Full or Reverse Tummy Tuck? (photo)

Question

I have had abdominal lipo 15 yrs ago. I have no stretch marks on my stomach and my abdominal muscles are in tact. I had a breast reduction 4 yrs ago as well. My stomach is flat in all of my clothes but it has loose skin. When I pull it up it looks better. Do you suggest a full tummy tuck and get the scar or reverse and cut the scar under my breast?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Due to the fact that you probably already have the IMF scars from the breast reduction and you do have upper abdominal problems, you may be good candidate for reverse tummy tuck.  However, this can be a tricky procedure if the IMF is not strong enough to oppose the tension from the tummy flap.  This sometimes has to be reinforced to prevent IMF migration.  Find a plastic surgeon with ELITE credentials who performs breast lifts and tummy tucks hundreds of times a year.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

When the lower abdominal skin is good but there is looseness in the upper part, a reverse tummy tuck might be an option. Since you already have a scar along the bottom of the breasts from the reduction, it would not add much of a new scar. It would have to be anchored to prevent the scar from pulling down.

Brent Moelleken, MD · Answer

The true reverse abdominoplasty is seldom done any more. The scar is simply too long and covers the center of the chest, where a low cut dress or swimwear might reveal the incision.

	The reverse abdominoplasty done through the existing breast incisions is a weak, but occasionally helpful, technique.

	Your pictures show looseness in the upper and lower abdomen, so it would be best to perform a full abdominoplasty or a modified full abdominoplasty, depending on existing incisions, umbilicus to pubis distance etc. that could be determined at the time of consultation.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question but you may consider posting additional photographs that show you your full abdomen, for better advice. Generally speaking, the “reverse” tummy tuck procedure  is very rarely performed because it addresses the upper abdominal wall area only and can be associated with problems such as distortion/lowering of the inframammary folds of the breasts. 

	For more precise advice, seek consultation with well experienced board certified plastic surgeons in your area. Ask to see lots of examples of their work and communicate your goals clearly.

	 Best wishes.

Richard J. Brown, MD · Answer

I am not a huge fan of the reverse tummy tuck. I do not like a scar over the upper abdomen. If skin is truly your issue then just go for the traditional tummy tuck and I think you will be very happy with your result. The reverse tummy tuck is much more rare. I have only done that in patients who have prior scars in those areas from previous surgery. That is just my personal preference.

Full or Reverse Tummy Tuck? (photo)

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Full or Reverse Tummy Tuck? (photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Full or Reverse Tummy Tuck Candidate?

Answer: Full or Reverse Tummy Tuck Candidate?

Answer: Full or Reverse Tummy Tuck #tummytuck

Answer: Full or Reverse Tummy Tuck #tummytuck

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.