Full or Reverse Tummy Tuck for Upper Abdomen Laxity?

If you had a mini tummy tuck usually the belly button base is cut and this takes away the blood supply form below.  When a full tummy tuck is done the belly button is cut all the way around form the skin and surrounding tissue.  The belly button could easily die.  This is the issue in your case.  The surgeon who you like very much can look at the op note and answer this question.  I have never like the reverse tummy tuck results and scar.  Your upper abdomen does not warrant that procedure.

Hello Scrappy,

Thank you for sharing your concerns about addressing laxity in your upper abdomen area. After reviewing your photos, it seems that you would benefit most from a full tummy tuck procedure with muscle plication, possibly combined with liposuction of your superior iliac crest to enhance contouring.

While your surgeon has suggested a reverse tummy tuck, I generally advise against this approach for several reasons. Firstly, reverse tummy tucks typically don't yield as impressive results as traditional full tummy tucks, particularly in addressing laxity above the belly button. Additionally, muscle repair, which is crucial for achieving a tighter and smoother abdominal appearance, cannot be effectively performed during a reverse tummy tuck.

Opting for a full tummy tuck allows for comprehensive correction of both upper and lower abdominal laxity, resulting in a more harmonious and aesthetically pleasing outcome. Although concerns about scarring are understandable, with proper surgical technique and post-operative care, the scar can be well-concealed and minimized over time.

It's essential to have an open and thorough discussion with your surgeon to explore all your options and address any concerns you may have about the procedure. Your surgeon can provide personalized recommendations based on your anatomy, goals, and preferences, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your desired outcomes.

I hope this information assists you in making the right choice for your tummy tuck procedure. Feel free to reach out if you have any further questions or need additional guidance.

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen

Thank you for your question. Based on your photos you will achieve your body goal with a full tummy tuck combined with intense liposuction including abdomen, waist, laterals and upper and lower back to improve your body contour and get better curves, especially in your waist area.
Kind regards,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

When
patients have loose saggy upper abdominal skin following mini-abdominoplasty
correction usually always requires conversion to a full abdominoplasty. This procedure involves raising a flap to the
level of the ribcage. The skin is then
advanced in a downward direction and the excess skin is removed at the level of
the lower abdominal incision.An
umbilical transposition is an important part of this procedure.Your picture suggests redundant upper
abdominal wall loose skin.A full
abdominoplasty can remove excess upper abdominal skin and tightens the
abdominal wall muscles.It avoids
additional incisions that potentially compromise the blood supply to the
abdominal wall and decreases the potential for skin necrosis.If you’re considering abdominoplasty
revision, consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon is
appropriate.This surgeon should be able
to formulate a treatment plan that addresses your anatomic findings and
achieves your aesthetic goals.

In my opinion, given the limited information here in your photograph. I believe you would get an improvement with a full tummy tuck. You still may have some residual laxity in the upper most abdomen but I believe that is preferable to the results or risks of a reverse abdominoplasty.