Tummy Tuck El Paso and Las Cruces

Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck as it is commonly called, takes care of sagging skin, weak abdominal muscles and fat around the abdomen. When it comes to a tummy tuck, El Paso patients have three choices depending on the severity of their condition. The most common procedure that Dr. Martin performs is the formal or full tummy tuck. The other two options are the mini and the extended.

• Formal- The incision for this procedure runs across the pubic area, from hip to hip. The incision is low so it can be hidden by underwear or bikini. The umbilicus is repositioned with minimal scarring. Excess skin is removed, fat is liposuctioned out and Dr. Martin tightens the abdominal muscles.
• Mini- This procedure is basically the same, but less invasive. Using a smaller incision and eliminating the naval incision, Dr. Martin uses this process for people who have mild sagging, just a little fat and the muscles don’t require tightening above the belly button.
• Extended- This is the same as the formal except that it extends up the hips and around to the back when a patient has excess sagging and fat around the entire midsection of the torso. Dr. Martin removes the excess skin and fat of the entire area to create a more contoured body.

Common Questions about tummy tuck El Paso

• How much is the procedure?
  A tummy tuck ranges from $6,500 to $8,500, based on whether you need a mini, formal, or extended tummy tuck. The most common is formal which runs approximately $7,500. The quoted price includes all fees for Dr. Martin, Surgery Center and Anesthesiologist. That also includes all appointments: pre-op, post-op and follow ups. The only additional out of pocket costs would be: prescriptions, which cost approximately $100(if you don’t have insurance) and the cost of an undergarment/girdle.
• What type of anesthesia is used?
  General anesthesia is administered.
• How long does the procedure take?
  The procedure itself is scheduled anywhere from 2 hours to 3 hours. You are required to be there an hour prior to the surgery and a couple of hours of recovery after surgery. You can expect to be at the outpatient surgery center for approximately 4-5 hours.
• What sutures are used?
  We use a permanent non-dissolving suture internally for the rectus muscle repair. We also use a dissolvable suture for the incision along with dermabond, a glue used for skin closure.
• What will my recovery be like?
  Plan on taking at least two weeks off from work or school. After the first week, you will be able to do some light exercise like walking. In six weeks, more strenuous activity is ok and you should be back to normal activities at this time as well.
• Can it get rid of my stretch marks?
  Many patients who have lost a lot of weight are left with unsightly stretch marks. A tummy tuck can get rid of some of the stretch marks that happen to fall within the portion of skin removed.