What is a Tummy Tuck?

For many adults, loose skin and stubborn fat around the abdomen can be difficult to eliminate, even with a healthy lifestyle. Factors such as significant weight loss, pregnancy, and aging often contribute to a lack of firmness in the midsection. A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a transformative body contouring procedure that reshapes the abdominal area to create a more toned, youthful appearance. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Miguel Gallegos offers customized tummy tuck surgeries at Hermosa Plastic Surgery for patients in Santa Fe and Albuquerque, NM, based on the amount of excess skin and fat present.

In addition to removing unwanted tissue, a tummy tuck can also repair abdominal muscles that have been weakened or separated, which commonly occurs during pregnancy. As a surgical procedure, abdominoplasty does involve a recovery period. Most patients can resume normal daily activities, such as driving, within about two weeks. However, full healing—including fading of the scar and return of sensation—can take six months to a year or more.

Dr. Gallegos utilizes the most advanced surgical techniques and equipment in his AAAASF-accredited facility to deliver exceptional tummy tuck results. To learn more, contact Hermosa Plastic Surgery today.

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What Are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck?

A personalized tummy tuck performed by Dr. Gallegos offers both aesthetic and functional improvements, including:

  • Creating a more youthful appearance
  • Reducing stubborn pockets of fat
  • Slimming and toning the midsection
  • Tightening loose or sagging skin
  • Accentuating natural curves
  • Strengthening weakened abdominal muscles
  • Improving posture
  • Enhancing physical mobility
  • Reducing symptoms of stress urinary incontinence
  • Boosting self-confidence and body image

What Qualifies You for a Tummy Tuck?

Tummy tuck surgery can benefit both men and women who are unhappy with loose skin and stubborn fat in the abdominal area. Ideal candidates are individuals who are at or near a stable weight and are seeking to restore a flatter, more contoured silhouette. While a tummy tuck is not a weight-loss procedure, it can effectively remove excess skin and may be combined with liposuction to address isolated fat deposits.

If your abdominal muscles are weak or separated—often due to pregnancy—or if you have a belly pouch or sagging skin that persists despite diet and exercise, a tummy tuck may be right for you. Women considering this procedure are advised to wait until after they have completed childbearing to preserve the long-term results.

To determine your candidacy, a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Miguel Gallegos at Hermosa Plastic Surgery in Albuquerque is required. During this meeting, Dr. Gallegos will assess your goals, examine your abdominal area, and explain the benefits and limitations of abdominoplasty. He will also address any concerns you have about the tummy tuck scar, cost, and recovery timeline, helping you make an informed decision about your treatment.