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In this must-listen episode of Fuller Butz: A Behind the Scenes Plastic Surgery Podcast, co-hosts Dr. Sam Fuller and Dr. Daniel Butz, both board-certified plastic surgeons, take a deep dive into what every patient should know before and after a tummy tuck consultation. If you're considering an abdominoplasty, this episode is your roadmap to a confident, well-informed decision.

Before the Consultation: What Surgeons Really Want to Know

A tummy tuck isn’t just about removing extra skin—it’s a complex procedure requiring careful planning and customization. Dr. Fuller and Dr. Butz break down the key factors your plastic surgeon will evaluate during your consultation. Understanding these in advance helps ensure a smooth, productive discussion.

✅ Medical & Surgical History: Your past surgeries, medical conditions, and even family history can impact healing and surgical outcomes. The hosts discuss what details are crucial to share.

✅ Weight Loss & Stability: Have you recently lost weight, or do you plan to? Significant weight fluctuations before or after surgery can affect long-term results. Learn how to time your procedure for optimal success.

✅ Hernias & Scars: Many patients don’t realize how existing scars or undiagnosed hernias can influence tummy tuck planning. The doctors explain why these factors are essential and how they impact surgical techniques.

The Procedure: Breaking Down the Key Components

Tummy tucks are more than just skin removal. Dr. Fuller and Dr. Butz provide a step-by-step breakdown of what actually happens during surgery, ensuring you know exactly what to expect:

🔹 Liposuction: How fat removal can be combined with a tummy tuck for better contouring—and when it’s necessary vs. when it’s not.

🔹 Rectus Plication: What does “muscle repair” actually mean? If you have diastasis recti (muscle separation), the surgeons discuss how they bring the muscles back together to restore core strength and a flatter abdomen.

🔹 Belly Button Creation: A small but critical part of a high-quality tummy tuck is designing a natural-looking belly button. The doctors reveal their techniques and what sets apart an aesthetically pleasing result.

🔹 Skin & Fat Removal: Excess tissue is removed to create a smooth, firm abdominal contour. How much can or should be taken? Dr. Fuller and Dr. Butz discuss how they personalize this to each patient’s needs.

Recovery & Expectations: What You Need to Know

One of the biggest concerns patients have is recovery—how much downtime is required, what the pain level is like, and when they can return to normal activities. Dr. Fuller and Dr. Butz provide a realistic look at:

⏳ Healing Timeline: What to expect in the first few days, weeks, and months post-surgery.

💊 Pain Management: The doctors share modern pain control techniques, including long-acting anesthetics and recovery strategies.

🏃‍♀️ Activity Restrictions:

🔄 Long-Term Expectations:

Final Takeaways: The Smartest Questions to Ask

To wrap up the episode, Dr. Fuller and Dr. Butz provide a list of essential questions every patient should ask their plastic surgeon before moving forward with a tummy tuck. From understanding risks to discussing surgeon experience and technique, they cover the most critical inquiries to ensure you’re in the best hands.

If you’ve ever wondered whether a tummy tuck is right for you, or if you want to go into your consultation feeling fully prepared, this episode is your ultimate guide!

🎧 Tune in now and get the inside scoop on what plastic surgeons really think about tummy tucks!

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