What is a Reverse Tummy Tuck?

In general, a tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, addresses saggy or loose skin and, to some degree, fat in the belly area. A reverse tummy tuck (also called reverse abdominoplasty) is a body-contouring procedure that addresses concerns with the upper abdomen, usually above the belly button. 

With a traditional tummy tuck, excess skin is pulled downward; during a reverse tummy tuck, abdominal skin is lifted upward, and the incision is hidden along the inframammary fold (breast crease).

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the reverse tummy tuck, how it can support upper abdomen contour improvements, and what to expect as part of this procedure.

We’ll also examine how Defyne Plastic Surgery approaches the reverse tummy tuck, and how our board-certified plastic surgeons combine it with customized aesthetic care to help you feel confident in a smoother, more toned midline.

Interested in learning more? Contact us today for a consultation and start your journey toward your best look yet.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Reverse Tummy Tuck?

Aging, pregnancy, and significant weight loss (for example, post-bariatric surgery or GLP-1s) can all contribute to excess skin in the upper stomach area. 

For some people, the lower abdomen also requires contouring to create the best outcome. But for those who only have concerns above the belly button (umbilicus), a reverse tummy tuck can be a good option.

In some cases, patients have already had a tummy tuck but desire further contouring of the upper abdomen. Or, they have had, or wish to have, a breast augmentation or breast lift, and a reverse tummy tuck can further enhance the appearance of the torso between the breasts and the belly.

A good candidate should be in overall good health, have realistic expectations, and understand that the procedure is often best for contouring rather than major weight reduction—a tummy tuck is not weight-loss surgery. However, it can address stubborn fat around the belly, especially when combined with liposuction. 

Research shows that combining these two procedures has a 99% patient satisfaction rate.

How it Differs from a Standard Tummy Tuck

Let’s take a closer look at the differences between a reverse tummy tuck and other tummy tuck options that include the lower abdomen.

Reverse Tummy Tuck	Standard Tummy Tuck	Mini Tummy Tuck
Focuses on the upper abdomen	Focuses on the upper and lower abdomen	Focuses on the lower abdomen only
Does not involve repositioning the belly button	The belly button may be repositioned	Does not involve repositioning the belly button
Incision and scar are hidden under the breast crease	Incision and scar are hidden below the bikini line	Incision and scar are hidden below the bikini line
Muscle repair is limited to the upper abdomen	Muscle repair (diastasis recti) can involve the entire abdomen	Minimal repair of muscle separation in the lower abdomen

What Happens During Surgery?

Tummy tuck surgery is an outpatient procedure, so patients may go home the same day. Most tummy tucks are performed under general anesthesia. However, at our Scottsdale plastic surgery practice, Defyne has developed an ability to combine advanced local anesthesia with twilight IV sedation for select candidates. 

Some patients opt for additional procedures at the time of the reverse tummy tuck, such as breast augmentation or reduction, and other body contouring procedures. 

During tummy tuck surgery, the area to be addressed is marked, an incision is made, excess skin is removed and tightened, drains are placed if necessary, and the incision is closed with sutures. 

Recovery and Downtime

As soon as you’re able to get up and move around, you’ll be encouraged to take frequent light walks to help stimulate blood circulation. Some swelling, bruising, and mild pain are common in the first days of healing, and a compression garment may be recommended for support.

If drains are present, you’ll be given instructions on how to manage them along with your incision. Heavy lifting or strenuous activity must be avoided in the first few weeks (generally around 6 weeks). Your surgeon will give you detailed instructions on what activities are safe.

Initial downtime before returning to work or light activities is typically around 2 weeks.

Scarring and Results

The reverse tummy tuck scar will continue to improve over time and is minimized by sitting in the inframammary fold rather than exposing it.

Before-and-after results from a reverse tummy tuck typically include a smoother upper abdomen, flatter contours, and a more balanced torso profile. Final results continue to settle over several months of healing as swelling reduces and the scar matures.

What is the Cost of a Reverse Tummy Tuck?

The cost of a reverse tummy tuck is affected by factors such as surgeon expertise, anesthesia, facility fees, and geographic location. It can also be impacted by combining the procedure with other surgeries or minimally invasive treatments.

The best way to find out the cost of a reverse tummy tuck is to schedule a consultation. During this visit, a board-certified plastic surgeon at Defyne Plastic Surgery will learn about your unique goals, discuss your concerns, and review your medical history. 

If you are an ideal candidate for a reverse tummy tuck, pricing can be explained based on the treatment plan you agree to.

Defyne’s Approach to the Reverse Tummy Tuck

At Defyne, we recognize that no two bodies are the same, and individual goals are important. To help our patients achieve the best customized results, we prioritize advancing aesthetic techniques with proven technology and innovative approaches. 

If a reverse tummy tuck isn’t the best fit, Defyne offers traditional tummy tucks, mini tummy tucks, and our signature S.M.A.R.T. Tummy Tuck as a less invasive option for select patients. 

Other procedures that can enhance contours and address problem areas include:

• Renuvion: combines the energy from radiofrequency (RF) treatment with helium plasma to tighten skin, often following liposuction. 
• Refyne360: this package includes the S.M.A.R.T. Tummy Tuck, adding True Shape Breast Augmentation for a more complete approach to the upper trunk.
• Morpheus8: focuses on skin concerns like stretch marks, stimulating collagen production, and further tightening loose or lax skin.

Book a consultation with Defyne Plastic Surgery today to learn whether a reverse tummy tuck, a customized combination procedure, or a minimally invasive enhancement is the best fit for your goals.