Hopkins Plastic Surgery

A tummy tuck procedure, or an abdominoplasty, is an excellent option for women struggling to lose fat around their waistline. The effects of a tummy tuck can dramatically change a person’s appearance and boost their self-confidence. However, a tummy tuck is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. If you continue or revert to unhealthy eating habits, your body will gain weight.
To have your tummy tuck questions answered and to learn more about a patient’s lifestyle after a tummy tuck, a consultation with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon in New Mexico, like Michael S. Hopkins, M.D. at Plastic Surgery Center, P.C. can be a great asset. Call our Albuquerque, New Mexico office today to schedule your appointment.
Post-Operative Lifestyle Tips for Long Lasting Results

The expense and recovery from a tummy tuck procedure is not something most people want to endure twice. The following list of tips will help you maintain the results of your tummy tuck and eliminate a need for liposuction or a second surgery:

• If you already eat well, great. Fruits, vegetables and lean protein foods will not only help you maintain a healthy lifestyle, but will increase the rate at which your body heals.

• Many patients erroneously assume exercise is no longer necessary after a tummy tuck. On the contrary, exercise is crucial to the maintenance of your new figure. Light, non-strenuous activity can be resumed at about two weeks after your tummy tuck. Aggressive exercising and weight lifting should be postponed for at least eight weeks.

• If you smoke, quit at least two weeks before your surgery and for the best results, plan to stay smoke free. Smoking damages skin and slows the healing process. Smokers also tend to have more complications after general anesthesia than non-smokers.

• Drink lots of water to ensure you stay well hydrated, keeping your skin moisturized, healthy and strong.

Most importantly, follow Dr. Hopkins’s post-operative instructions closely. Medications, skin care products, dressing changes and keeping your incision clean will help you heal faster and maintain your new figure for a lifetime.

If you or a loved one are considering getting a tummy tuck in New Mexico and would like to learn more about the process and post-operative lifestyle, please contact Plastic Surgery Center, P.C. in Albuquerque, New Mexico to schedule a consultation. Michael S. Hopkins, M.D. is a true perfectionist in his work, so you can be assured you will be well cared for both before and after your surgery.