Reverse abdominoplasty with hernia repair plus breast fat transfer? (Photo)

Dear Straightforward194722,

Based on your description and concerns, a reverse tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) may not provide you with the optimal results you are seeking. The muscle weakness you've described, along with the presence of hernias, suggests that a standard tummy tuck would be a more effective solution for your needs.

A standard tummy tuck focuses on repairing the muscle weakness across the entire abdomen and can concurrently address hernia repairs. This procedure involves an incision made low above the pubic region, extending from hip to hip, which allows for comprehensive access to the abdominal wall for muscle repair and the removal of excess skin and fat. This approach ensures a more pronounced and overall improvement in abdominal contour and can also address the lower abdomen and pubic region, areas that a reverse tummy tuck does not affect significantly.

Considering a breast fat transfer and potentially a mastopexy (breast lift) at the same time is indeed possible and can be done safely within the same surgical session, assuming you are in good health and your surgeon assesses you as a good candidate for combined procedures. This approach can offer the advantage of a single recovery period for multiple enhancements.

It's crucial to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has extensive experience in body contouring and breast surgery to discuss your options. They will evaluate your specific case, including your anatomy and surgical goals, to recommend the most suitable procedures for achieving the best possible outcome.

In summary, a standard tummy tuck, possibly combined with hernia repair and your desired breast procedures, seems to align more closely with your goals, offering a comprehensive approach to address your concerns effectively.

Sincerely,

Dr. Katzen
Plastic Surgeon

I would recommend a standard abdominoplasty. Reverse tummy tucks are reserved for rare and specific cases. You will have a nice result possibly a vertical scar, but I would not hesitate to proceed. For your breasts, I doubt you have enough fat as a donor, but a small implant will suffice and no need for a mastopexy. Thanks.

When faced with the prospect of inframammary scars from a breast lift, a reverse tummy tuck begins to make some sense in selected individuals. For you though, a reverse tummy tuck will only be appropriate if you know that muscle tightening will not be possible; limited access to the abdominal wall around the belly button will not allow it. If that's ok, then you could proceed knowing that skin can be tightened in the upper abdomen and the ventral hernia can be repaired easily. In my estimation though, your abdominal wall laxity and protuberance is the most prominent feature that should be corrected, making a traditional abdominoplasty the correct choice.