Reverse Tummy Tuck

When you stand in front of a mirror and bend forward, what do you see? Is the skin around your belly button or navel loose and sagging? A procedure called a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) can address this problem, giving you a smoother, tighter abdomen. There are different types of abdominoplasty approaches, including a conventional tummy tuck and a reverse tummy tuck.

Reverse tummy tucks are not as common as a traditional tummy tuck procedure, which is among the top cosmetic procedures performed worldwide. However, in some patients with lax upper abdominal skin and a tight lower abdomen, this type of plastic surgery can be the ideal solution. Please continue reading to find out more about the reverse abdominoplasty procedure.

What is a reverse tummy tuck? How does it work?

A reverse abdominoplasty or reverse tummy tuck is a cosmetic surgery procedure that is performed to remove excess, sagging skin in the upper part of the abdomen. The surgeon makes an incision in the inframammary crease (the skin crease below the breasts). The skin in the upper portion of the stomach is pulled tight and excess skin removed. The remaining tissues and remaining skin are pulled upward, stretched tight, and secured with stitches just below the breasts. The surgeon can also use the same incision for liposuction to remove excess fat. This gives you a smoother, tighter, flatter, more contoured upper abdomen. The surgery can be combined with other cosmetic procedures such as a breast augmentation, breast implants, and breast lift.

What's the difference between a traditional tummy tuck and a reverse tummy tuck?

A conventional abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin from both the upper and lower abdomen, meaning it addresses the entire stomach. In contrast, a reverse abdominoplasty focuses on the upper abdomen. The incision for a normal abdominoplasty is made in the lower abdomen, while that for a reverse tummy tuck is made in the upper abdominal area. The advantage is that the scar from a reverse tummy tuck is camouflaged in the natural skin crease below the breasts.

Given this, patients with excess skin in the lower abdomen would likely benefit from a traditional tummy tuck surgery. A conventional abdominoplasty is also more appropriate for those with diastasis recti (separation of the abdominal muscles that causes a pouch to form in the lower abdomen). A reverse tummy tuck may not correct these problems because unlike a traditional abdominoplasty, a reverse abdominoplasty doesn't involve the muscles. Those who have fatty tissue or loose skin above the navel, however, may be better suited to a reverse tummy tuck.

Why have a reverse tummy tuck?

Many people struggle with loose skin and stubborn pockets of fat in the upper part of the abdomen after pregnancy. The same is true of weight loss patients. A reverse tummy tuck procedure can reshape the upper abdominal area and make it slimmer and more defined. As mentioned, this cosmetic surgery addresses the area above the belly button in the upper stomach. This is in contrast to the common tummy tuck where the focus is usually below the belly button.

The main reason most patients choose a conventional abdominoplasty is that they have loose skin above as well as below the belly button. A traditional tummy tuck can correct both areas. Also, some people don't want an incision beneath the breasts that's done for a reverse tummy tuck. However, although less common, in patients with sagging loose skin and lax tissue only above the belly button, a reverse tummy tuck is ideal.

Who is a good candidate for this procedure?

As noted, reverse tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat or only the skin above the navel. People who have a tight lower stomach with loose skin above the navel are good candidates for reverse abdominoplasty. Also, a person choosing this procedure should ideally be in good overall health, not smoke, and have positive outlooks and realistic expectations from the procedure.

What incisions are made for a reverse tummy tuck?

The incisions for a reverse tummy tuck plastic surgery are made under the breasts in the inframammary fold or breast fold. The incisions on either side may extend to the middle and meet there, forming one long horizontal incision in the breast crease. The scar is hidden in a bra or bathing suit. No incision is made around the navel.

What to expect with a reverse abdominoplasty?

A reverse abdominoplasty is done using general anesthesia and takes 3-4 hours to perform. There is a visible scar after the surgery. Some people may develop raised scars. However, the scar is hidden within the breast crease. In women with full breasts, the scar is even better concealed within the natural healthy contour.

How long is recovery after reverse abdominoplasty?

A reverse tummy tuck incision is made in the breast crease and doesn’t touch the big abdominal muscles in the lower part of the abdomen. This makes recovery easier and faster. Many patients recover in 1 week, some might take 2 weeks. Most patients return to work in 7-10 days. However, you need to avoid strenuous activities for 4-6 weeks.

After a reverse tummy tuck, you are initially placed in a sterile bandage, followed by compression garments to reduce bruising and swelling. There can be moderate discomfort, especially during the initial days of recovery. This can be managed with appropriate pain medications.

How long does a tummy tuck last?

You will notice the initial results of a reverse abdominoplasty immediately. When the swelling resolves over the next 1-3 months, the complete effects of the surgery become apparent. The results of your procedure will be maintained for many years, but this will depend on your lifestyle. Plastic surgeons recommend that women wait until they are finished with childbearing before having a reverse tummy tuck surgery. This is because future pregnancies can compromise the results. Also, dramatic weight loss or weight gain can impact tummy tuck results. You should maintain a healthy, stable weight in order to prolong your tummy tuck results.

Is tummy tuck reversible?

Many patients wonder: Can the stomach go back after an abdominoplasty? If liposuction is done as part of the tummy tuck, the fat cells are removed permanently and will not come back. However, if you do not follow a healthy lifestyle, you can gain weight in other places like the breasts, buttocks, and arms. Also, with age, there can be further development of loose skin in the treated area. However, provided you avoid weight fluctuations and maintain overall good health, you will enjoy the results of your tummy tuck for many, many years.

Are there any risks?

When performed by an experienced surgeon, a tummy tuck is a safe procedure. However, like any surgery, there can be potential complications. These are similar to those associated with a traditional tummy tuck and include infection, bleeding, hematoma or seroma (blood or fluid collection), scarring, asymmetry, and the need for further surgeries.

How much does it cost? Is a reverse tummy tuck worth it?

The average cost of a reverse tummy tuck is approximately $3,000 to $5,000. Keep in mind that the reverse abdominoplasty cost can vary greatly depending on where you live and the skill level and experience of your plastic surgeon. Whether it is worth it is a very personal thing. If you want a tighter upper stomach, this is a great way to achieve the body you've always wanted.

Do I need a mini tummy tuck, traditional tummy tuck, or reverse tummy tuck?

Ultimately, you will need an evaluation by a plastic surgeon to determine which approach is best for you. The MeTime app makes it easy to connect with top-rated plastic surgeons in your area who perform reverse tummy tucks. You can chat with experts, share photos, do a video consultation, and get quotes. And when you've zeroed in on the type of tummy tuck you want and your surgeon, you can book an office consultation. Download the MeTime app today!