Questions to Ask Before a Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck, clinically termed an abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure to flatten and contour the abdomen by removing excess skin.

The decision to undergo a tummy tuck can be daunting. That is why we have compiled a list of questions for you to ask your prospective surgeon so that you can be sure to achieve your desired results.

Am I a Good Tummy Tuck Candidate?

Knowing whether you are a suitable for tummy tuck surgery is essential for obvious reasons. A good surgeon will perform a thorough assessment to determine your suitability for a tummy tuck. This will involve a risk assessment based on your medical history, as well as gaining insight into 

In general, most men and women in good health seeking to contour their abs are eligible for this procedure. Patients should also be at their desired weight prior to surgery, and women should wait until after their final pregnancy.

Are You a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon?

Finding a surgeon with the necessary skills to carry out intricate, invasive procedures like tummy tucks is key in reducing the risk of botched results and avoiding the need for a second tummy tuck to revise the first. Being board certified means that your surgeon will have been trained and assessed to the necessary, rigorous standards to perform your procedure. 

Don’t be afraid to ask your surgeon for evidence of their board certification, which you can also verify independently after your consultation. At the CREO Clinic, Dr Omar Tillo is double board-certified, giving his patients peace of mind in both the safety and professionalism of his practice.

What is Your Experience Performing Tummy Tucks?

Not all plastic surgeons will have the same amount of experience carrying out a particular procedure. Instead, a good specialist will be just that, an expert at conducting a few select surgeries.

A good, experienced tummy tuck specialist should have performed hundreds of tummy tucks in their career. In addition, they will have had significant experience conducting different types of tummy tucks of varying levels of complexity. 

Enquiring about your surgeon’s clinical experience can help put your mind at ease by ensuring they have demonstrated competence in their practice.

Do You Operate at an Accredited Operating Room?

Although many patients may question a given surgeon’s qualifications and experience, they may not give the clinical environment where they will be operated on equal consideration. This is, however, essential in ensuring that surgery is performed safely. 

Ask your surgeon for information on the clinic or hospital where the surgery will take place and whether this location is an accredited operating room. In the UK, all independent clinics and hospitals performing cosmetic procedures must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). 

In addition to asking your surgeon, you can use the CQC website to confirm that the operating room is registered accordingly.

Should I Lose Weight Before My Tummy Tuck?

Meeting the necessary BMI requirements for tummy tuck and other excisional surgeries like a is important as it ensures the safety of the procedure. Ask your surgeon if they recommend that you lose weight prior to a tummy tuck, or use our handy BMI checker to determine your eligibility. 

If your surgeon does recommend losing weight, you may wish to consider working with a dietician. At the CREO Clinic, our team of nutritionists helps patients achieve their desired weight prior to surgery to minimise associated risks and ensure they get the most out of their surgery. 

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost in London?

Understanding the cost of your tummy tuck is important and can typically be determined following a 1-to-1 consultation with your surgeon, where you will discuss a bespoke treatment plan.

At the CREO Clinic, a tummy tuck procedure is priced from £8,900 for a mini tummy tuck, with the cost of a full tummy tuck starting at £10,900 and up to £12,900. The exact cost can depend on a range of factors, including the type of anaesthetics used and the exact surgical techniques necessary for the desired result.

What Tummy Tuck Technique Would You Perform?

The particular surgical techniques used during a tummy tuck are determined by your individual needs, as well as your desired result. 

For example, a mini tummy tuck can be beneficial for patients with mild skin laxity in the lower abdomen only. In contrast, a full tummy tuck is best suited for patients with more extensive loose skin to remove in both the upper and lower abdomen.  

Asking your surgeon this question will help you better understand the procedure, how invasive it is, and the likely, final result. 

What Does a Tummy Tuck Involve?

When undergoing any surgical procedure, having a thorough understanding of what will happen during surgery can help you decide whether it is right for you and your body. 

In general, a tummy tuck can be performed under sedation or general anaesthesia and lasts between 2-5 hours, depending on the type of tummy tuck. Incisions will be made to remove the excess skin, and muscle tightening can be done to strengthen the core. Finally, the surgeon will ‘redrape’ the skin over the abdominal muscles and close the incisions.

When Will I See Tummy Tuck Results?

Many patients are understandably eager to see the results of their tummy tuck. Knowing the likely timeline for results to become apparent is important in setting realistic expectations after surgery. 

Immediately after surgery, you will have a noticeably slimmer and more toned abdomen as the excess skin will have been removed. However, you must wait for all post-surgical swelling to dissipate to get the full effect of your surgery, which can take up to 6-12 months for a full abdominoplasty.

How Long Do Tummy Tuck Results Last?

A tummy tuck is a permanent procedure in which the excised skin and fat are removed from the abdomen entirely. However, understanding how to get the most out of your tummy tuck and maintain the results long-term can be helpful in determining whether it is right for you.

Ask your surgeon about the various ways to ensure the longevity of your procedure. In general, this tends to involve a balanced diet and regular exercise to manage your weight and prevent lax skin from developing. Patients may also benefit from treatments like BodyTite to maintain the results and treat unavoidable laxity as a result of ageing.

What Should I Expect in Tummy Tuck Recovery?

Understanding your likely recovery timeline can help you assess whether a tummy tuck is a good fit for your body and lifestyle. Patients with mild skin laxity and a busy lifestyle may wish to undergo the less invasive mini tummy tuck, as it requires less downtime. 

For a full abdominoplasty, patients are usually able to recommence most daily activities 1-2 weeks after surgery and can begin light exercise after 3-4 weeks. However, more strenuous exercise should only be resumed after you have made a full recovery, which typically takes up to 12 weeks. For a faster recovery, you can follow the tummy tuck recovery tips we outline on our blog.

Can I Get Pregnant After a Tummy Tuck?

Having a tummy tuck should not affect your fertility. However, the results of your tummy tuck may be affected if you get pregnant, as the skin stretches and the abdominal muscles are strained. As such, you may wish to undergo a second procedure to remove any further lax skin and repair any resultant muscle separation.

Your surgeon will likely advise that you, therefore, delay your tummy tuck until after your final pregnancy. 

Does a Tummy Tuck Leave Scars?

Your surgeon will be able to tell you about any scarring from your tummy tuck as a result of the surgical techniques they choose to use. The less invasive the procedure, the less scarring there usually is. 

A good surgeon will also be adept at ensuring scars are naturally hidden by the contours of the abdomen or by undergarments, such as along the bikini line. Make sure to discuss scarring with your surgeon during your consultation so that you are best informed to make decisions regarding your tummy tuck.  

Schedule a Consultation with CREO Clinic Today

If you are looking to flatten and sculpt your abdomen, a tummy tuck may be right for you. At the CREO Clinic, our body contouring surgeon, Dr Omar Tillo has both the clinical know-how and experience necessary to design a bespoke tummy tuck for each of his patients’ unique needs.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr Tillo and get on track to your dream body.