Once a patient has decided to go ahead with tummy tuck plastic surgery, they will have a detailed, personalized consultation with the surgeon. Some surgeons may schedule the first appointment several weeks ahead of the procedure, while others may want the consultation and the surgery to follow in close succession.
Board certified plastic surgeons at MBody provide tummy tuck and various other procedures to patients in Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Vienna, McLean, Loudoun, Ashburn, Tysons Corner, Reston, Arlington, Chevy Chase, Richmond, Fredricksburg, and surrounding locations.
Health Evaluation
One of the key components of the consultation process is assessing the general health of the patient in order to determine that they are fit to undergo tummy tuck plastic surgery. The surgeon will review the patient’s medical history and perform a medical exam.
The patient should be forthcoming about their medical history as well as current medications that they may be taking. If the patient is a smoker, they will be required to stop smoking at least two to four weeks prior to the surgery. The surgeon will also assess the patient’s skin type, thickness and elasticity as well as muscle laxity in order to plan the tummy tuck appropriately.
Discussing the Aesthetic Goals
Every patient will have a unique set of cosmetic goals and aspirations. The plastic surgeon should be aware of these goals in order to incorporate them in the tummy tuck surgery plan. The type of surgical technique, the degree of correction, and the placement of incisions are decisions that can be made more effectively when the surgeon takes into account the patient’s unique aesthetic requirements.
When the procedure is performed in a customized manner, optimal results can be obtained in a less invasive way and patient satisfaction levels will be higher. MBody receives patients from Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Vienna, McLean, Loudoun, Ashburn, Tysons Corner, Reston, Arlington, Chevy Chase, Richmond, Fredricksburg, and nearby areas for tummy tuck.
Patient Inputs
The patient should be careful about letting the surgeon know about all relevant information correctly that may impact the final outcome of the surgery. They should be prepared to discuss:
- Personal cosmetic needs and goals
- Past and present medical conditions, ongoing treatments, and drug allergies
- Current medications, herbal supplements, vitamins, and use of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs
- Previous surgeries, if any
Surgeon’s Tasks
- Evaluation of the patient’s overall health status, pre-existing medical conditions, and risk factors
- Taking pre-operative photographs
- Discussing all the treatment options and estimated costs
- Informing about non-surgical alternatives, if any
- Recommending the optimal course of treatment
- Explaining the likely results of tummy tuck
- Outlining the potential risks and complications
- Discussing the recovery aspect
- Addressing the patient’s questions, doubts, and concerns
The patient should ideally prepare a checklist of questions that they want to ask during the tummy tuck surgery consultation. An experienced surgeon will address all questions to the patient’s satisfaction, relieve their anxiety, and help them make a well-considered decision about going ahead with a tummy tuck procedure.
For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Board Certified Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. Reps Sundin and Dr. Burton Sundin please visit
Serving Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Vienna, McLean, Fairfax, Loudoun County, Ashburn, Tysons Corner, Reston, Arlington, Fredricksburg, Chevy Chase, Potomac, Maryland Richmond, VA and surrounding communities.
