There are many different types of tummy tuck procedures. A reverse tummy tuck is a lesser-known alternative abdominal surgery that focuses on the upper abdomen.
What is a reverse tummy tuck (reverse abdominoplasty) operation?
This type of surgery is different from a traditional tummy tuck, which removes excess skin or fat and repairs the abdominal muscles in the middle and lower abdomen. A reverse tummy tuck is also the opposite of a mini tummy tuck, which focuses on the lowest part of your abdomen between your belly button and your groin area.
With this upper abdominal contouring surgery, patients can remove excess skin and fat from the upper abdomen. The surgery is usually ideal if you do not have a complete diastasis recti (or abdominal muscle separation).
What can you expect from a reverse tummy tuck?
The benefits of tummy tuck surgery for patients are as follows:
- Smoother, tighter abdominal skin
- A more lifted appearance is created in the upper abdomen.
- Breasts appear fuller.
- Post-pregnancy sagging is corrected.
- Minimal visible scarring occurs.
- Shorter recovery time than a traditional tummy tuck surgery.
Is reverse abdominoplasty suitable for everyone?
When you come in for a reverse abdominoplasty, you will have a detailed discussion with your surgeon about your health, medical history, aesthetic concerns and goals. A reverse tummy tuck may be the ideal solution for you if:
- You have excess skin or fat in your upper abdomen
- You are looking for a small reduction in your upper abdomen
- You have not been diagnosed with full diastasis recti
- You do not plan to become pregnant in the near future
- You can quit smoking for a certain period of time before and after the surgery
- You do not have any serious medical conditions and are generally healthy
- You are at or near your ideal weight
- You are emotionally prepared for what the surgery will entail
- You are committed to following your doctor’s post-operative instructions
How is the operation performed?
On the day of your procedure, you will meet with your surgeon to map out your incisions and go over the details of your reverse tummy tuck.
There are several different tummy tuck techniques, but the surgery usually starts the same way. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. Your surgeon will start by making a thin incision from side to side under your breast crease (inframammary fold). This allows them to lift the upper abdominal skin above the breastbone and reposition it higher, creating a smoother, more defined contour. They will then trim away any excess and sometimes tighten the superior rectus muscles if necessary. Finally, your surgeon will secure the raised tissue with stitches.
In some cases, patients want to rejuvenate the appearance of their breasts in addition to their abdomen. In these scenarios, your surgeon can use excess skin and tissue to enlarge the breasts, improving their volume and shape.
A reverse tummy tuck can also be combined with other cosmetic surgery options (such as liposuction, breast lifts, or mommy makeover procedures) for a more comprehensive transformation.
As with most surgical body contouring procedures, when you wake up from anesthesia, you will be wearing a surgical bandage or compression garment to promote healing and preserve your results.
While you are recovering, it is recommended that you take light daily walks for approximately 4 to 6 weeks, but avoid intense exercise.
During this time, you can expect some swelling, bruising, and tenderness. But don’t worry; these will all gradually subside on their own.
After 2 weeks, most patients can return to work and resume light activities.
In general, you will be ready to return to your regular exercise routine within 6 to 8 weeks.
Reverse tummy tuck surgery is long-lasting. However, it cannot prevent the natural changes your body experiences as time passes. However, you can extend the life of the results with the following methods:
- Follow the tummy tuck surgery aftercare instructions to the letter.
- Follow a healthy and balanced diet.
- Exercise regularly.
- If you are considering pregnancy, adjust the time according to your doctor’s instructions.
- Avoid smoking.
- Limit alcohol consumption.
- Prefer dermocosmetic products.
- Use sunscreen when the surgical area is exposed.
- Manage your stress levels.
- Attend your appointments regularly with your surgeon.
Each surgery has its own possible complications. In particular, reverse abdominoplasty is not as common as other abdominoplasty surgeries. Therefore, you should choose an experienced surgeon in this regard. Possible complications of reverse abdominoplasty surgery are as follows:
- Adverse reactions to anesthesia
- Hematomas (accumulation of blood) under the skin
- Seromas (accumulation of fluid) under the skin
- Excessive bruising and swelling
- Asymmetrical results
- Bad scarring
- Infection
- Loss of sensitivity in the skin
- Dissatisfaction with the final result
- Need for revision surgery
There are three important differences between a traditional tummy tuck and a reverse tummy tuck.
Target Area: A traditional tummy tuck focuses on the lower abdomen. A reverse tummy tuck removes excess tissue and skin from the upper abdomen.
Surgical Technique: In a reverse abdominoplasty, surgeons make an incision under the breasts (along the inframammary fold) instead of making an incision around the belly button or along the lower abdomen as in a standard abdominoplasty procedure.
Patient Needs: There are many ways to improve the appearance of the abdomen (including reverse and traditional tummy tucks, mini tummy tucks, and liposuction). Your surgeon will determine which procedure is best for your needs during your consultation.
Sources:
- National Library of Medicine-National Center for Biotechnology Information (NLM)
- Oxford Academic (Oxford University Press)
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)