Dr. Joel Shanklin

Researching a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is major surgery with real risks and a recovery that usually runs several weeks — this page is a starting point for finding a surgeon, not medical advice. The most useful next step is a consultation, where a surgeon reviews your health history, examines you, talks through your options, and gives a personal quote. Bring questions and don't rush the decision.

Questions worth asking: Are you board-certified in plastic surgery (and can I verify it)? Where would you operate, and is the facility accredited? Can I see before-and-after photos of your own patients? What are the risks and the realistic recovery timeline for me? What's your revision policy if something needs adjusting? Whatever a listing says, always verify certification directly with the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) at abplasticsurgery.org, and discuss your candidacy, risks, and recovery with the surgeon.