Melbourne, FL: (321) 951-2639
Diaz Plastic Surgery Specialists: Michael Diaz, M.D
1513 South Harbor City Boulevard
Melbourne, FL 32901
Phone: (321) 951-2639
Monday - Friday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
For many men and women, a toned, flat abdomen epitomizes physical fitness. But even healthy, slim individuals can still struggle with excess abdominal skin or simply a soft, flabby appearance. Although this is more common in women who have been pregnant, the midsection is a common trouble spot for many people. A healthy diet and regular exercise can go a long way toward burning fat and improving muscle tone, but tummy tuck surgery is often the best option for removing excess skin and repairing separated abdominal muscles. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Diaz offers tummy tuck surgery in Melbourne, FL, to people from Kissimmee, St. Cloud, Viera, and other Brevard County and Florida cities.
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Abdominoplasty is a body contouring procedure that rejuvenates the abdominal area by removing excess skin, repairing separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti), and reshaping the belly button.
Tummy tuck is an excellent procedure for reducing excessive abdominal skin and tightening the underlying muscles. The best candidates for a tummy tuck are people who:
This procedure is a popular choice for women who have had children and want to restore their midsection. It is often combined with breast enhancement as part of a Mommy Makeover.
Not everyone bothered by their abdominal appearance is a good candidate for a tummy tuck. In some cases, liposuction may be a better option. Tummy tuck and liposuction are both body contouring surgeries that are not meant for weight loss. They provide distinct benefits, which include:
Many people who have had one or more pregnancies or have lost a significant amount of weight benefit from a combination of tummy tuck and liposuction. Read this blog post for an in-depth comparison.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Diaz has been serving the dynamic needs of Space Coast women and men for years. In addition to being an accomplished surgeon known for his warmth, Dr. Diaz holds a patent for a device that can help improve breast revision outcomes.
Meet Dr. DiazDr. Diaz and his team pride themselves on their exceptional consultation process. As soon as you step through the door of our office near downtown Melbourne, our staff greets you warmly and guides you through the intake paperwork. Once completely checked in, you’re led to your private consultation room, where you’ll be asked to change into one of our comfy cloth gowns. Dr. Diaz, assisted by one of his nurses, consults with you for at least 30 minutes. During this time, he’ll evaluate your abdomen and talk to you about your primary concerns. He’ll explain his surgical technique, and you’ll work together to determine whether a tummy tuck is the best course of action for you.
At the end of your consultation, you’ll get dressed and meet with our patient care coordinator. In this separate meeting, you’ll discuss the specifics of your tummy tuck—scheduling, pricing, and other logistical details. We provide you with a written estimate of your surgery that you can bring home to consider.
A tummy tuck is an extensive surgery that can—and should—be completely tailored to the needs of the patient. Dr. Diaz adjusts his specific surgical technique based on your desired results. Typically, tummy tuck surgery falls into 3 categories (see illustration).
This technique works for most people. It involves a long horizontal incision placed low on the abdomen to access the underlying tissues and a second incision around the opening to the navel. This is the most common approach to a tummy tuck because it treats the full length of the abdomen. It also improves the shape and position of the navel.
This technique treats the abdominal area between the navel and the pubic bone. It is less invasive than a full tummy tuck and uses a shorter incision to improve “the pooch” area beneath the belly button, a common problem area.
This option involves a longer incision than for a full tummy tuck for more significant correction of the flanks. Other variations include a circumferential incision for removing and lifting the skin around the entire trunk and the fleur de lis tummy tuck to address excess skin on the upper abdomen. These less common incision patterns are usually indicated for patients who have undergone significant weight loss. Often, the extended tummy tuck is performed in conjunction with other lifting procedures.
Dr. Diaz performs tummy tuck surgery at Riverview Surgery Center, adjoining our office. A tummy tuck at our Melbourne, FL, practice usually requires general anesthesia, which means you’ll be completely unconscious for the duration of your surgery. Dr. Diaz will ask you to bring in your favorite underwear or swimwear bottoms. Although scar placement cannot be guaranteed, he will use it as a guide. After you wake up in our comfortable recovery room, we’ll briefly monitor you before clearing you to go home in the care of a friend or family member.
Recuperation after a tummy tuck can vary significantly from patient to patient and often differs depending on the specifics of surgery. During your initial consultation and throughout your planning process, Dr. Diaz keeps you informed of what you can expect.
The evening of your surgery, we send one of our excellent nurses to check in on you in your home. During this brief house call, your nurse evaluates you to ensure you’re healing well and not experiencing any undue discomfort. You can also expect an in-office follow-up visit the day after your surgery.
It’s important to gently move about your home or hotel room on the day of surgery, as this can prevent certain complications. However, listen to your body and don’t overexert yourself.
During surgery, Dr. Diaz usually administers a local analgesic directly to the surgical site. Some patients may opt to have a longer-lasting anesthetic called EXPAREL®, which can significantly reduce—and may even eliminate—the need for opiate pain medications after surgery. The pain-relieving effects of EXPAREL can last up to 3 days, while minimizing the physical side effects associated with opiates.
Most tummy tuck patients feel comfortable returning to work within about 10 days of surgery, although an extended recuperation may be necessary depending on the type of job you have.
After a full tummy tuck, expect to reach the following milestones along this general timeline (experiences vary):
This is a major surgery, so be sure to take it slow. Please call our office if you have any concerns or questions.
Tummy tuck patients typically lose 2 to 3 pant sizes after excess skin and fat are removed, abdominal muscles are repaired, and swelling fades.
Liposuction removes isolated areas of fat and can enhance tummy tuck results by sculpting the waist and hips. It is not always part of tummy tuck surgery.
Dr. Diaz usually removes a C-section scar when creating the low horizontal tummy tuck incision—leaving a better-positioned, more aesthetically pleasing scar in its place.
Partially. During a full tummy tuck, the belly button is inserted through a new opening in the tightened abdominal skin. The skin surrounding the belly button is reshaped as it is carefully sutured in place, making it look good as new.
Few patients are candidates for a mini tummy tuck at our Melbourne, FL practice, as it focuses solely on the area from the belly button to the pubic bone. During a personal consultation, Dr. Diaz will explain which technique is right for you.
Yes. The abdominal muscles are brought together along the midline and sutured in place.
In most cases, the tummy tuck scar can be covered by underwear and swimsuits, so it is not visible.
Yes. You will return home in a surgical garment that puts pressure on the abdomen to minimize swelling and help the area heal in a smooth contour.
In most cases, it is safe for abdominoplasty patients to become pregnant. However, to make the most of your results, Dr. Diaz recommends waiting until your family is complete before having an abdominoplasty.
Tummy tuck results can last indefinitely by avoiding weight fluctuations and pregnancy and maintaining a proper diet and exercise regimen.
Let us help you to have the slimmer, flatter abdomen you want. Request your consultation online, or call Dr. Diaz’s office at (321) 951-2639 to book your appointment.
