014 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This does not include anesthesia, operating room facility fees or any other related expenses.
Don't be afraid to ask questions. It might be the answer to the question you didn't ask that could have saved you from a bad result. Remember, this is your money you are spending so make sure it is going to the right person. Ask the hard questions and be thorough. Surgery isn't something to be taken lightly. Ask key questions like:
- Are you board certified?
- How did you train in the procedure I am considering?
- How many times have you performed this procedure?
- What other certifications, if any, do you hold?
- Where do you perform the procedure? and what is the facility's level of accreditation? (look for AAAASF, AAAHC, or JCAHO)
- Ask about the anesthesia process?
- Ask about anesthesiologists qualifications. (look for CRNA, which is Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist or a Board Certified Anesthesiologist)
- You can even ask if you can talk to another patient if you like.
- May I review testimonials?
Ask to see pictures of past patients and their results. You want to actually see his work, and if possible, hear past patients give their honest reviews on him or her.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. We all know that everyone has a different definition of what beautiful is. The reason this is so important when choosing a surgeon is you want to find a surgeon that shares a similar vision of beauty. If the surgeon shares your sense of what is aesthetically pleasing then the odds of a great result goes up by a lot. This is also a main reason why you can't trust your friend's recommendation of a plastic surgeon. You definitely can't decide on a surgeon either because he looks good. Seeing their past results lets you know if they share the same beauty ideal.
You can even go as far as taking a picture of yourself and comparing it to pictures of his/her past patients. Then when you find one that resembles you a great deal, analyze their results and see if it looks appealing to you. This is a technique that many do not try, but most definitely should.
Pay attention to the consistency of the results the surgeon gets as well. If he has a bad consistency then you can guess where your odds are. Not in your favor. If, however, he has great consistency then obviously, the odds are in your favor.
Feeling comfortable with a plastic surgeon is important too. You are going to be spending a lot of time with this surgeon. You can ask yourself a few questions to make sure you are choosing the right doctor.
- Do I like being around this surgeon?
- Would I feel comfortable with this surgeon enough to ask him anything throughout the process?
- Do I feel like I can trust this surgeon to do what is safe and best for me?
- Do I feel comfortable to disclose my full medical history to this surgeon?
Your emotional well-being is important during this process. Ensuring you have a surgeon you are comfortable with only helps all the more. It is best, however, to be comfortable with the whole staff. You should never feel like you are pressured into choosing a certain surgeon. Talking to many different doctors is the best way to go. It helps you find that right surgical team that best understand you and your goals.
Lastly, do not forget the cost and fees. Every surgeon is going to be different when it comes to cost. The cost also has a lot to do with location. So make sure you know what all the fees are and that they are clearly stated somewhere for you to view. Is the quote all-inclusive? Do you know the risks and realities of the procedure? Does the doctor's office give you a prompt reply when you try to get in touch with them? There are many things to keep in mind when choosing the best surgeon and surgical team. Make a checklist as things come into your mind to ask. Remember, many surgeons love when potential patients come in after they have educated themselves. Ask them the hard questions, use all the guidelines and you are that much closer to your desired result.