Hopkins Plastic Surgery

Unfortunately, all of the crunches and high-protein diets in the world can’t always stop the results of aging, hormone fluctuations, genetics and pregnancy. In these cases, where the patient is realistic and healthy, a tummy tuck surgery can be a great option to remove excess skin and fat to obtain a smooth, flat tummy.

Tummy tuck surgery is a highly individualized procedure and you may still not be certain if you’re ready for it. When you contact Plastic Surgery Center, P.C. in Albuquerque, New Mexico, you can schedule a consultation with experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon, Michael S. Hopkins, M.D., who will answer your questions and prepare you for the next step.

How It’s Done

Even though it’s easy to see the results of a tummy tuck procedure, many men and women wonder about the surgery itself. The following is an overview of the tummy tuck procedure to help you will better understand the basics of the surgery you are considering:

1. Anesthesia – most patients will be under general anesthesia during a tummy tuck procedure, however, IV sedation may also be an option.

2. Incision – the most common incision line for a tummy tuck is hip-to-hip horizontal incision between the navel and the pubic hairline. The size of the incision will be determined by the amount of abdominal skin that needs to be tucked. In patients with mild degrees of excess skin and fat, an endoscopic tummy tuck may be used, which greatly minimizes scarring.

3. Muscle Repair – sutures will be used to reconnect separated abdominal muscles or to “tighten up” these muscles for a flat stomach.

4. Excess Skin and Fat Removal – Dr. Hopkins will determine the size and shape of the skin flap, which will be surgically removed.

5. Navel Placement – the original navel remains attached where it is, but a new opening is created, the navel is pulled through the opening and sutured in place.

6. Incisions Closed and Bandaged – sutures, skin adhesives, tapes or clips close the skin incisions.

If you or a loved one are considering getting a tummy tuck, please contact board certified plastic surgeon Michael S. Hopkins, M.D. and his skilled staff at Plastic Surgery Center, P.C. in Albuquerque, New Mexico.