If you are bothered by loose, hanging skin on your tummy, abdominoplasty can help. Walking into your first tummy tuck consultation can be exciting but also make you feel a bit nervous.
Knowing what to expect can help you get the most out of your tummy tuck consultation. This article gives you a clear picture of what to expect when you come to see Dr Beldholm for the first time, along with some helpful questions you can ask during the appointment.
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Why get an Abdominoplasty?
Tummy tuck patients usually fall into two categories: post pregnancy and post weight loss. After losing weight from bariatric surgery or after giving birth, you may be left with loose skin that hangs on your belly. If you are tired of trying to hide excess skin under baggy clothes, a tummy tuck can give you a flatter tummy.
What is the consultation process like?
When you come to see Doctor Bernard for body contouring surgery, we want to make the process stress free for you. Understandably, your mind is probably swimming with questions, and you feel excited or nervous. We are here to put your mind at ease.
Dr. Beldholm’s goal is to make sure you are comfortable and get all your questions answered. The consultation takes 45 minutes to one hour, which is more than enough time to give the patient a chance to discuss areas of concern and what they are hoping to get out of the surgery.
While some patients are not fond of going to the doctor’s office, there is nothing to worry about since a consultation is just a 1:1 talk about what you hope to achieve. Each patient is different, so Doctor Bernard’s approach is to focus on what you want.
When you point out the areas that are bothering you most, Doctor Bernard can design a plan that is tailored to your exact needs.
He will also go over tummy tuck aftercare and possible risks of surgery.
After meeting Doctor Bernard, you will then see the patient coordinator. She will provide you with a price quote and current availability. Please remember that you are not obligated to book a surgery after a consultation. You should never feel rushed or pressured. A Consultation is there to provide you with information.
When you see Dr. Beldholm for a tummy tuck consultation, there is no pressure to make a decision on the spot. Getting a tummy tuck is a big decision. You have every right to take your time and decide whether or not surgery is the right choice for you.
Everyone at our office has been part of the team for many years, so you can rest assured that we are here for you. You can reach out to us at any time to ask questions or get more information. Giving you the tools to become educated on the surgery and what to expect is the best thing we can do to guide you as you embark on your surgical journey.
Questions to ask at a tummy tuck consultation
When you are thinking about surgery, a lot of questions come to mind. At the first consultation, these are some of the most important questions you will want to ask.
Remember, you can always reach out to us by email or give us a call anytime you have a question. We are happy to help.
Do they have before and after photos?
A picture is worth a thousand words. Ask if you can see the surgeon’s results on actual patients. A good sign is if they have a photo gallery on their website with plenty of before-and-after tummy tuck photos.
When looking at a surgeon’s web gallery, you have a chance to evaluate the results for yourself. Do you like what you see? Do the scars look well placed? Are there lots of photos, showing that the surgeon has a lot of experience performing tummy tucks?
How much does tummy tuck surgery cost?
Tummy tuck prices in Australia can vary by surgeon.
Our office will provide you with a printout that breaks down all the fees so you know what to expect. This includes the surgical fee, anesthesia fee, hospital fee, etc.
Insurance usually doesn’t cover plastic surgery. However, you may be eligible for a tummy tuck Medicare rebate for post weight loss if you meet certain criteria. At Dr Beldholm’s office, we are happy to help you get an item number if you wish to apply for it.
What about consultation fees?
Most surgeons charge a consultation fee. In most cases, it is non-refundable.
At Doctor Bernard’s practice, patients sometimes need to come in for multiple consultation appointments.
You will be happy to know that additional consultations after the first one are free of charge when you see Dr. Beldholm. Follow-up consultations are usually about 20 minutes long. This is a good opportunity to ask any follow-up questions or mention any new concerns that you thought of after the initial consultation.
Our aim is to ensure all your questions are answered so you can decide if you want to get body contouring surgery. We never rush the process. You, as the patient, are in control of your body and so you get to decide when you want to move forward with surgery or not at your own pace.
What is tummy tuck downtime & aftercare like?
The consultation is a good chance to find out about tummy tuck recovery time and tummy tuck aftercare. Doctor Bernard wants you to know what to expect. He has had many wonderful patients that keep him informed of how they are healing, what activities and exercise they can return to after a tummy tuck and tips for healing after tummy tuck.
What are the most common tummy tuck risks?
Serious side effects and complications after tummy tuck surgery are thankfully uncommon. However, it is the surgeon’s duty to advise you of all the possible risks so you can make an informed decision. Dr. Beldholm will go over the risks and possible side effects that you should know about at the consultation.
Does a tummy tuck require drains?
Many surgeons use tummy tuck drains. Using drains will depend on the surgery you are having.
What are the surgeon’s qualifications?
Dr. Beldholm also holds a FRACS (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons), which is a title granted to specialist surgeons that are the only type of doctor that is guaranteed to have training in actual surgical procedures, also having 12+ years of medical and surgical education. This includes 5 years as a post-grad specialist training in surgery. Dr. Beldholm is accredited to perform invasive cosmetic surgeries like a tummy tuck.
How many years of experience does the surgeon have?
Doctor Bernard has more than 10 years of experience in body contouring surgery. When you see a surgeon, it is fair to ask how many years they have been performing tummy tucks. You want to see the most qualified surgeon.
Download our short guide: “Preparing for your Abdominoplasty Surgery Checklist”
