Hopkins Plastic Surgery

Life After Liposuction: Tips to Maintain Your New Figure

2011-06-13T15:48:00.001-06:00

Although liposuction is an effective means of removing stubborn excess fat that from areas of the body that do not otherwise respond to diet and exercise, maintaining the results of liposuction requires diligence.

[b]Maintain a Healthy Diet[/b]

One way to keep your rejuvenated form following liposuction is to pay attention to the foods you put into your body. Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits to keep your cells and digestive system strong, and to properly regulate your metabolism.

During meals, watch your portions and aim for balanced nutrition. You do not have to deny yourself sweets, but remember to take everything in moderation. Another easy and healthy habit is to increase your intake of water.

[b]Stay Active[/b]

If you did not work out before your liposuction, following your healing process would be a good time to start. Use the stairs instead of the elevator, or walk down to the grocery store. Keep your new body in motion.

Liposuction can help restore a more youthful appearance. The proper diet and fitness habits will help you keep it.

If you live in the Albuquerque or Santa Fe areas and are considering liposuction, please contact board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael S. Hopkins at the Plastic Surgery Center, P.C.

How Do I Choose a Liposuction Surgeon?

2011-05-25T11:21:00.000-06:00

Like any type of cosmetic surgery, liposuction comes with risks, and it is best performed by a qualified, experienced plastic surgeon.

If you’re considering liposuction, one good way to narrow down your surgeon options is to ask friends and family members for recommendations. Research plastic surgeons online, checking for their education, specialized training, board certification and patient testimonials.

Most respectable plastic surgeons will feature a gallery of before and after photos on their websites or maintain a portfolio in their office. Look at the images and consider if you’re pleased with the level of results and consistency.

Don’t be afraid to schedule consultations with multiple plastic surgeons. When you’re considering a liposuction procedure, it’s important to find a surgeon who is both highly qualified and whom you personally trust.

A plastic surgeon with a successful track record will be able to determine if you’re a viable candidate for liposuction, answer your questions, explain procedures and risks in an understandable manner, and help you set realistic goals.

If you live in the Albuquerque or Santa Fe areas and are considering liposuction, please contact board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael S. Hopkins at the Plastic Surgery Center.

What Happens During a Tummy Tuck Surgery

2011-01-07T13:24:00.000-07:00

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.

Benefits of a Tummy Tuck

2011-01-03T15:45:00.001-07:00

A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure used to remove excess fat and skin. A tummy tuck procedure can also help repair abdominal muscles that have been weakened or separated by pregnancy, extreme weight loss, heredity or aging. A toned stomach is one of the most sought-after attributes for both men and women and a tummy tuck can help you achieve those results.

Tummy Tuck Results

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, approximately 122,000 tummy tucks were performed in the United States in 2008. While both men and women opt for a tummy tuck for various aesthetic reasons, there are tremendous health benefits to this procedure as well. Some benefits of a tummy tuck include:

• Slimmer waistline – a tummy tuck will eliminate a protruding or sagging stomach. You will see a smoother stomach contour, a flatter, firmer belly and a narrower waistline.
• Eliminate stretch marks – many women are self-conscious about stretch marks on their abdomen, especially after a pregnancy. During the procedure, the affected areas may be removed entirely or stretched more tightly to lessen the appearance of stretch marks.
• Excess skin removal – as you age, your skin loses its elasticity and loose skin often results. Unlike liposuction alone, a tummy tuck can remove folds of sagging skin.
• Tighter abdominal muscles – after a pregnancy, and sometimes as a result of aging, the abdominal muscles can begin to separate, a condition known as rectus diastasis. When the damage is severe, only surgery can repair it.
• Belly fat removal – belly fat can be dangerous to a person’s overall health as it may negatively impact adjacent internal muscles.

Please contact Michael S. Hopkins, M.D. and his skilled surgical staff at Plastic Surgery Center, P.C. in Albuquerque, New Mexico if you are considering having a tummy tuck procedure. Dr. Hopkins will be happy to answer all of your tummy tuck questions and help you determine if this is the right procedure for you.

Lifestyle Changes After a Tummy Tuck

2010-12-06T13:45:00.001-07:00

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.

Choosing the Right Breast Implant Size

2010-12-02T11:14:00.001-07:00

The leading cause for breast implant revision procedures is simply to change the breast implant sizes chosen by the patient for the surgery. The average total cost of breast implant surgery ranges from $4,000 to $10,000, so it’s important to be completely satisfied with your investment the first time.

A consultation with your plastic surgeon is probably the best tool you have in helping to determine the correct size for your breast implants. Plastic Surgery Center, P.C. in Albuquerque, New Mexico offers consultations with board-certified and skilled plastic surgeon, Michael S. Hopkins, M.D. Dr. Hopkins and his staff will guide you through the process of getting a breast augmentation that meets your needs and goals.

Homemade Tests to Choose Your Breasts

If you are having trouble imaging what different size breast implants will look on you, try the following tests in the privacy of your own home. They can help you choose the best breast implant size for you:

· The Rice Test – all you need is an old nylon stocking and uncooked rice. Knowing that 30 cc’s are contained in one ounce, you’ll want to first try out 300 or 350 cc’s in an unpadded bra.

· The Water Baggie Test – carefully fill the plastic baggies with water until you reach the desired size and place them in an unpadded bra to try them out. Theoretically, the volume of water you use should result in the appropriate breast implant sizes.

· The Fashion Test – after you decide on a size you’d like, try on one of you tailored shirts and jackets or swimsuit. This will help you determine whether or not your new size will appear natural without shirts puckering or buttons popping.

While homemade tests like these can be good initial guides, the best resource to help you choose the correct breast implant size for your body is your board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Hopkins can show you pictures of different sizes on different women and let you know which cup size will work for you given your body type.

If you are considering breast augmentation surgery and aren’t sure which breast implant size is right for you, please contact Dr. Michael S. Hopkins at Plastic Surgery Center, P.C. in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Call or email our office today to schedule a consultation where you can learn more about breast augmentation surgery and your options for breast implants.

Silicone vs. Saline

2010-11-16T14:15:00.000-07:00

Both saline and silicone breast implants are considered safe for breast augmentation and breast reconstruction and they each have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. However, these two options for breast augmentation should not be thought of as interchangeable.

Silicone Breast Implants

Silicone breast implants are pre-filled with silicone gel – a thick fluid that is very similar to the feel of human fat. Silicone implants are available to women age 22 and older for both breast augmentation and reconstruction surgery. Silicone gel implants have a lower rate of rippling and wrinkling and a lower risk of downward displacement due to gravity.

One of the main concerns expressed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over silicone gel implants is a problem commonly referred to as “silent rupture.” Sometimes, no obvious symptoms exist when a silicone gel implant ruptures. There is no evidence that leaking silicone gel is harmful to your body, but you’ll need surgery to remove the ruptured implant. Additionally, the size of standard prefilled silicone implants cannot be changed.

Saline Breast Implants

Saline breast implants are filled with saline, typically at the time of the breast augmentation surgery. Thanks to this methodology, saline imparts are inserted using a smaller incision than silicone implants. These implants are available to women age 18 and older and are less expensive than silicone implants.
If a saline breast implant ruptures, the implant deflates and the body absorbs the saline (salt solution) without harm. The obvious size difference is apparent and surgery is required to remove the ruptured breast implant. The main disadvantage of saline breast implants is their water balloon-like feel. Additionally, saline implants will also be more likely to show rippling or wrinkling.

If you are considering breast augmentation or reconstruction surgery, please contact Michael S. Hopkins, M.D. and his skilled surgical team at Plastic Surgery Center, P.C. to schedule an appointment where you can learn more about your breast implant options.

Breast Augmentation and Breast Feeding

2010-11-16T14:13:00.000-07:00

In the early 1990’s, a myth circulated that led many people to believe that the silicone from the breast implants could leak into a mother’s breast milk and harm the baby. However, no evidence has been proven that breast implants could, in fact, contaminate the mother’s milk and become a danger to the baby. Medical professionals and the pediatric community encourage mothers to breastfeed their babies, regardless of whether they have had a breast augmentation.

During your consultation with New Mexico board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Hopkins, M.D. at Plastic Surgery Center, P.C., you can have all of your breast augmentation questions answered to help you determine whether the surgery is right for you.

Breast Augmentation Incision Techniques

Most cosmetic surgeons believe that the ability of a mother to breastfeed her baby after breast augmentation surgery is dependent on the site and type of incision used. The four different techniques that can be used in breast augmentation surgery are:

· Infra-submammary – incision made under the breasts

· Periareolar – incision made around the areola and nipple

· Transareolar – incision made across the areola and nipple area

· Axillary – incision made in the armpit

The best option for women who wish to have a breast augmentation and still be able to nurse in the future is the axillary incision technique. By going through the armpit, plastic surgeons run less risk of disrupting breast tissue, glandular tissue, and scarring, which might hinder the breastfeeding process.

Every client is unique and has different needs with a breast augmentation. Dr. Michael S. Hopkins, M.D. at Plastic Surgery Center, P.C. will provide you with individual care and attention to detail to give you the best results possible. Please contact our office in Albuquerque, New Mexico to schedule an appointment today.

Your Role in Getting the Best Breast Augmentation

2010-10-29T14:44:00.002-06:00

Breast augmentation surgery is a procedure that will be a part of your life forever, so it is important that you achieve the best results possible. You want to find the best surgeon available who can take care of you both during and following the procedure. However, you also play a pivotal role in getting the best breast augmentation possible.
While the majority of your responsibilities occur after breast augmentation surgery, your results will also benefit greatly by contacting an experienced New Mexico plastic surgeon, like Dr. Michael S. Hopkins at Plastic Surgery Center, P.C. Call today to schedule a consultation where you can learn more about your options for breast augmentation surgery.

Pre-Surgery Responsibilities

Patients who have thoroughly educated themselves about breast augmentation are typically the most satisfied with their results. The following is a list of pre-surgery responsibilities to ensure you are ready for your breast augmentation surgery:

· Research the benefits and risks of breast augmentation surgery

· Educate yourself about the differences between saline and silicone breast implants

· Determine your personal goals for the surgery

Post-Surgery Responsibilities

Your recovery period will be affected by factors including your age, body shape and the placement method used, among other things. But you can help your recovery and comfort level by following these tips:

· Follow the instructions from Dr. Hopkins – including post-operative medications and changes to your daily activities

· Attend all of your follow-up appointments – including mammograms

· Clear your schedule so you can get as much rest as possible which will help you heal more quickly

· Wear loose-fitting clothing, eat healthy foods and don’t smoke for 2 weeks before and after your breast augmentation surgery

If you live in New Mexico and are considering breast augmentation, please contact Dr. Hopkins and his compassionate staff at Plastic Surgery Center, P.C. in Albuquerque, New Mexico to have your breast augmentation questions answered.

Proper Placement of Breast Implants

2010-10-29T14:43:00.002-06:00

Breast implant surgeries are intended to make you feel better and more confident about your body. Proper placement plays an enormous role in the outcome and durability of breast implants. A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon can help you determine the best size, type, incision pattern and placement of your breast implants so your breast augmentation procedure leaves you feeling like a better version of yourself.
The proper placement of breast implants is important in the outcome of your surgery and should complement your lifestyle. Contact Plastic Surgery Center, P.C. in Albuquerque, New Mexico to speak with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon who can help you attain the best possible results.

Methods for Placement of Breast Implants

Breast implants can be placed over or under the pectoral muscles and each method has its risks and benefits. With whatever method you choose, the placement should be suited to your body and lifestyle. The three methods for placement of breast implants are:

· Subglandular – places the breast implant directly behind the mammary gland and in front of the pectoral muscles. This surgery is the least complicated and has the quickest recovery time. Many athletic individuals choose this option because it prevents flexing chest muscles from interfering with the appearance or integrity of the breast implant.

· Subpectoral – partially covers the breast implant under the pectoralis major muscle. Subpectoral placement reduces the risk of capsular contracture and visible implant rippling, but yields a longer and more painful recovery period. Additionally, the increased swelling post-surgery may increase the period of time it takes for the implant to drop into a natural position.

· Submuscular – places the breast implant behind the pectoralis major muscle and behind all of the supporting connective tissue and non-pectoral muscle groups. Submuscular placement has the same drawbacks of a subpectoral placement and an even longer recovery time. However, submuscular implants tend to be the best for mammograms.

If you or a loved one are considering having breast implant surgery, please contact the Plastic Surgery Center, P.C. in Albuquerque, New Mexico to speak to board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael S. Hopkins, M.D.

Hopkins Plastic Surgery Blog

2009-03-04T12:45:00.002-07:00

Dr. Hopkins believes that cosmetic surgery can help his patients enhance their natural beauty while at the same time improve their quality of life.