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When considering cosmetic surgery, there is plenty of research to be done as it relates to types of procedures, quality of results, and expertise of providers. A facet of the procedure that’s crucial to keep in mind: [downtime and recovery](https://aedit.com/aedition/how-long-does-it-takes-to-recover-from-cosmetic-surgery-procedures). Generally speaking, surgical procedures have a longer and more involved healing process than non-surgical alternatives, but what does that actually mean in terms of what you can expect in the days, weeks, and months after treatment?

If you are thinking about having an [abdominoplasty](https://aedit.com/procedure/abdominoplasty) (a.k.a. tummy tuck), chances are you’ve been looking through [before and after photos](https://aedit.com/aedition/importance-of-before-and-after-photos-in-plastic-surgery), [pricing out the surgery](https://aedit.com/procedure/tummy-tuck-abdominoplasty/cost), reading stories of the recovery process, and wondering what’s in store. To give you a clearer picture of what tummy tuck recovery is actually like, we’re breaking down what can be expected from the perspective of providers and patients alike. While recovery and results will look different for everyone and plastic surgeons have their own recommendations to ensure patients the best possible outcome, we’re offering some honest insight into what it’s really like to recover from a tummy tuck.

## **Tummy Tuck Recovery Timeline**
During the [consultation](https://aedit.com/aedition/questions-to-ask-your-doctor-during-plastic-surgery-consultation) and pre-op preparations, your surgeon will share what can be expected during the recovery process and when you can return to normal activities after surgery. There may be particular milestones that are important to you, such as going back to work, exercising, or picking up young children. The amount of downtime depends on the patient and procedure, but here is a general timeline for recovering from an abdominoplasty.

<BeforeAfterModule
  title={Before & Afters: Tummy Tuck}
  procedureId={840}
/>

### **Day 0**
From the time you check-in to the time you are discharged, a tummy tuck is a full-day affair. As [Jeff Church, MD](https://aedit.com/provider/jeffrey-church-md-34661), a board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Wilmington, NC, explains, the vast majority of abdominoplasties are performed at outpatient facilities. “Most surgery centers have the patient come one to two hours before surgery,” he says. “The surgery takes about three hours, and patients typically stay another hour or so for recovery.”

Whether you go home the same day or stay overnight for observation is up to your surgeon, but “most tummy tucks are performed as an outpatient surgery, meaning you are able to return home on the same day,” says [Olivia MaDan, MD](https://aedit.com/provider/olivia-madan-md-34660), a board eligible plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Nashville, TN. Because [general anesthesia](https://aedit.com/aedition/everything-you-need-to-know-about-anesthesia) is involved, you will need someone to drive you home and, if possible, stay with you for the first few days to help change dressings, administer pain medication (prescription and over-the-counter), care for children, and tend to any chores.

### **The First 48 Hours** 
For the first 48 hours after a tummy tuck, you will feel drowsy (a lingering side effect of the anesthesia) and sore. “Patients can expect to have incisional, inflammatory, and muscle spasm pain,” Dr. MaDan says. Discomfort “is controlled with [pain medication](https://aedit.com/aedition/opioid-crisis-plastic-surgery-recovery-pain-management), as well as an injectable anesthetic called Exparel® that we administer during the procedure,” explains [Jules Walters III, MD](https://aedit.com/provider/jules-walters-md-34662), a board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Metairie, LA. Expect it “to improve each day,” he shares.

You may be tempted to turn into a couch potato and use the downtime as an excuse to catch up on *Squid Game*, but gentle movement is perhaps the most important medicine during this time. “I ask that my patients get up and move around starting when they get home on the day of surgery,” Dr. Church says. A simple walk around the house every couple of hours will do the trick, Dr. Walters adds.

Depending on the technique of your surgeon, you may or may not go home with drains. “I usually avoid leaving a drainage tube by placing many internal stitches,” Dr. MaDan notes. “The drainage tube often causes significant discomfort after a tummy tuck.” But all patients will be encouraged to wear [compression garments](https://aedit.com/aedition/benefits-of-compression-garments-after-cosmetic-surgery) for several weeks. “I counsel my patient's to wear their compression garments 24/7 (except for showering) for six weeks after surgery,” she says.

At Dr. Walters practice, compression and massage are both employed to manage [post-op swelling](https://aedit.com/aedition/how-to-treat-minimize-swelling-after-cosmetic-surgery). “Our patients wear a series of compression garments and foam for a total of about three months post-op,” he explains. “Our patients undergo postoperative [lymphatic drainage massages](https://aedit.com/aedition/benefits-of-lymphatic-drainage-massages-after-cosmetic-surgery) and size down on their garments as swelling subsides.”

### **Week 1**
While you undoubtedly heard from your surgeon and their team in the hours and days after the procedure, your first in-person check up usually comes about a week after surgery. They will check your incisions, remove dressings and drains (if they’re still in place), and answer any questions you may have about the healing process or resuming activities. 

Speaking of activities, they are still pretty restricted the first week — though short walks remain important. You should also be wearing compression garments as per your surgeon’s instructions. Swelling and discomfort are common. “I tell my patients that for the first week they will wonder why they did it, the second week they will think they will be ok, and by the third week they will know they will be ok,” Dr Church says. “Most patients are doing fairly well with their normal activities by four to six weeks.”

### **Weeks 2 & 3**
At either the two- or three-week mark, you will visit your surgeon again for a follow-up appointment, but, in the meantime, you may be able to resume certain non-strenuous activities. “I usually recommend about two weeks off of work and most basic activities,” Dr. Walters says. “At that point, patients are usually no longer taking pain medication and are able to begin driving and getting back to most normal day-to-day tasks.”

When it comes to driving, he suggests starting slow. “I always recommend first sitting in the driveway and pressing down on the brake and making sure you are able to move with a full range of motion to drive safely,” he shares. 

Dr. Church asks patients to exercise similar caution behind the wheel — and in general. “I allow my patients to drive when they feel safe to drive and they are not taking pain medications,” he says. “I ask my patients not to do activities that could elevate their blood pressure or heart rate for the first two weeks.” After those first 14 days, it’s all about mindfulness. “I tell them to listen to their bodies after the first two weeks and if something hurts then to back off,” he adds. No matter how much better you think you are feeling, now is not the time to overdo it.

### **1 Month & Beyond**
Once you reach the one-most post-op mark, you will likely be starting to feel like yourself again. Swelling lingers but you should be through the worst of it. You will return to your surgeon’s office for another check-up, and you may be cleared to resume additional activities. “For lifting heavy objects and [exercising](https://aedit.com/aedition/when-to-start-exercising-again-after-cosmetic-surgery-procedures), I recommend easing back into this about four weeks after surgery,” Dr. Walters says. 

It should be noted that while most patients are “free from restrictions at four to six weeks post-op, the body continues to improve and recover up to six months or even one year after surgery,” Dr. Walters notes. Even so, you can generally expect to have a sense of your results three to four months after a tummy tuck. Keep in mind, however, that “minor swelling can be present for three-plus months after surgery,” Dr. MaDan says. 

As it relates to scars, it takes a full year for the incision sites to fully heal. Your surgeon will likely recommend a [skincare and sun care](https://aedit.com/aedition/scar-minimizing-skincare-to-use-after-surgery) protocol to [minimize scarring](https://aedit.com/aedition/minimizing-scars-after-surgery) and additional in-office treatments (think: lasers and microneedling) may be available to refine the appearance of post-op marks.

## **Patient Perspective**
Now that you have a better sense of the timeline associated with recovering from a tummy tuck, it’s time to hear what it’s like from a patient perspective. 

### **Allie, 47, Los Angeles, CA**
*Allie decided to have a tummy tuck after having children to help her feel more confident. She opted to have the surgery during the pandemic because it allowed her more time to recover discreetly.*

<Dialogue>
  <Question party={The AEDITION}>
    What questions did you have about the tummy tuck recovery process?
  </Question>
  <Response party={Allie}>
    I started researching the procedure a few years ago.  I’ll be honest, I’m somewhat of a hypochondriac, so I know my way around Dr. Google when it comes to researching recovery! I had a fair idea of what I thought recovery would be like before speaking to a surgeon, but I still had questions that were specific to my lifestyle when it came to the consultation. I wanted to know when I would be allowed to fly and travel abroad. Exercising was a big one for me, too. I rely on running for my mental health, so I wanted to be clear on when he expected I would be able to return to that.
  </Response>
  <Question party={The AEDITION}>
    How did your recovery compare to what you had expected?
  </Question>
  <Response party={Allie}>
    The most significant difference was the amount of soreness and how grossed out I was by the drains I had in place. I knew to expect to be in pain, but the type of pain was different and not something I could even really describe. It sort of felt deeper than pain from other surgeries I’d had in the past. I also didn’t expect to be sore for so long after the surgery. I had to wait longer than planned before I could start running again, which frustrated me at the time but was worthwhile. 
  </Response>
  <Question party={The AEDITION}>
    What advice do you have for someone considering a tummy tuck?
  </Question>
  <Response party={Allie}>
    I think any amount of information you find online is excellent, but, unless it comes from a surgeon or someone who has been through the experience themselves, you will struggle to get a complete understanding of the procedure. I was fortunate that a friend had the procedure a while back, and we connected before I had the procedure. A couple of times, I contacted her with questions that felt too trivial to bother a doctor with but that I didn’t want to rely on Google for.
  </Response>
</Dialogue>

### **Joss, 32, Long Beach, CA**
*After losing weight, Joss wanted to make the results he achieved more visible. After exploring a few different options, a tummy tuck proved to be the best procedure for the results he was seeking.*

<Dialogue>
  <Question party={The AEDITION}>
    What did your recovery entail?
  </Question>
  <Response party={Joss}>
    I was very fortunate that everything went smoothly. I prepared for the surgery as I would for any other big event: I trained and ate to plan and made sure I was in a good headspace before going ahead with the procedure. I think it made a difference to how well recovery went for me, but it may also be down to luck and genetics! I was sure to plan my surgery at a time where taking weeks away from work would be ok, and I’m glad I gave myself space to recover fully before getting back to a full-on schedule.
  </Response>
  <Question party={The AEDITION}>
    Did your recovery process differ from what you expected?
  </Question>
  <Response party={Joss}>
    I honestly didn’t know what to expect. Of course my surgeon told me when I would be able to resume certain activities and so forth, but I didn’t know how I would feel after surgery and didn’t do all that much in terms of practical preparation around the house. I hadn’t expected to feel as tired as I did, but the pain was less all-consuming than I thought it may have been. If you live alone or with someone out at work full time, I would recommend asking a friend or hiring a nurse to stay with you for the first few days or even the first week. While I could walk around, I felt exhausted and needed help making sure I kept to my medication schedule and ate well.
  </Response>
  <Question party={The AEDITION}>
    Based on the recovery and results, would you recommend a tummy tuck to others?
  </Question>
  <Response party={Joss}>
    I would but with a caveat — know that recovery is involved, and, if you have a physical job or young kids, you will need help for around four weeks after surgery. If you plan for the procedure and can give yourself enough time to recover gently, then I think it’s one of the most life-altering surgeries out there. It’s undoubtedly transformed how I see myself and has increased my quality of life, which I never thought could be possible from cosmetic surgery.
  </Response>
</Dialogue>

## **Preparing for a Smooth Recovery from a Tummy Tuck**
A smooth recovery from any surgery starts in the lead up to the procedure. “An ideal peri-operative plan is to complete the necessary tasks — especially any requiring heavy lifting or exertion — before surgery,” Dr. MaDan says. That includes considering what you are going to eat in the days after your procedure. “It is a great idea to have some [healthy, high-protein meals](https://aedit.com/aedition/meal-plans-diet-before-after-cosmetic-surgery) planned for the first few days post-op,” Dr. Walters notes.

Another essential? Arranging a driver to and from surgery. Since your mobility will be very limited for at least the first week after a tummy tuck, a helping hand can go a long way. “Help at home is beneficial to assist with child or pet care, perform any necessary tasks, and assist with mobility, like walking up stairs or getting in and out of the shower,” Dr. MaDan explains. 

The less you have to think about, the better. As Dr. Walters says, “it is always best to be prepared so you don’t have to worry about these things while recovering.”

*Patient names have been changed


Aesthetics

You’ve asked questions, looked at pictures, and read stories, but what can you really expect from the tummy tuck recovery process? We’ve got you covered.

A Plastic Surgeon's Guide To Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Recovery And Healing

Expectation vs. Reality: What It’s Really Like To Recover From A Tummy Tuck

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What your [belly button](https://aedit.com/procedure/belly-button-correction-solutions) (a.k.a. navel) looks like is a bit of a wild card. For starters, it can cave inward (hi, ‘innies’) or protrude outward (here’s looking at you, ‘outies’), and there are different degrees of each. When it comes to shape, the navel can be round or oblong. If yours isn’t a perfect circle, it may be more horizontal or vertical in nature. The more time you spend inspecting your belly button, the more odd it is likely to look. 

While there is no ‘ideal’ navel, you may have strong feelings about yours. Additionally, pregnancy, weight changes, or injury can change the [appearance of the belly button](https://aedit.com/aedition/everything-you-need-to-know-about-navel-surgery). So, whether it’s a major life event or simply the return of ‘90s-inspired crop tops that has you navel-gazing in the literal sense, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about the cosmetic procedures that can alter the shape and size of the belly button. 

## **Why Consider a Belly Button Surgery**
The navel is the remnant of the umbilical cord that connected you to your mother’s placenta during pregnancy. In case you don’t remember from your grade-school biology class, the cord delivers vital nourishment during gestation but is not needed after birth. As a result, it is clamped and cut and the remaining stump falls off a couple weeks later. What’s left in its place is your navel. “Although the belly button is only a scar from the placenta, as humans, we attach a high value to it,” says [Melissa Doft, MD](https://doftplasticsurgery.com/), a double board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon in New York City.

For some, the benefits of belly button surgery are purely cosmetic. For others, it offers improved form *and* function. Below are some of the most common reasons people consider belly button surgery:

- **Aesthetics**: Not liking the way the navel looks is one reason to consider surgery. “Someone might be interested in an umbilicoplasty if their native belly button has always bothered them,” explains [Asaf Yalif, MD](https://aedit.com/provider/asaf-yalif-md-1893), a board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Alpharetta, GA. “Whether that means an outie rather than an innie or just that they feel that it is not aesthetically pleasing, [surgery] can address those concerns.” When it comes to what constitutes “aesthetically pleasing,” Dr. Doft finds that “most people wish to have a belly button that is narrow and taller than it is wide.” 
- **Correction**: While aesthetics is the driving force here, too, some patients seek corrective belly button surgery after undergoing a previous procedure. “Most people seeking an umbilicoplasty have had a procedure before — whether it be laparoscopic, a tummy tuck, or even prior procedures like liposuction — that may have altered the appearance of their belly button,” shares [Mark G. Albert, MD](https://aedit.com/provider/mark-albert-md-77), a board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and [umbilicoplasty expert in NYC](https://www.albertplasticsurgery.com/). Such revision can improve the overall shape, size, and appearance of the navel.
- **Umbilical Hernia**: While not all people with ‘outies’ have an umbilical hernia, many do. As Dr. Doft explains, the belly button comes to protrude outward due to “a small hole in the fascia (the strength layer of the abdomen)” that “fat or intestine is pushing through.” In some cases, the hernia may cause pain or lead to functional concerns.
- **Piercings**: If that belly button [piercing](https://aedit.com/aedition/how-to-fix-old-and-sagging-piercings) you got in high school or college hasn’t aged well, belly button surgery can help. The cosmetic procedure will remove any hangover or sagging skin left behind.
- **Pregnancy**: Needless to say, the body undergoes a host of changes [during pregnancy](https://aedit.com/aedition/how-pregnancy-affects-cosmetic-surgery-results), and the appearance of the belly button may be one of them. As the uterus expands and pushes the abdomen forward, the navel may ‘pop’ as well. This protrusion is normal and usually subsides within a few months of delivery, though your belly button may not look exactly like it once did. If your ‘outie’ lingers longer, it may be a sign of an umbilical hernia. 
- **Weight Fluctuations**: As with most other parts of the body, [significant weight changes](https://aedit.com/aedition/what-its-like-to-get-plastic-surgery-after-bariatric-surgery-weight-loss) may lead to extra skin around the belly button. Depending on your aesthetic goals, an umbilicoplasty or abdominoplasty can be performed to address this change in the shape and appearance (more on that below).

Since there may be medical reasons for why you are unhappy with the shape of your belly button, it is important to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon who will be able to evaluate the cause for the concern and recommend the appropriate treatment.

## **Types of Belly Button Surgery**
Generally speaking, there are three types of belly button surgery that range from purely aesthetic in nature to medically necessary. Here is what you need to know about each:

### **1. Umbilicoplasty**
“[Umbilicoplasty](https://aedit.com/procedure/umbilicoplasty) refers to creating or changing the appearance of the belly button,” Dr. Albert says. It is a catch-all term of sorts, since, depending on the aesthetic goals of the patient, the surgery can involve reshaping and/or resizing the navel for an improved appearance. This procedure can be performed to address the look of a natural belly button or to revise the work of a previous procedure, the damage of a piercing, or the result of pregnancy or weight change (assuming a tummy tuck is not preferred). 

Patients generally only experience a few days of acute recovery following an umbilicoplasty, although [swelling](https://aedit.com/aedition/how-to-treat-minimize-swelling-after-cosmetic-surgery) can persist for up to a month depending on the person. Most candidates can return to work after a day or two and exercise can resume after two to three weeks. It should also be noted that, because it’s a relatively quick procedure, it can often be [added on to other surgeries](https://aedit.com/aedition/best-surgical-and-non-surgical-cosmetic-procedures-to-combine). “It is very easy and makes a lot of sense to combine umbilicoplasty with pretty much any other plastic surgery procedure,” Dr. Albert says.

### **2. Umbilical Hernia Repair**
While you may have discovered you have an umbilical hernia because your innie became an outie, the reparative surgery is not about aesthetics. “In hernia surgery, we are repairing a defect in the fascia that allows tissue to escape through and ‘balloon’ out,” Dr. Yalif shares. “In repairing the defect, we are concerned mainly with ensuring no internal fat or organ can come out through the abdominal wall.” There is a functional benefit to the procedure. “Another way to say it is that, with hernia surgery, we are trying to functionally improve the abdominal wall, while in umbilicoplasty we are trying to make the belly button look better,” he adds.

Performed alone or as part of a tummy tuck, the procedure itself takes about 45 minutes, but there are greater post-op restrictions than umbilicoplasty patients face. If you have a desk job, you’ll probably be able to return to work after a couple of days, but you will need to avoid movement and activity that puts undue pressure on the weakened area as it heals. The biggest risk is that the hernia returns. Since there is a medical component to the surgery, it may be [covered by insurance](https://aedit.com/aedition/insurance-coverage-for-plastic-surgery-cosmetic-procedures).

### **3. Abdominoplasty**
If you are consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon about an [abdominoplasty](https://aedit.com/procedure/abdominoplasty) (a.k.a. tummy tuck), don’t be surprised when your belly button comes up. Similarly, if you are in the office to talk about your belly button, the surgeon will likely look at the abdomen in its entirety. “By definition in a tummy tuck, the umbilicus must be addressed,” Dr. Yalif explains. “We can choose from a myriad of techniques to make the belly button look smaller, bigger, higher, lower — they are all essentially at our disposal.”

<BeforeAfterModule
  title={Before & Afters: Abdominoplasty}
  procedureId={1044}
/>

Addressing the belly button during a tummy tuck is often a good option for [women after pregnancy](https://aedit.com/concern/mommy-makeover) or those who have experienced a significant weight loss, as the surgery addresses excess skin and fat, tightens the abdominal muscles, and reshapes the belly button. “We make sure to discuss this prior to surgery so we make sure we give you the belly button you want,” Dr. Yalif says. If a patient has an umbilical hernia, that can be corrected as well. 

The most involved of the belly button surgeries discussed here, expect to refrain from strenuous activity for about six weeks after abdominoplasty.

## **The Results of Belly Button Surgery**
The most common request of patients seeking belly button surgery? A natural result. In the hands of a skilled plastic surgeon, the work should barely be perceptible. “When performed correctly, an umbilicoplasty result should look exactly like a normal belly button with no visible scarring,” Dr. Albert shares. “The scarring can be hidden inside the belly button.”

Speaking of [scarring](https://aedit.com/aedition/minimizing-scars-after-surgery), it should come as no surprise that Dr. Doft says patients “seek to have a belly button where the incisions are hidden.” While a scar is inevitable, you won’t necessarily be able to see it. “Any time I cut you with a knife, it will leave a scar,” Dr. Yalif notes. “That being said, the belly button is the first scar we ever make, so, hopefully, the incision within that scar will not be frankly visible.” Due to the anatomy of the area, incisions and, in time, scars are more easily concealed. “In the end, we try to camouflage scars and hide them in natural creases so that they are less visible,” he adds.

## **The Takeaway**
While the results of umbilicoplasty, umbilical hernia repair, and abdominoplasty are immediate (save for the post-op swelling subsiding) and permanent, they will be affected by pregnancy, weight changes, and age. Whether you have a medical concern, don’t like the aesthetic of the navel, or are interested in addressing the abdomen as a whole, consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon will ensure you get the best treatment for your anatomy and aesthetic goals.

If you are navel-gazing in the most literal sense, here’s how to change that.

Types Of Belly Button Surgery: Umbilicoplasty, Umbilical Hernia Repair, Tummy Tuck

6 Reasons You Might Consider Belly Button Surgery

shutterstock 243273622

New moms recovering from pregnancy and childbirth are often faced with hormonal variations, weight fluctuations, and lifestyle changes that can cause myriad physical conditions, like stretch marks, sagging skin, breast engorgement, perineum soreness, and stubborn fat pockets to name a few. While many of these heal and fade over time, some women may find that they are left with a post-pregnancy belly ‘pooch’ that leaves them wondering, *why do I still look pregnant?* 

The answer is often a condition known as [diastasis recti](https://aedit.com/procedure/diastasis-recti-repair) (a.k.a. abdominal separation), which impacts nearly two-thirds of women after childbirth —  though pregnancy isn’t the only cause. Here, The AEDITION breaks down what diastasis recti is and how to repair it.

## **What Is Diastasis Recti?**
It all begins with the linea alba (i.e. the ‘white line’ of connective tissue that runs vertically from the sternum to the pubic bone). The linea alba connects the right and left sides of the abdominal muscle wall and is visible in some individuals as the midline of the proverbial six pack. During pregnancy, hormonal changes lead to a thinning of the linea alba to accommodate the growing uterus. As the tissue thins and widens, the abdominal wall stretches and separates.

After childbirth, the majority of women are left with a condition known as diastasis recti — an ongoing separation of the left and right sides of the rectus abdominis muscles. Depending on the severity of the muscle separation, the uterus, bowels, and other internal organs may protrude, causing that so-called ‘pooch.’ 

Most of the time, diastasis recti resolves on its own over time. But, for some women, the abdominal separation is significant, long lasting, or both. Those who are unaware of the underlying problem may buckle down on diet and exercise without realizing that the wrong workout can worsen the condition. Many core strengthening exercises (think: sit-ups, planks, and even certain yoga poses) can exacerbate diastasis recti.

There are, however, some physical therapy techniques that may help the healing process. “A lot of stuff online is kind of gimmicky, but there is a nurse who developed a method called the [Tupler Technique®](https://diastasisrehab.com/),” says Beverly Hills board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon [Michael Newman, MD](https://aedit.com/provider/michael-newman-md-795). “I’ve heard of people having some success with her combination of abdominal exercises performed in conjunction with a supportive garment.” Dr. Newman advises new moms — especially those who plan to have more children — to start any therapeutic exercise program as soon as they get the okay from their obstetrician. 

## **What Happens When Diastasis Recti Doesn’t Repair Itself**
For about one-third of American women, diastasis recti lingers longer than twelve months postpartum. This is more likely to occur in women who are over 35, petite, have had more than one pregnancy (or carried multiples), or have poor abdominal muscle tone to begin with. Medical history plays a role as well. Women who have had diastasis recti before or who have a history of ventral or umbilical hernia have an increased risk of developing the condition.

For many women with prolonged or severe diastasis recti, it’s much more than a cosmetic concern. The weakened abdominal and pelvic muscles can lead to difficulty exercising, lower back pain, incontinence, constipation, and painful intercourse. The tissue can also tear, causing a hernia. 

[Richard J. Brown, MD](https://aedit.com/provider/richard-brown-md-4646), a Scottsdale, Arizona-based board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and author of *[The Real Beauty Bible](https://www.amazon.com/Real-Beauty-Bible-Navigating-Journey/dp/1599329980)*, recounts his experience with a thin patient who had fist-width diastasis (the condition is typically measured in finger widths). “She had what we call ‘loss of domain,’ which means that her organs — that were once packed in very tightly — expand into the bulging space, which decreases your ability to create pressure,” he explains. “Diastasis or an abdominal hernia becomes a problem when they’re so big that you get loss of domain and you start to lose some pelvic floor functions that you would normally have.” 

Just as debilitating as the physical symptoms, however, are the psychological implications. [Studies show](https://academic.oup.com/ptj/article/98/3/182/4689127) that women with diastasis suffer from body image insecurities and have a lower quality of life than the general population. 

## **Diastasis Recti Isn’t Strictly Related to Pregnancy**
It is important to note that diastasis isn’t strictly a side effect of carrying and birthing a child. “If you have a ton of visceral fat, it’s like having a baby inside your stomach and that pushes out on the muscles and causes stretching,” Dr. Brown says. This means diastasis recti can happen to men, too. 

Dr. Newman estimates that about five percent of his diastasis patients are male. Of his female patients, Dr. Newman figures that about 10 percent acquired the condition through massive weight gain and loss. “A lot of people come to see me because they don’t like the way their tummy looks,” he explains. “They may think they need liposuction or a tummy tuck, but we have to evaluate what’s really going on and proceed from there.”

## **Surgical Diastasis Recti Repair**
Some patients may first visit their primary care physician to address diastasis recti. The PCP will likely then refer them to a general surgeon — though it might not be for the proper diagnosis. “They get sent to the general surgeon because it looks like a hernia, although it’s not a true hernia,” Dr. Newman says, noting that a hernia is a hole in the fascia. 

Typically, a general surgeon will fix diastasis with a vertical incision down the abdomen, leaving a large scar. Alternatively, the procedure may be performed laparoscopically, using small incisions and a tiny camera — though Dr. Newman warns that the technique needs improvement. “The skin can bunch up on top, which can end up looking worse,” he cautions.

Both surgeons interviewed agree that a diastasis recti repair is best performed by a plastic surgeon. “An [abdominoplasty](https://aedit.com/procedure/abdominoplasty) is a nicer way to do it because you can hide the scar along the bikini line,” Dr. Newman explains, noting that about 10 percent of his diastasis patients don’t need traditional tummy tucks because they’re already fit and/or their skin is elastic enough to restore its shape post-procedure. “In patients who don’t need skin removed, you can make a smaller abdominal incision — similar to a c-section — and an incision around the belly button, without cutting any skin out,” he says. Depending on the patient, it may be possible to complete a hernia repair at the same time.

Typically, however, a diastasis repair goes hand in hand with a tummy tuck. “During a tummy tuck, when we elevate the skin flap and we’re staring at the muscles, everyone's got a gap,” says Dr. Brown. “Some have a noticeable gap; some people don’t.” 

Angie*, a young mother of five, didn’t realize she had diastasis until after Dr. Brown encouraged her to lose additional weight before her tummy tuck procedure. “When the weight came off, I felt like I couldn't see the results,” she shares. “My skin kept getting saggier.” As Dr. Brown explains, no amount of weight loss can fix the physical problem of having two muscles stretched apart. They must be sewn back together, which is why diastasis recti repair is best performed by a [board certified plastic surgeon](https://aedit.com/aedition/medical-board-certification-in-plastic-surgery-cosmetic-dermatology). 

“When it comes to diastasis, it should be a plastic surgeon repairing it, and it is a traditional tummy tuck situation,” Dr. Brown says. “Whether you take the excess skin off or not, you have to make that incision, you have to cut around the belly button just like an abdominoplasty, and you have to suture together the rectus muscles from above.”

With or without excess skin, diastasis repair is major surgery — though it’s typically performed as an outpatient procedure. “People have a lot of discomfort from the muscle tightening. It’s really debilitating to lose that core function,” Dr. Newman says. “We use a long-term anesthetic that we inject into the fascia and the muscles. It lasts for about four days, which cuts down on pain significantly and reduces the need for narcotic pain meds.” Generally, patients are up, walking, and showering the next day, he adds.

## **Recovering From Surgical Diastasis Recti Repair**
Recovery from diastasis repair mirrors that of a tummy tuck. It usually requires two to three weeks off work, with no strenuous exercise or lifting for the first six weeks post-op. “Data shows that a scar isn’t full strength until about six weeks, and stress can break it open before then,” Dr. Brown explains. He tells patients to anticipate their recovery in stages, with most restrictions fully lifted around three to four months after the procedure. [Full recovery](https://aedit.com/aedition/how-long-does-it-takes-to-recover-from-cosmetic-surgery-procedures) can be expected at the 12-month mark. “It can take up to a year for the scar tissue to soften and not have any pulling or tugging,” he says.

For patients, the life-changing results are worth the wait. “The benefits far outweigh the scar,” says Angie, who is about six months post-op. “I can already feel the difference. I can feel my core support, and, with the tummy tuck, I feel like I’m 19 again. It's so worth it.”

*Patient’s name has been changed

About two-thirds of women experience diastasis recti (a.k.a. abdominal separation) after childbirth, but pregnancy isn’t the only cause. Here, The AEDITION breaks down what causes the condition and how to repair it.

A Guide To Repairing Diastasis Recti (Abdominal Separation) After Pregnancy Or Weight Loss

Here’s What You Need To Know About Repairing Diastasis Recti

shutterstock 74008219-min

The belly button is sometimes the last thing we think of when it comes to cosmetic procedures. Navel surgery, however, is an increasingly common and minor procedure that, for the right person, can deliver big results. The procedure is a great option for patients who are unhappy with either the size or shape of their navel and offers a solution for people who have developed an umbilical hernia (which gives the navel an outward profile). Here’s what you need to know if you think the procedure is right for you.

## **What Is an Umbilicoplasty?**
[Umbilicoplasty](https://aedit.com/procedure/umbilicoplasty), or belly button surgery, is used to reshape the belly button for reasons such as:

- Small umbilical hernias
- Changes in shape that result from pregnancy or weight gain
- Piercing scars
- Asymmetrical shape
- Moving the placement of the navel on the abdomen 

The procedure is primarily carried out on women, often following a pregnancy. Patients who turn to plastic surgery to correct a misshapen navel typically do so because they are self-conscious about it and its appearance has a negative effect on their confidence. 

The belly button is initially formed after the umbilical cord is clamped and cut after birth. The scar tissue left behind after the umbilical stump falls off leaves babies with a navel, that can either be an ‘innie’ or an ‘outie’ depending on a few factors. Either shape of navel is natural and is not a cause for medical concern, but some people find themselves unhappy with the shape of their navel in later life and decide to have surgery to correct it. 

Umbilicoplasty can also be used for patients who have small umbilical hernias that were not treated when they were younger. An umbilical hernia occurs when a small part of the intestine comes through the abdominal wall causing a bulge to appear around the navel. Large umbilical hernias that do not go away on their own by the time a child turns four are generally treated with surgery. But those whose hernias are smaller and do not cause any discomfort may find it still there as an adult, and seek the attention of a cosmetic surgeon to correct its appearance. 

Patients who are having the procedure for purely cosmetic reasons often prefer to have the procedure carried out by a plastic surgeon because their main focus is the final appearance of the navel. “A plastic surgeon will be more focused on aesthetics, as opposed to simply fixing the hernia,” explains board certified plastic surgeon [Gregory Buford, MD](https://aedit.com/provider/gregory-buford-md-1015). “They will finesse the area, and can address any other issues including skin bridges from piercings during the process.”

If there is a significant hernia, reshaping could be ineffective and a correction of the hernia should be considered before going ahead with reshaping the navel. Your surgeon should discuss with you what the best course of treatment is to achieve the result you are looking for. 

## **How Does An Umbilicoplasty Work?**
After the initial consultation, umbilicoplasty can be carried out in the surgeon’s office if they are performing the procedure under local anesthesia or in an operating room if you are having the procedure under general anesthesia. The surgeon will remove the extra skin surrounding the navel and will line up the remaining skin to give the area a neat appearance. They can also alter the height of the navel on your stomach. Once the surgeon is happy with the appearance and placement of the new navel, they will stitch the incision back together. The procedure itself takes under an hour, and if it is performed under local anesthesia you will likely be able to return home on the same day. 

While some patients seek out cosmetic surgery specifically for their navel, others commonly ask for it to be added to a larger treatment plan. “It is not uncommon for [breast surgery](https://aedit.com/procedure/breast-augmentation-with-fat-transfer) patients to have their navel fixed at the same time and it can be performed alongside other procedures too,” says Dr. Buford.

## **Umbilicoplasty Recovery and Side Effects**
The surgery can cause minor discomfort in the days following the procedure, but most patients are able to get back to their daily activities within a few days. More strenuous activities such as exercising should be avoided for up to two weeks. Your surgeon will be able to advise you as to specific restrictions depending on your lifestyle. 

It is important to keep the area clean after surgery, and you will be given waterproof bandages to protect the incision from water when you wash until the stitches have either dissolved or been removed depending on the type used. If you have traditional stitches they will be removed around a week after surgery. There will be a small scar after the procedure, which is usually hidden inside the new navel, and it will fade over time.

There are a few risks associated with having an umbilicoplasty, such as those associated with anesthesia. There is also the risk of infection following surgery, and you should think about the scar itself. Your surgeon will do their best to hide it, but there is a risk that it will be visible after the procedure. The risk of an asymmetric result should also be kept in mind. Your surgeon will work to provide a realistic expectation of the result and make sure to ask questions about asymmetry in your consultation.

The belly button is sometimes the last thing we think of when it comes to cosmetic procedures. Navel surgery, however, is an increasingly common and minor procedure that, for the right person, can deliver big results.