Am I a good candidate for a reverse tummy tuck? (Photo)

Question

Reverse Tummy tuck???I can see that it is not popular with most doctors in most cases. But I feel that I may be a uncommonly good candidate for a "reverse Tummy tuck" I am very fit 49 years old . 128, 5.6 , I have had a breast lift and augmentation . So a scar is already there. Thanks

Janet Woodyard, MD · Answer

Without side view, it is difficult to tell if muscle tightening is needed below the umbilicus.  It usually is needed if there have been pregnancies.  A traditional tummy tuck allows improvement of the entire abdomen. In working strictly on the upper, you will only change the area above the umbilicus. If you are completely happy with the lower abdomen, then it may be a consideration for you.  Upper tummy tuck is frequently done at the  same time as the breast surgery. If you have implants, they may need to be removed during the procedure so the surgeon can work on the abdomen and then replaced at the end. There are different considerations and risks with each procedure too involved for this forum. You should see a plastic surgeon for an exam and to discuss your best options.

David Tauber, MD · Answer

A reverse tummy tuck utilizes an incision that crosses the entire chest wall below the breasts to tighten the skin of the upper belly. This scar tends to heal very poorly and does not hide well - especially in the center of the chest.Based on your pictures, your belly button is pretty high. You would likely get a very nice result with a floating abdominoplasty from a bikini line approach. This will tighten the skin with only a scar below the bikini line.  The only trade off is that your belly button will shift downward slightly. See the following link for more information. A detailed examination will help delineate the best surgical option. Consultation with a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery would be the next best step.

Joshua Lampert, MD, FACS · Answer

Reverse tummy tuck procedures often require an extension of the inferior breast fold scar across/toward the midline.  This is a problem for some patients because it is a more visible scar - and can be hard to hide in a bathing suit or bra.  I prefer more standard abdominoplasty techniques in general for most cases.  See an ABPS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for consultation.

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

Personally, I reserve reverse tummy tuck for extreme cases. You do not appear to have enough skin for a traditional tummy tuck. Skin tightening procedures such as Smart Lipo and/or Thermi Tight  RF can improve the area without the large scars.An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon who performs these procedures is recommended to confirm you are a candidate as well as discuss your options and expectations.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.From your photos, you appear to be an excellent candidate for a reverse tummy tuck.  You should get a great result, giving you a more contoured and hourglass shape. The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

#RealSelf100Surgeon

#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

Physical exam would be helpful, but your photos demonstrate that you appear indeed to be a good candidate for reverse tummytuck because of the redundant skin above your umbilicus and inframammary scars already present from previous surgery. The only issue you must understand is that a new scar will be present in between your breasts joining the inframammary scars in the midline. Be sure to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Good luck!

Steven J. Rottman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. You appear to be a candidate for a reverse tummy tuck. The abdominal skin excision could give you an excellent contour as well as improve the tone of the anterior abdominal wall.  Please see a board certified plastic surgeon for an in-person examination to discuss the specific details of the procedures. Ask to see before and after photos to get an idea of what can be achieved. Hope this helps!

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes! It appears as though a reverse tummy tuck would be great for you. I could give you a more exact answer with an in-person consultation, but it does appear that make the upper abdominal incision would allow me to remove the extra skin from the upper abdomen and tight any muscles that are loose. The surgery would most likely be less in recovery and discomfort from a standard tummy tuck due to the fact that less skin would be removed and only half of the muscles would need to be tightened.

Thank you for your question!

Dr. Schreiber, Baltimore plastic surgeon

Thank you for your question!

Dr. Schreiber, Baltimore plastic surgeon

Christian Subbio, MD · Answer

As long as you are willing to accept the scar, which is more extensive then the scarring you presently have.  The main difference with a reverse tummy tuck is that the scar will cross the midline.  Presently, you likely have two scars which are well concealed in your breast fold.  As long as you are okay with the scar now crossing the bridge over to the other side, then yes, you are an acceptable candidate for reverse tummy tuck, and one of the few who would be indicated for this procedure.  Make a few consultations with board-certified plastic surgeons.Best of luck!Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

Brian A. Pinsky, MD, FACS · Answer

Than you for your question.  Although you seem to have more laxity in your upper abdomen above the belly button, there is usually laxity in the lower abdominal skin as well.  A " reverse tummy tuck" may require extending your existing scars and will only allow you to address the upper abdominal skin in a limited fashion.  It's best used in the setting of massive weight loss or as a revisional tool.  As others have said, I would recommend a traditional abdominoplasty.  This would address the skin laxity on both the upper and lower abdomen and allow for tightening of the abdominal muscles.  The scar can be placed low and hidden in the underwear line to avoid visibility in clothing or a bathing suit. The best thing is to see a board certified plastic surgeon for a consultation to see photo results of similar patients and outcomes.

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