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“The Body Patient” – A Patient’s Perspective on Plastic Surgery with Houston’s Dr. Ravi Somayazula—Part 2 of Tummy Tuck

Model showcasing women's underwear from different angles.
November 8, 2017

Last week’s blog was Part 1 of Jennifer’s Tummy Tuck interview discussing her personal journey. We have the conclusion of her interview now. We hope you enjoyed hearing about her experience with Body by Ravi Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics and Dr. Ravi Somayazula.

DID YOU FEEL WELL PREPARED FOR YOUR PLASTIC SURGERY?

I felt 100% prepared for my surgery. About two weeks before surgery I had my pre-op appointment. I was given a folder with detailed procedure information and paperwork that explained all the essential information I needed to know. Dr. Ravi and his staff specifically went over my before and after surgery instructions in detail so that I could start getting prepared. I was happy I got to meet with Dr. Ravi again before surgery, and he made sure all my last-minute questions were answered. I was nervous about having surgery, but having that appointment really made me feel prepared and eventually excited.

WHAT WAS THE BEST ADVICE THAT WAS GIVEN TO YOU?

My best advice was to take the recommended time off work, and to spend time reading through all the surgery paperwork I got at my pre-op appointment. Usually with previous non-elective surgeries I have skimmed over the paperwork, and never really read over the important information. I don’t think I could’ve been half as prepared as I was for this surgery if I hadn’t taken staff’s advice to carefully read over it.

HOW WAS YOUR RECOVERY AFTER SURGERY?

My recovery was better than expected. I took two weeks off work and ended up returning to work a few days sooner than I had planned. I’m not going to lie, the first week was really hard especially with those drains in place. But, Dr. Ravi and his staff did a great job of preparing me and setting my expectations. I knew to take my pain medications as instructed to stay comfortable. I was also go glad they had mentioned that I should start taking a stool softner and Miralax along with the pain meds to prevent constipation. I had a friend who underwent a tummy tuck and her doctor didn’t mention that to her and she has horrible abdominal pain because of it.

ARE YOU HAPPY WITH YOUR RESULTS? WOULD YOU DO IT AGAIN?

I am very happy with my results and am so thankful to Dr. Ravi and his entire team. I can finally wear a 2-piece swim suit and sleeveless tops and not feel bad anymore. It’s really improved my confidence and I almost feel like a whole new person now. Plastic surgery may not be for everyone, but it was certainly the right choice for me!

ADVISE FOR FUTURE PATIENTS?

If you’ve been contemplating having a tummy tuck procedure, I would recommend moving forward with surgery. It is not quite as scary as you might think, but it is a commitment. My biggest regret in all of this is that I should have done it sooner. I am so happy to have found Dr. Ravi and his entire staff. They really did take such good care of me and my results are so amazing. I love my new body and you will too, if you choose Dr. Ravi.

We hope you found this patient perspective interview helpful in your journey to plastic surgery. To learn more about Tummy Tucks (or other procedures, such as Breast AugmentationMommy Makeovers and Brazilian Butt Lift), please call us today at 281-242-1061 or email us to schedule your initial consultation. Dr. Ravi specializes in breast and body contouring procedures and would be happy to discuss an abdominoplasty in person to make sure you’re a great candidate!

Dr. Swapna Gopathi, MD, and Houston plastic surgeon, Dr. Ravi

Dr. Ravi Somayazula

Elevate your aesthetic journey with Dr. Ravi Somayazula, a Board-Certified, Harvard-trained plastic surgeon whose reputation is built on unrivaled technical mastery in body contouring. Dr. Ravi brings a meticulous, detail-oriented approach to every procedure, leveraging his expertise, which includes over 10,000 successful surgeries and active contribution to ASPS publications, to deliver truly transformative and precise results. Recognized as a Texas Top Doc, his surgical excellence is matched only by his compassionate care, earning the confidence of patients reflected in over 650 five-star reviews.

I'm interested in Surgery, what are my next steps?

Step 1: Clarify Your Goals

  • Think about the changes you’d like to see: Do you want subtle rejuvenation, dramatic transformation, or somewhere in-between?
  • Identify any specific concerns relevant to Dr. Ravi's practice (for example: loose skin, body contour irregularities, or other issues you wish to discuss).

Step 2: Prepare for Your Consultation

  • Gather Information: Consider bringing reference photos if you have a look in mind—these help Dr. Ravi understand your aesthetic vision.
  • Ready Your Questions: Come with key questions prepared, such as:
  • Am I a good candidate for the procedures I'm considering?
  • What results are realistic for me?
  • What will the recovery process look like?
  • Bring Support: Consider bringing a trusted friend or family member for support and to help remember what’s discussed.

Step 3: At Your Consultation

  • Review and Discuss: Review the personalized plan Dr. Ravi designs specifically for you—tailored to your anatomy, goals, and lifestyle. Discuss and understand the timeline, recovery, and costs.
  • Be Prepared: Take notes, review all the documents you’ll receive, dress simply (you may need to undress for an exam), and bring any relevant medical paperwork or referral if required.
  • Next Steps: You’ll receive detailed instructions and support materials to help you make your final decision.