Would I benefit from a reverse tummy tuck and are there any non surgical alternatives to this procedure? (photos)

Thank you for your pictures and pictures.

A regular or reverse Tummy Tuck leaves a scar. In my experience, the scar from the Tummy Tuck can be covered more easily. In your particular case, the excess skin is in the lower part of your abdomen, which is what gets removed in a regular Tummy Tuck, I believe that's better for you based on your pictures.

While a reverse tummy tuck sounds promising, in reality, it is rarely indicated. In my experience, it is a flawed surgery for most patients- it will not address all the way to and below the belly button, the scar tends to migrate downward, it may compromise future abdominal procedures, etc.

Your best results would be with a full, standard tummy tuck. This will remove all loose skin, including above the belly button and tighten muscles. True, scar would be the trade off but far superior results to any noninvasive skin tightening like Thermage.

An exam and consultation with a/your plastic surgeon is recommended to further discuss your best options and expectations.

Hello, mamasusana2220. Thank you for your question regarding the reverse tummy tuck and non-surgical alternatives.

By looking at your photos, a reverse tummy tuck would not address the loose skin near your belly button and lower abdomen. I recommend a traditional tummy tuck with muscle plication for optimal results. I understand the fear of a long tummy tuck scar, but this procedure would provide you with the best outcome. No minimally invasive procedures, such as Thermage, will adequately address the loose skin around your abdomen.

A traditional tummy tuck will tighten the skin and muscles, giving you a smoother and more toned appearance. While the scar may be a concern, it can usually be well-hidden under clothing and swimsuits.

Good luck with your decision and achieving the best results for your body goals.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS

Hello and thank you for your question. From the pictures you have provided, you have some striae (stretchmarks) present throughout your lower abdomen, and a minimal amount of excess subcutaneous fat with a moderate amount of excess skin present in your lower abdomen and periumbilical region (around the belly button). There is minimal flank adiposity (excess skin/fat), and no significant upper abdomen adiposity. Based on all this, you would benefit from a traditional abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) to help improve your abdominal/trunk contour. Unfortunately, because your issue is predominantly skin excess to the lower/mid abdomen, there is no less invasive option which would adequately address this. Regarding the transverse lower abdominal scar, it should be well hidden within your bikini or underwear, and if you adhere to proper scar care and sun avoidance after surgery, it should eventually heal to be minimally noticeable.
Regarding a reverse abdominoplasty (reverse tummy tuck)- this procedure places the incision across your upper abdomen along both inframammary folds and connecting the two. It is beneficial for patients who have little to no lower abdomen and periumbilical adiposity, and whose main issue is focal excess skin and especially subcutaneous fat in the upper abdomen, just below their ribs. It is great if combined with a breast procedure, as in your case, as this can help minimize the scars. But unfortunately, your abdominal concerns are located too low for this to even be a reasonable option for you.
As stated above, I would NOT recommend thermage or any less invasive options to address your periumbilical skin excess, as these would only provide significantly suboptimal results, at best.
Liposuction is a great adjunct which could provide some additional benefit, particularly to the contour of your flanks, and can be done at the same time as your tummy tuck procedure for the best possible single operation results.
With all that said, it is always difficult to provide tentative surgical recommendations, as there is only so much information to be gained from any photos and descriptions provided. I recommend for you to come see me or another plastic surgeon for a formal consultation to thoroughly discuss your surgical goals, undergo a formal examination, evaluate all your options (surgical and nonsurgical), and decide on the best procedure(s) for your specific case. I hope this helps!
Best wishes,
Dr. Donald Groves
Plastic Surgeon

It is possible to do an umbilicoplasty which will remove some of the excess skin around the umbilicus but not all that you have. One option is the upside down tummy tuck using The Bellesoma Method. This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained. This technique pulls up the upper abdominal skin.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Very interesting question! I love performing reverse tummy tucks on the right patients!
A reverse tummy tuck in your case would only treat excess skin above the navel. As in most cases, your reverse tummy tuck would imply a one scar that goes across the chest, from one breast fold over to the other….. this is not a great option for some people.

Unfortunately, I feel non surgical options would be a waist of time and money, because they won’t come remotely close to a tummy tuck results. You seem to have a lot of excess skin and stretch marks bellow the navel. This can only be corrected with a traditional tummy tuck.

I understand you are not ready for a TT scar now, but I would hold off on anything else because only a traditional TT will give your the results you want. Just try to understand that the scar is not a problem, it is actually the best solution to the problem.

Best of luck,
Dr. Miguel Mota

Your worst skin is around your belly button and a reverse tummy tuck won't help that. Muscle plication is not available either with the reverse. Further, a reverse tummy tuck will have a plenty long scar that travels across your chest at the inframammary fold line and bridging between them. Get a standard TT done by a surgeon who will place your incision LOW!

I think the results of the reverse tummy tuck will be quite disappointing. It may save you the lower abdominal scar but you won’t get the tightening of your lower abdomen that you expect.

Dear mamasusana2220,
based on your photos, you look like a good candidate for a TT. Full tummy tuck should tighten your abdominal muscles and remove the excess skin. Flanks liposuction would give you a better shape. I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon because only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Looking at your photos, which of course is not a substitute for a physical exam, it appears that you would benefit from a mini tummy tuck. The degree of skin laxity that you have makes it unlikely that you will derive a significant benefit from non surgical techniques.