Considering a Tummy Tuck, but recently learned about Reverse Tummy Tuck, which would be best for my body. (photos)

The vast majority of patients do best with a standard tummy tuck.  Meaning the incision is placed low on the abdomen.  A select few , with excess skin only in the upper part of the abdomen may be candidates for a 'reverse' tummy tuck.  In this case the incision is placed under the breast crease.  Based on you pictures you would likely require a standard tummy tuck.

Hi Scarlett Gannon; I concur with the other surgeons; I have never had a reason to consider a reverse abdominoplasty. I think it is an ill conceived procedure. Perhaps to move a small amount of tissue upwards, which would be rare. First, the most skin in the abdomen is in the lower half and is of poor quality from pregnancy and weight gain. In cases such as yours, where you might have carried a lot of weight in your abdominal area, you can have a double pannus with a skin band splitting the upper abdominal skin from trhe lower skin. This can be undermined and brought down more effectively than lifting all of it up. Second, the lower scar is hidden in clothes. Third, moving skin in the lower half of the abdomen gives a far better result. I rarely do fleur-des-lis vertical excisions with the abdominoplasty due to their justified reputation of poor healing. Most people will loose weight after an abdominoplasty but you can also do liposuction after in combination with BodyTIte. Your condition is highly correctable. Our abdominoplasty patients are among one of our happiest! 

Hello and thank you for your
question. Based on your photograph, you are a better candidate for a regular tummy tuck
with liposuction.  This can be done
through a low and short incision, all completely below the bikini line.  The belly button can be designed to look
natural and have no scars on the exterior.  
Your muscles can also be plicated resulting in a flat abdomen.  Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.  The most important
aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek
consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate
you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Hello,Given your massive weight loss, you would not be the best candidate for a reverse tummy tuck. You will need a full downward pull that is performed with a regular tummy tuck, and may even benefit from a vertical excision as well (fleur de lys). Although it appears like you have a lot of skin above the belly button, it will transfer down well. Go visit a few ABPS certified/ASAPS member surgeons who specialize in body contouring surgery. Best of luck!

A reverse tummy tuck only improves lax skin in the uppermost abdomen, with a scar along the bottom of the breasts. It will not do enough to give an acceptable result in your case.

Thank your for your question and photos. A reverse tummy tuck is rarely if ever indicated, and you are not a candidate for it. You still have significant amount of fat on your abdomen, upper and lower including pubic area. What is your goal? Do you want to look as good as possible or have an average result? In my opinion, you are not a good candidate for a standard tummy tuck either at this time. If you were my patient, based on these photos only, I would do a two staged procedure: 1. VASER liposuction of your whole abdomen, back, waist, hips, lower back fat pad and 2. a full tummy tuck 4-6 months later with further lipo contouring. This will give you an hourglass figure. Trying to combine these surgeries into one, will give you suboptimal results both in the tummy tuck and contouring areas with an extended abdominoplasty scar.See a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in advanced body sculpting techniques for an in person consultation/evaluation. Good luck.

Based on your pictures it looks like you are a great candidate for a tummy tuck with liposuction of your sides and back for  nice contour, always see a board  certified PS.

Dear Scarlett Gannon,if you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

From the photos an extended tummy tuck with liposuction for contouring would be recommended. The procedure would address excess subcutaneous fat and skin as well as correct abdominal wall laxity. The result would be an improved abdominal contour. The reverse tummy tuck is not advisable for you. The extended tummy tuck would better address your concerns and give you a more favorable result.

Congratulations on your successful weight loss.   Based on your photographs, you will do best with a standard tummy tuck procedure.

A reverse tummy tuck operation refers to an operation that involves removal of upper abdominal wall skin/tissue using an incision place along the infra mammary folds of the breasts.   Generally, the reverse tummy tuck operation is rarely performed,  compared to standard tummy tuck surgery. It has the potential downsides of distortion of the lower poles of the breasts and does not address the lower abdominal wall.

 My best advice: select your plastic surgeon carefully. Make sure that he/she has significant experience achieving the types of outcomes you will be pleased with. Then, communicate your concerns and goals carefully, as well. Working together you will come up with a good plan to achieve your goals.  

  Best wishes.