The two most important decisions you’ll face when considering a tummy tuck are whether the procedure is right for you and, if so, which plastic surgeon should you trust to perform it. In fact, those two questions are so closely connected that you can’t really separate them. Find the right plastic surgeon, and you should have the trusted expert you need to advise you on the safest and most effective treatment for your needs. Choosing the right plastic surgeon is the most important decision you’ll make.

Here are five essential questions to ask a plastic surgeon when you’re considering a tummy tuck to help you decide whether both the procedure and the surgeon are right for you.

Why Is it Important to Get to Know Your Plastic Surgeon?

A plastic surgeon is in a position to change your life—for the better or for the worse. An excellent plastic surgeon will have a track record of beautiful results, customized to bring out the unique beauty of each patient. They will have the medical training, experience, expertise, and skill to do top-quality work with the least amount of risk. Just as important, they will take the time to listen to and examine you to understand your concerns, goals, and tummy tuck results expectations.

You find out about the skills, experience, and credentials of the plastic surgeon by asking them questions and looking at their actual patients before and after photos of plastic surgery results. The surgeon finds out about your goals and concerns by asking you questions and performing a careful examination. That process of learning about each other is critical to a successful outcome. You need to decide whether you trust the surgeon, and whether they are someone who understands you and will be able to create beautiful results that bring out your best. The surgeon needs you to trust them, too, and to listen as they explain what’s possible with plastic surgery and what isn’t, what you can expect throughout the process, and what the risks are.

You need to get to know and trust your plastic surgeon to avoid miscommunication and misunderstanding, which could lead to disappointing results.

What Questions Should You Ask Your Plastic Surgeon?

How extensive is your experience, and what qualifications do you hold?

Look, first, for a plastic surgeon who is board-certified. This is an important mark of professional standing and a key to finding a reputable plastic surgeon. Beyond that, look for a plastic surgeon who has training, extensive experience, and expertise in performing the procedure you’re considering. Ask where the surgeon was trained and how they stay current with advances in surgical techniques. Ask about recognition by other doctors and by patients. These are the kinds of plastic surgeon qualifications that are important when choosing the right one for you.

What specific procedure will you perform, and what are the techniques involved?

Once the surgeon has examined you and heard about your hopes and goals, ask about the plastic surgery procedure details—what procedure they recommend and what techniques will be used. A tummy tuck typically involves surgical excision of excess skin and unwanted fat. When the abdominal muscles have separated or stretched, a tummy tuck also involves repairing these muscles to create a flat, firm, and toned-looking abdomen. Each of these techniques can be applied in different ways to create results tailored to your unique needs. Consider how clearly the surgical techniques are explained by the surgeon.

Are there potential risks or complications associated with my surgery?

All surgery carries risk, and cosmetic surgery is no exception. Pay attention to plastic surgery safety considerations. Ask about the potential risks and complications in plastic surgery, especially the procedure your surgeon is recommending, given the state of your health and your health history.

How long is the plastic surgery recovery process, and what aftercare will be necessary?

You play an important role in the success of your plastic surgery by caring for yourself as you heal. You’ll need to follow the surgeon’s post-operational aftercare instructions for wound care, bathing, rest, and gradually resuming physical activity. Ask questions to learn what you can expect in recovery from your tummy tuck—when you’ll need to arrange for help at home, how long you’ll need to take off work, and what you’ll be expected to do at each stage of the healing process. A good surgeon will give you helpful plastic surgery recovery tips.

Can you show me before and after photos and provide patient testimonials for this procedure?

Two important indicators of a plastic surgeon’s skills and abilities are the before and after photos of plastic surgery procedures they have performed and the recommendations and testimonials of their patients. Ask to see before and after photos of patients who have had procedures similar to the one you’re considering. Are the results attractive and natural-looking? Was the surgeon able to correct the kinds of problems that are bothering you? Does each procedure appear to have been tailored to the unique characteristics of that patient?

Look at patient reviews for tummy tucks, too. Recommendations and testimonials for tummy tucks may not give you visual evidence of the surgeon’s work, but they can be just as valuable in revealing whether the surgeon listens to patients, explains his recommendations, and remains accessible throughout the process from planning to recovery. You’re looking for plastic surgery success stories. The more positive reviews you read about your surgeon, and the fewer negative, the better your chances that this is the right plastic surgeon for you.

Scheduling Your Tummy Tuck Consultation with Dr. Scott Spiros

A tummy tuck with an excellent plastic surgeon can make you look younger and healthier and restore your pride in your body. Scott Spiro, MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience performing tummy tucks and other body contouring procedures. He is regularly cited as a “top doctor” or “best surgeon” in national and New Jersey ratings.

Find out whether a tummy tuck is right for you and whether Dr. Spiro is the plastic surgeon you should trust with your treatment. Contact Spiro Plastic Surgery online or call (973) 736-5907 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Spiro.