Reverse Tummy Tuck (Upper Abdominoplasty): Is It Right for You?
When most people think of a tummy tuck, they picture a procedure that addresses loose skin and excess tissue below the belly button. However, some patients are bothered primarily by laxity in the upper abdomen. In these cases, a reverse tummy tuck, also known as an upper abdominoplasty, may be an excellent option.
What Is a Reverse Tummy Tuck?
A reverse tummy tuck is a body contouring procedure designed to tighten and remove excess skin from the upper abdomen. Instead of pulling the skin downward as in a traditional tummy tuck, the skin is lifted upward. The incisions are typically hidden within the natural crease beneath the breasts, allowing excess upper abdominal skin to be removed while minimizing visible scarring.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
You may be a good candidate for a reverse tummy tuck if you:
• Have loose or sagging skin primarily above the belly button
• Have experienced weight loss and are left with excess upper abdominal skin
• Have good skin and muscle tone in the lower abdomen
• Are near your goal weight and able to maintain a stable weight
• Are in good overall health and do not smoke
Many patients seeking a reverse tummy tuck have already undergone significant weight loss or have experienced changes in skin elasticity due to aging.
What Are Realistic Expectations?
A reverse tummy tuck can create a smoother, firmer appearance in the upper abdomen and improve the transition between the abdomen and chest. Patients often notice that clothing fits better and that upper abdominal folds or wrinkling are significantly reduced. However, it’s important to understand that a reverse tummy tuck does not address excess lower abdominal skin, lower abdominal stretch marks, or significant muscle separation throughout the entire abdomen. During your consultation, your surgeon will determine whether your goals can be achieved with a reverse tummy tuck alone or if a traditional tummy tuck would provide a more comprehensive result.
Reverse Tummy Tuck vs. Full Tummy Tuck
The best procedure depends on where your concerns are located.
A reverse tummy tuck may be the better choice if:
• Excess skin is concentrated in the upper abdomen
• The lower abdomen has relatively good skin tone
• You do not have significant lower abdominal skin excess
A full tummy tuck may be recommended if:
• Excess skin is primarily below the belly button
• You have abdominal muscle separation (diastasis recti)
• You want comprehensive contouring of the entire abdomen
• You have excess skin both above and below the belly button
In some cases, patients who have experienced massive weight loss may benefit from combining procedures to address both upper and lower abdominal concerns.
The best way to determine whether a reverse tummy tuck or a full tummy tuck is right for you is through a private consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. A personalized evaluation can help identify the procedure that best matches your anatomy, goals, and lifestyle.
