We all know that a tummy tuck surgery can flatten the lower abdomen. However, not many people have heard of a reverse tummy tuck. While this may be your first time hearing of this procedure, a reverse tummy tuck is a great way to tighten loose skin above the belly button and contour the upper abdomen.
In this blog, we’ll reveal the lesser-known but powerful reverse tummy tuck benefits.
What Is A Reverse Tummy Tuck?
A reverse tummy tuck, also known as an inverted tummy tuck, is a surgery that tightens, lifts, and removes excess skin from the upper abdomen. Unlike a traditional tummy tuck, this cosmetic procedure pulls the skin and tissues upward rather than downward. During a reverse tummy tuck, a surgeon usually makes the incision underneath the breast fold, where you can easily hide visible scarring.
Ideal candidates for a reverse tummy tuck are people with loose skin in the upper abdomen, which is often due to weight loss or aging.
Benefit #1: Targets Upper Abdominal Skin—Where Traditional Tummy Tucks Fall Short
With a traditional tummy tuck, the surgeon focuses on the lower abdomen, but a reverse tummy tuck is the opposite. It’s a great way to treat sagging skin in the upper abdomen. By targeting the loose skin and fat above the belly button, a reverse tummy tuck delivers a smoother contour in this area. A reverse tummy tuck can help patients who want to address loose skin in the upper abdomen. Whether you have excess skin from weight loss, pregnancy, or aging, this procedure can tone and tighten the upper abdomen.
Benefit #2: Can Be Combined With Other Surgeries To Enhance Results
A reverse tummy tuck can be done with other surgeries to deliver more dramatic results with only one recovery period. Some of the procedures that can be combined with a reverse tummy tuck include:
- Breast Lift (Mastopexy): Pairing a breast lift with a reverse tummy tuck can raise the skin in the upper abdomen and breast tissue in one surgery, streamlining recovery time as the upper body becomes refined.
- Breast Augmentation: As breast augmentation enhances the size and shape of the breasts, a reverse tummy tuck tones the upper abdomen, making an hourglass figure.
- Full Body Contouring: With this comprehensive option, you can remove excess fat and tighten loose skin in multiple areas, saving time and money as you get a more sculpted body.
Benefit #3: Hidden Incisions Mean Discreet Scarring
During a traditional tummy tuck, a surgeon places a long incision from hip to hip in the lower abdomen and a second incision around the belly button. However, a reverse tummy tuck incision goes into the natural breast fold or bra line, making it easily concealable. Many women find this placement more favorable aesthetically because a reverse tummy tuck scar can be hidden under a bra or swimsuit. While a reverse tummy tuck scar is often raised and red after surgery, it will soften and fade over time.
Benefit #4: Ideal For Post-Weight Loss Patients
Experiencing significant weight loss is a great achievement. However, many people who lose a lot of weight are left with loose skin that hangs in the upper and lower abdomen. This sagging skin can be uncomfortable, cause chaffing, and hide the results you worked so hard to achieve. However, a reverse tummy tuck offers a solution for upper skin redundancy that’s often left untreated. Since it’s designed to focus on the upper abdomen, it’s a great option for lifting and tightening the skin above the belly button. This procedure has given many people a flatter, toned upper abdomen that they can feel more confident about.
Benefit #5: Natural-Looking Contour Without Overtightening The Lower Abdomen
Many people find that a reverse tummy tuck helps them achieve a balanced, proportionate look, especially when their loose skin is in the upper abdomen. Sometimes, a traditional tummy tuck can lead to over-stretched skin or unnatural results as it tries to address the upper and lower abdominal areas. Focusing on the upper abdomen enables the surgeon to take a targeted approach, resulting in a natural-looking contour. Additionally, if the lower abdomen is already well-toned, this approach targets the specific area that the patient would like to enhance.
Is A Reverse Tummy Tuck Right For You?
A reverse tummy tuck may be right for you if you meet the following qualifications:
- Have Upper Abdominal Skin Laxity: If you have excess fat and hanging skin above your belly button, a reverse tummy tuck can lift and tighten this area to enhance your contours.
- In Good General Health: An ideal candidate should be healthy enough to have this surgery and anesthesia. Generally, patients in good health have a reduced risk of complications and can recover more quickly from surgery.
- Have Realistic Expectations: While a reverse tummy tuck isn’t a weight loss solution, it can remove excess fat and skin to deliver your desired results when you’re close to your ideal weight.
As with any surgical procedure, the first step is a consultation. During this consultation, you can discuss your goals and health history with a qualified surgeon. You’ll find out if you’re a good candidate for a reverse tummy tuck and receive personalized recommendations that are right for you.
Tone Your Upper Abdomen With a Reverse Tummy Tuck
A reverse tummy tuck is a lesser-known procedure that can offer big rewards for the right patient. By tightening and lifting the skin above the belly button, you can refine your silhouette. Additionally, this procedure can be combined with other treatments for further enhancements, allowing for a single recovery period and saving you time and money.
As the leading provider of the reverse tummy tuck in Fall River, MA, our surgeons at Advanced Body Sculpting can let you know if this procedure is a good fit for you. We’ll discuss how you can get the flatter, toned upper abdomen you desire safely. Ready to sculpt your upper abdomen? Call us at (877) 577-5476 to schedule a consultation.
