Free Tummy Tuck Consultation at Sarasota
Before having a tummy tuck, an initial consultation with Dr. Sessa will need to take place. During this consultation, prepare to discuss your surgical goals, any medical conditions, and current medications.
In the consultation with Dr. Sessa, he will perform a general health evaluation to determine any pre-existing conditions which could put you at risk of complications during or after surgery. He will take photographs and use special imaging software to help determine the best treatment plan.
Dr. Sessa will review any possible risks or complications of tummy tucks surgery. He will also go over the type of anesthesia used during surgery. General anesthesia is commonly used during abdominoplasty for patient safety. Patients should come to their consultation with any questions or concerns they may have so that they can get all the information they need to make a decision.
Preparing for Tummy Tuck Surgery
To ensure the best possible outcome and to keep risks to a minimum, it is important to follow the surgeon’s specific preparation instructions for a tummy tuck. Before surgery, patients will need to do the following:
- Have lab testing done and a thorough medical evaluation
- Stop smoking, if applicable, at least 4 weeks prior to surgery
- Avoid aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs which can increase the risk of blood clots
Some patients will need to stop taking certain medications or have adjustments to current meds. Tummy tuck surgery should always be performed by a cosmetic surgeon like Dr. Sessa to reduce the risk of complications.
Patients who plan to have the procedure performed as an outpatient surgery should arrange for someone to drive them to and from the cosmetic surgery center. Have a friend or family member stay with you at least one night after surgery, preferably longer.
The Procedure
Before the surgery begins, general anesthesia is administered, ensuring that the patient will be asleep throughout the surgery. Dr. Sessa makes a long incision from hip to hip and removes the excess skin and fat that is causing a sagging or protruding abdomen, surgically tightens lax abdominal muscles to streamline the waist, and re-drapes the skin of the abdomen to ensure smooth, natural-looking results. In many cases, Dr. Sessa must reposition the patient’s belly button as well, to achieve the patient’s aesthetic goals.
The doctor may use liposuction techniques during a tummy tuck to remove pockets of fat and refine abdominal contours. For patients who are only seeking to improve the appearance of the lower abdomen, Dr. Sessa can perform a partial tummy tuck (also called a mini tummy tuck), which requires less surgery time, and does not affect the belly button, and reduces the length of the recovery period.