Tummy Tuck: Q&A

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Full or Reverse Tummy Tuck for Upper Abdomen Laxity?

I had a mini Tummy Tuck 2 years ago, and now I'm unhappy with my upper abdomen area (above the belly button). I want a more smoother, tighter look. To correct this, my surgeon has recommended a reverse Tummy Tuck. I'm scared to death of how the scar is going to look since my breasts are set far apart (I had breast implants in 2000 as well). That's my main concern.

He also said he would recut from my mini Tummy Tuck and perform a full Tummy Tuck, but the results wouldn't be as accomplished this way as it would be from a reverse tuck. I'm really torn here and need some advice. I fully trust my surgeon, I'm just wanting to make sure that I make the right choice in which direction to pull my skin. I'm leaning towards the recut.

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abdomen skin loose

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10 Doctor Answers | Asked by Scrappy in IN, USA

Doctor Answers (10)
Community Comments (0)

Standard tummy tuck would work best in this situation

Tummy tucks are a very popular and effective way to contour the abdomen. Like no two patients are the same, in our practice note to tummy tucks are equal. We spent a great deal of time evaluating the patient before the surgery to assess their physical condition and to understand their aesthetic goals. We then create a surgical plan that will help meet these goals. It is possible in your case to perform any revision to me to to correct the laxity in the upper abdomen. I would not consider... more

Traditional Tummy Tuck vs. Inverse Abdominoplasty

Upper abdominal laxity can usually be successfully improved even with a "full' tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), but in some severe cases (usually after massive weight loss) a reverse tummy tuck may be suggested by the surgeon. However, it is very important to note that the scars from a reverse tummy tuck might not be advantageous, (they will run straight across the inframammary fold), and so I personally am very hesitant to suggest this procedure.

I'm not a big fan of the reverse tummy tuck

If you want the home run result, I think you will get it with liposuction or VASER of your whole torso, and convert to a full tummy tuck. Your torso seems the area where you carry your extra weight, so really thinning this area out will have a big effect on your overall look, including the sides and love handles. As for reverse tummy tuck, I find the scar is rarely acceptable and since gravity is always pulling downwards, the result is always half of what you want it to be. Pulling upward ... more

Lisa B. Cassileth, MD

3 reviews

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Reverse Tummy Tuck not advisable for your case

Scrappy, I would strongly advise against the reverse tummy tuck in your case. You're absolutely right about the scar in the middle - it is very obvious - connecting both breasts. Don't add an extra, visible and long scar if you don't have to. I think you are a good candidate for a full tummy tuck. I would excise the mini-tummy tuck scar, lower the scar to the pubic hair line and recruit all that extra skin down again. You would need to have your umbilicus (belly button) pulled through a... more

Explanation of Reverse Upper Abdominoplasty

A reverse Upper Tummy Tuck involves removing excess abdominal skin vertically upwards using incisions hidden in the inframammary folds underneath the breasts. THERE IS NO INCISION MADE BETWEEN THE BREASTS. In general, this operation is best reserved for patients with fairly full or at least slightly droopy breasts, which serve to nicely conceal the inframammary folds. An important part of this procedure is the placement of permanent lifting sutures that elevate the lower skin edge,... more

Michael Law, MD

17 reviews

Raleigh-Durham Plastic Surgeon

michaellawmd.com

Caution:Full Tummy Tuck after Mini could be a problem.

If you had a mini tummy tuck usually the belly button base is cut and this takes away the blood supply form below. When a full tummy tuck is done the belly button is cut all the way around form the skin and surrounding tissue. The belly button could easily die. This is the issue in your case. The surgeon who you like very much can look at the op note and answer this question. I have never like the reverse tummy tuck results and scar. Your upper abdomen... more

Reverse or Full tummy tuck after Mini Tummy Tuck

In my opinion, given the limited information here in your photograph. I believe you would get an improvement with a full tummy tuck. You still may have some residual laxity in the upper most abdomen but I believe that is preferable to the results or risks of a reverse abdominoplasty. see video

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Full tummy tuck may be better choice

Get a full tummy tuck and avoid the reverse. The full tummy tuck will tighten the muscles and pull down the loose extra skin. I think this is better than the reverse.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Reverse Tummy Tuck can correct your upper tummy fullness

Scrappy, An upper tummy tuck or reverse tummy tuck through incisions placed beneath your breasts is the best solution for excess skin of the upper abdomen following a mini lower tummy tuck. The results can be excellent as long as you are healthy with good blood supply. I would not use this approach if you are a smoker, have vasculitis, or poor circulation. Another option is laser liposuction. I have had good results with fat removal and skin tightening using SlimLipo laser liposuction. See... more

Reverse abdominoplasty may be logical but imperfect

It appears that you do not have significant upper abdominal laxity or redundant rolls, only relative laxity. If your laxity is due to pregancy, then it is logical that there has been some stretching out of the upper abdomen and if you pulling the upper abdominal tissue upwards it should give your abdomen a flatter and more natural look. The reverse abdominoplasty must be weighed against the fact that in order to accomplish this adequately, the incision must often cross the midline from... more