Tummy Tuck: Prices, Photos, Reviews, Info, Q&A

Say you go to a Plastic surgeon and say ” I need a tummy tuck procedure, and while you are at it can you do a hysterectomy.” If he agreed to do it, I would run out of the office. We train for years to get skills in OUR field. I have worked with many wonderful OB GYNs – they do the internal work and when they are done , I do the tummy tuck procedure. Works better that way. (William B. Rosenblatt, MD, New York Plastic Surgeon)

Unless your OB/GYN has completed full training in plastic surgery, and is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, he or she is simply removing some lower abdominal skin. Unfortunately, there are all too many General Surgeons, OB/GYNs, Dermatologists, and doctors of other specialties who figure “It’s just skin – I can cut some out and make things better (and this is the part they don’t say out loud), and charge a nice out-of-pocket fee!”

What is a tummy tuck procedure

At least your OB/GYN is being honest about not addressing the belly button, upper abdominal skin, or muscle layers that are part of a “real” tummy tuck. BTW, would you go to a plastic surgeon to deliver your baby? Or a family practitioner to have open-heart surgery? There is a reason the training takes so long.

If you want or need a tummy tuck procedure, see one or more ABPS-certified plastic surgeons for consultation about what a “real” tummy tuck is, and remember you get what you pay for (or sometimes LESS, if you have a non-plastic surgeon perform a tummy tuck.) (Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS, Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon)

What is the tummy tuck procedure

This is a growing problem out there with OB-Gyn’s and other specialties pretending to be plastic surgeons. They have no training in this and think that it is just easy to do. Not so! There are so many decisions, judgements, and techniques needed to get your best result. Only have a plastic surgeon do the tummy tuck procedure. (Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS, Seattle Plastic Surgeon)

Tummy tuck procedure outside the scope of practice?

For your best chance of an excellent result from an elective cosmetic procedure such as a tummy tuck, I recommend that you have something like this done by a fully-trained, experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon.

What is tummy tuck procedure image

There are many types of physicians (and even dentists) that want to be plastic surgeons, but the fact remains that they are not.

They are wannabe’s, not Plastic Surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, an ABMS recognized Board. Make your decision carefully. It’s your body. If something just doesn’t seem right or things don’t add up, then trust your instincts.

See someone trained not only how to do the tummy tuck surgery but also who knows how to take care of any of the problems that may occur afterward – aka – a Board-certified Plastic Surgeon.  (J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS, Nashville Plastic Surgeon)

What is tummy tuck procedure photo

Read ALL our experts responses, many times. Your OB/GYN saying he only does lower abdomen TT is a fool’s answer. Does he only do the left side of a face lift? Another recent written statement from a close colleague/friend, Dr Randy Miller of Miami and President of the Florida Society of Plastic Surgeons, is as follows.

How many doctors go around introducing themselves as a Pediatricians or OB/GYNs if they are not one of those specialties? Very few if any. But look at all the doctors saying they are Plastic surgeons because it is the new “IT” thing. Very few of us have taken the time and years to become true Plastic Surgeons. You need to be sure you wish this doc to operate on you! I know I wouldn’t. Regards from one of the few. (Darryl J. Blinski, MD, Miami Plastic Surgeon)

What is tummy tuck surgery procedure

Be your own advocate and seek out at least one other opinion from someone who specializes in and is residency- trained in cosmetic plastic surgery, namely a board-certified plastic surgeon. You can read everyone else’s posts to see why. (Michelle Spring, MD, Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon)

I would recommend that you consult with at least one Board Certified Plastic Surgeon before undertaking a combination hysterectomy and abdominoplasty operation by an OB/gyn.

The board certified plastic surgeon will be able to present options to you based upon experience with not only abdominoplasty opeations, but with liposuction surgery, mini-abdominoplasties, and abdominal wall reconstructions that allow us to provide you the best option.

Someone who only does skin removal, but none of the other types of surgery has only one tool at his disposal. You do not want to be the patient who is the”nail” because he only has a hammer. I would echo all the other concerns of the other surgeons who have responded to your question, as well. Best of Luck, but be cautious and deliberate in your choice of surgeons. (David N. Hing, MD, Ann Arbor Plastic Surgeon)