Would I be able to get a reverse tummy tuck? (Photo)

Question

I am 5’5, 120 lbs. I’ve had 3 children and lose mainly in the middle and upper part of my belly. I can barely pinch any below the belly button. I am also a breast cancer survivor & would like to have a revision on my implants due to rippling. I don’t see a log of doctors showing reverse tummy tucks, but it seems like where I need the work. If I’m already getting a cut below my breasts, it seems convenient but would love a professional opinion.

Carlos Mata, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. A reverse tummy tuck may be a good option for you based on the loose skin in your upper abdomen and minor lower abdominal laxity. However, it's important to inform your surgeon about your medical history as a breast cancer survivor, including any treatments you've had and how they might impact the surgery and recovery. Your surgeon may need to consult with your oncologist or other medical professionals as necessary. Also, they will assess the condition of your current implants, review different implant options (such as silicone vs. saline), and determine the best approach to achieve natural-looking results with minimal rippling.

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. You have multiple options that will achieve your goals. A reverse TT is one and it can possibly be done in combination with your breast procedure. Another option is a mini-abdominoplasty. Both options can be tailored to address the upper abdominal laxity and preserve the aesthetics of the belly button.

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry!  Based on the photos, a reverse tummy tuck might be an option for you.  We would be happy to sit down with you to discuss your surgical options.  Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon.

Gregory Lakin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. If you have a tight lower abdomen and loose skin above the belly button, a reverse tummy tuck could suit you. This procedure involves removing excess skin from the upper abdomen to address these concerns. As a breast cancer survivor seeking implant revision, a reverse tummy tuck can be performed with breast surgery. This technique has been used to reconstruct the chest wall after breast cancer treatment and can also help with issues such as rippling and using tissue from the upper abdomen. It's important to consult a board-certified surgeon who has experience with both surgeries to evaluate your general health, past therapies, and breast cancer history to determine the best approach for you. A physical examination will also be conducted to provide a professional opinion and explore the possibility of combining these surgeries to achieve your goals.

Eric Swanson, MD · Answer

Your question is understandable. Why not have the same incision serve dual purpose? The reason most plastic surgeons are not very enthusiastic about reverse tummy tucks is because full tummy tucks produce better results. The scar is hidden within your panty line and it very effectively tightens the skin of the whole abdomen, including the upper abdomen. A long incision from below one breast to below the other has to cross the midline, where scars are unattractive and can be visible. So the best option is a full tummy tuck and you can have your implant issues treated with the short breast scar you already have.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear miatbt,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. 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

Sumer Daiza, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is difficult to tell exactly how much skin will pull down on the photos, however, I believe that you may have too much skin for a reverse tummy tuck. If you opt for a reverse tummy tuck, you will likely need to have crossover in the midline, and the scar may rise up to between your breasts. It is best to see a board certified plastic surgeon to examine you in person.

Roni Prucz, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and the photos! The reverse tummy tuck procedure places the incision within the inframammary fold and across the midline. While this procedure does improve skin laxity above the belly button and can be used to recruit tissue for the inferior pole of the breast, many women are unhappy with the scar since it travels across the midline (from breast to breast). Therefore, in general, most individuals prefer the standard tummy tuck incision. With proper dissection, the soft tissue laxity above the belly button can be corrected. However, given your overall thin appearance, you may have a short vertical scar. But even with a short vertical scar the traditional tummy tuck surgery should have less visible scarring than the reverse procedure, which is ideal for only a certain subset of patients. You should discuss your care with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who will be able to provide more information.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, you have not provided photographs of your breasts. However, if you need a revision of your breasts then it is possible to do the breast revision and reverse tummy tuck at the same time. Also, some of the tissue from the abdomen can be used to help reconstruct your breasts.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

If you already have scars under the breasts then a reverse tummy tuck is a reasonable option. But it could pull the scars down if it’s too tight

Would I be able to get a reverse tummy tuck? (Photo)

Answers (19)

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