The abdomen is responsible for various functions, such as protecting the organs and offering skeletal support. Within the abdomen are layers of muscles that facilitate several different motions, including the rectus abdominis, or the ‘six-pack’ muscles. (1)
During pregnancy, these muscles pull apart. For many women, these muscles do not fully retract and often stay separated after childbirth, causing a condition known as diastasis recti. This condition can cause unwanted bulges and pouches in the abdominal region. Patients who gain a large amount of weight may also experience this. While harmless, it is difficult to address on one’s own, even with targeted exercises. Fortunately, surgeons can repair the muscles during a tummy tuck.
If you are interested in restoring your abdomen, Dr. Kamran Azad can help you achieve your goals. Dr. Azad is a board-certified plastic surgeon and the founder and medical director of Azad Plastic Surgery, located in Orlando, Florida. He has many years of experience and has trained all over the country under some of the top plastic and reconstructive surgeons. His combination of artistry with his deep anatomical knowledge leaves each patient with stunning, tailored results that restore both function and aesthetic form.
To schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Azad, please contact our office online or call (407) 848-3400.
Contents
About Tummy Tucks
A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure performed to address redundant skin, tissue, and fat from around the torso and waist. This procedure is often performed after pregnancy or significant weight loss to tighten the abdominal muscles and strengthen a patient’s core, leaving a slimmer, firmer look and feel. This procedure can be performed to address the entire length of the abdomen, or a variation may be performed to address skin exclusively below the navel, or even around the sides and lower back.
About Diastasis Recti
Diastasis recti is a condition that causes the abdominal muscles to become distanced and separated at the abdominal midline. This condition is quite common and can be caused by various factors, but it is most often caused by pregnancy or significant weight fluctuations. Oftentimes, diastasis recti can present itself as an outward bulge in the abdomen. (2)
Symptoms of Diastasis Recti
Patients experiencing diastasis recti often experience symptoms and physical changes after their muscles separate. These symptoms may include:
- A visible midline bulge.
- Softened tissue around the navel.
- The appearance of doming in the abdomen when contracting the muscles in the abdomen.
- The development of umbilical hernias.
- Back pain or poor posture. (2)
While diastasis recti does not require surgical intervention, repair can help alleviate these symptoms. Dr. Azad’s specialized tummy tuck techniques can help patients address each of their concerns, restoring both their abdominal composition and confidence.
Benefits
Undergoing a tummy tuck can lead to numerous benefits, including:
- Eliminated Excess Skin: A tummy tuck can effectively remove loose and sagging skin, resulting in a tighter and smoother abdomen.
- Muscle Repair: Repairing separated abdominal muscles will restore stability to the abdominal wall.
- Improved Body Contours: Patients can experience an enhanced silhouette and a more aesthetically pleasing figure with a tummy tuck.
- Boosted Confidence: Many patients feel rejuvenated and confident in their new appearance, leading to an increase in their overall self-esteem.
- Long-Lasting Results: With the proper maintenance, the results of each patient’s procedure can last for many years.
To learn more about the benefits of our tummy tuck procedure, contact our office online or call (407) 848-3400.
Candidates
Suitable candidates for a tummy tuck include either men or women who are interested in reducing excess hanging skin or tissue from around their abdomen and waist to achieve a more defined figure. Those with diastasis recti often undergo this procedure. Additionally, postpartum women or those who have recently undergone a significant weight change may find that this treatment restores a more youthful-looking physique.
Candidates should be in good overall health and hold realistic expectations regarding their results. Patients should be nonsmokers or prepared to quit smoking until completely healed. Those with visceral fat, or fat within their abdomen rather than loose or hanging fat deposits, as well as patients over the age of 65, are not recommended for this treatment, but are still encouraged to reach out so that our team may find a suitable alternative.
Personal Consultation
The first step to repairing your abdominal muscles is attending a personal consultation with Dr. Azad. This consultation allows him to get to know you on a more personal level and to recommend the best surgical strategies to address your concerns. The consultation will begin with a series of questions about medical history, current medications, concerns, and desired results. He may also evaluate your anatomy and physical condition. Using this information, he will design your tummy tuck, personalizing the procedure to help you achieve each of your goals.
Patients are encouraged to ask questions and voice any concerns, as this meeting is dedicated to their specific treatment.
To schedule your consultation with Dr. Azad, please contact our office online. To speak to a member of our team or schedule an appointment over the phone, please call (407) 848-3400.
Preparation
Dr. Azad will provide preparation instructions during the consultation once a treatment plan is established. Instructions may vary between patients, but each instruction should be closely followed to facilitate a smooth recovery and the most ideal results.
Generally speaking, patients will need to discontinue using medications or supplements with blood-thinning properties at least 2-4 weeks before their appointment. Drinking alcoholic beverages should be avoided, and smoking should be stopped at least 8 weeks in advance, with patients fully ceasing their nicotine use throughout their recovery.
Patients will need to arrange for transportation home after their procedure, in addition to the time away from work needed for their recovery.
Procedure
Each procedure will begin with the administration of anesthesia to ensure a relaxing and comfortable experience. Dr. Azad will make an incision along the bikini line, ensuring that the placement can be easily hidden after the procedure. A second incision is then made around the navel, before the skin is lifted to reveal the underlying abdominal tissue and muscle. Dr. Azad will use sutures to pull the separated muscles back together at the midline, tightening and strengthening the muscles before burying the sutures for long-term reinforcement. (3) Once the diastasis recti is addressed, he will excise any redundant tissue from around the waist, leaving a more defined silhouette. The skin will then be redraped, and if necessary, a new opening for the navel will be made using advanced techniques that avoid any external scarring. Each incision is then carefully closed before the patient is left to rest under the care of our team as any remaining anesthesia wears off.
Recovery
Following their procedure, patients stay overnight in our facility. Most patients will need several weeks to recover, depending on the extent of their corrections and other circumstances, but individual timelines will vary. It is common to experience some swelling or bruising in the treatment area, but these effects will fade as you heal. Many patients can return to work within 10-14 days, but will need to wait several more weeks before returning to their full routines. Any further recovery instructions will be provided by Dr. Azad during the consultation.
Results
While patients may notice a significant difference following their procedure, the full results of a tummy tuck will become more apparent after any residual swelling subsides. Any bulging or protruding caused by diastasis recti will be reduced, leaving a more defined figure and long-lasting results.
Cost of Tummy Tucks in Orlando, Florida
The cost of each tummy tuck can vary, as each patient’s procedure is designed to address their concerns and unique anatomy. Dr. Azad will disclose the cost of the procedure during your personal consultation once a treatment plan has been established. Additionally, Azad Plastic Surgery offers various financing plans for qualifying patients.
To receive the cost of your tummy tuck, please schedule a personal consultation by calling (407) 848-3400 or by submitting our online contact form.
FAQ
What causes abdominal muscle separation?
Abdominal muscle separation, also referred to as diastasis recti, may be caused by several factors, including pregnancy, significant weight fluctuations, or genetic predisposition.
Can I treat my abdominal muscle separation using non-surgical methods?
Non-surgical treatments, such as specialized physical therapy, may be used to help strengthen the abdominal muscles and may be effective for some patients. Receiving a tummy tuck, however, is the most effective method to address diastasis recti and other concerns around the abdomen.
How long will the results of my tummy tuck last?
The results of each patient’s tummy tuck are long-lasting, as long as each patient maintains a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle.
Is a tummy tuck safe?
Tummy tucks are generally considered a safe procedure, especially when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Azad.
Can my tummy tuck be combined with another treatment for more comprehensive results?
Yes, patients are welcome to complement the effects of their tummy tuck with another procedure for a more dramatic transformation. For more information, please discuss this option with Dr. Azad during your consultation or reach out to our office to speak to a member of our team.
References
- Flynn W, Vickerton P. Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Abdominal Wall. PubMed. Published July 24, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551649/
- Hall H, Sanjaghsaz H. Diastasis Recti Rehabilitation. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK573063/
- Nahabedian M. Management Strategies for Diastasis Recti. Seminars in Plastic Surgery. 2018;32(03):147-154. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0038-1661380