When you’re considering a tummy tuck in Richmond, VA, you’ll be faced with many options. One of the most important decisions will be choosing the right plastic surgeon. And in Richmond, several plastic surgeons perform tummy tuck surgery.
So how do you choose the doctor who is right for you? I offer my patients these 4 tips.
1. Always look for a board-certified plastic surgeon.
A good way to start filtering plastic surgeons is to see if they are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Board-certified plastic surgeons have extensive education and training in plastic surgery, and not all surgeons who offer plastic surgery have this important credential.
Any licensed medical doctor can legally perform aesthetic surgery and market themselves as a cosmetic or plastic surgeon. However, this does not mean that he or she has ever been trained in plastic surgery. Board-certified surgeons, on the other hand, receive 6 years of advanced, hands-on experience performing procedures like liposuction, tummy tuck, breast augmentation, and facelift.
As a board-certified plastic surgeon, I know just how hard it is to achieve this honor. I have performed countless tummy tuck surgeries and can say with confidence that going through the board-certification process gave me both the knowledge and experience to achieve optimal results. It’s also part of the reason I’ve earned a “Top Doc” rating for 4 consecutive years.
2. Request a consultation and listen to what the surgeon says.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, set up a few face-to-face consultations. Make sure you bring a list of questions and ask about your surgeon’s background—including their education, training, and experience. You’ll also want to think about how you feel around the surgeon. Ask yourself:
- Are they taking the time to address all my questions and concerns?
- Are they discussing things I haven’t even considered?
- Do they offer post-op check-ins?
Your surgeon should feel comfortable explaining the procedure and discussing whether or not it’s the best option for you. In some cases, a doctor might recommend a different surgery that might actually benefit you more, such as liposuction or a mommy makeover.
During abdominoplasty consultations with my patients in Richmond, VA, I address what surgical techniques I plan to use as well as incision placement and scarring. I go over surgery preparation and aftercare instructions and make sure you fully understand the costs associated with your surgery. This way, you are fully informed so there are no surprises.
3. View the surgeon’s work.
A great way to get an idea of a surgeon’s skill level and the results you can expect is to look at their before-and-after photos. Ask to see pictures of previous patients who have had tummy tuck surgery and ask about those patients’ experiences. Sometimes you can find these photos and stories online in photo galleries, blogs, and patient testimonials. But ask in-person, too. A good surgeon will always be ready to show their work.
4. Choose whom you feel comfortable with.
Once you have gone through the first 3 steps, ask yourself if you feel comfortable with the surgeon. Trust is an important part of the patient-doctor dynamic, and you should feel both comfortable around and confident in your surgeon. If not, he or she may not be a good fit, and you can continue your search.
If you are ready to take the next step in your research, contact us today to set up a consultation. You can also view our before-and-after photo gallery to see some of our tummy tuck patients and their results.
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