While traditional tummy tucks focus on the lower and mid-abdomen, some patients struggle with excess skin and laxity in the upper abdominal region. This may appear as a roll of skin beneath the breasts, loose tissue along the upper abdomen, or a lack of smooth contour in the chest-to-abdomen transition. For these patients, a reverse tummy tuck, also known as a reverse abdominoplasty, provides a targeted solution. Often described as a “mini tummy tuck performed upside down,” this procedure addresses the upper abdomen rather than the lower abdomen treated in standard abdominoplasty.
Unlike traditional tummy tucks, which remove skin and fat downward toward the pubic area, the reverse tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat from the upper abdominal area and lower chest and lifts the remaining skin upward toward the breasts.
The procedure uses an incision along the inframammary fold—the natural crease beneath the breasts—allowing the resulting scar to be easily hidden beneath a bra or swimsuit.
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Dr. Siamak Agha Mohammadi, MD, PhD, FACS, is a world-renowned body contouring and plastic surgeon who has performed over 300 reverse tummy tuck procedures for both men and women. He is a recognized expert in complex abdominal and upper body contouring, combining surgical precision with an artistic understanding of human anatomy. Dr. Agha has published extensively on advanced body contouring techniques, including a notable paper on reverse abdominoplasty and inframammary fold reconstruction in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. His research details the surgical technique, emphasizes the importance of preserving the inframammary fold, and describes strategies for minimizing complications while maximizing aesthetic results.
This publication highlights Dr. Agha’s leadership in advanced body contouring and provides guidance to surgeons worldwide on safe and effective management of upper abdominal laxity. His expertise ensures that patients receive state-of-the-art care backed by both clinical experience and evidence-based practice.
Although the reverse tummy tuck offers impressive cosmetic benefits, it differs from a traditional tummy tuck in several important ways:
Because of these limitations, reverse tummy tuck procedures are less common and typically performed in combination with other surgeries, including:
By combining procedures, Dr. Agha is able to enhance both the abdominal and chest areas simultaneously, producing a harmonious and youthful upper torso contour.
A reverse tummy tuck is ideal for patients who have:
Patient selection is critical to achieving optimal results. Dr. Agha emphasizes a thorough preoperative evaluation to assess skin quality, tissue elasticity, and overall health. He ensures that every candidate understands the limitations and expected outcomes of the procedure.
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Dr. Agha performs reverse abdominoplasty under general anesthesia to ensure patient comfort and safety. The procedure involves several meticulous steps:
Dr. Agha begins by marking the inframammary fold beneath the breasts. The incision follows this natural crease to ensure the resulting scar is discreet.
Excess skin and fat are excised in a crescent-shaped pattern along the upper abdomen and lower chest. This allows for smooth, even contouring of the upper torso.
The remaining skin and tissue are carefully lifted upward and secured to the ribcage, creating a flatter, more youthful upper abdominal appearance.
The incision is closed in multiple layers for optimal healing and minimal scar visibility. When performed with a breast lift or breast reduction, both procedures utilize the same incision, maximizing efficiency and aesthetic harmony.
Dr. Agha’s precision ensures smooth transitions between the chest and upper abdomen, eliminating sagging or wrinkling while maintaining natural contours.
The reverse tummy tuck offers several unique benefits for appropriately selected patients:
Recovery from a reverse tummy tuck is generally straightforward, though patients should expect some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort during the initial healing phase. Dr. Agha provides detailed post-operative instructions, including:
Patients typically resume normal activities within two to four weeks, with full results becoming apparent over several months as swelling resolves and tissue settles.
Dr. Agha is an industry leader. Whether it is your face, breasts, or body, over the past 20+ years, Dr. Agha has pioneered multiple worthwhile plastic surgery procedures that focus on creating definition and 3-dimensional results.
The reverse tummy tuck is a technically demanding procedure that requires expertise, precision, and an artistic understanding of anatomy. Dr. Siamak Agha combines all of these qualities with decades of experience in advanced body contouring. His extensive experience with primary and revision abdominoplasty, coupled with his research and publications, makes him one of the most respected surgeons in this niche field.
Patients benefit not only from Dr. Agha’s surgical skill but also from his holistic approach, which considers both functional and aesthetic outcomes. By addressing the upper abdomen in a safe and strategic manner, Dr. Agha helps patients achieve natural, lasting results that enhance both appearance and confidence.
A reverse tummy tuck is an ideal solution for patients with upper abdominal skin laxity, particularly those undergoing breast procedures or post-weight loss transformations. By removing excess skin and lifting tissue upward along the inframammary fold, this procedure creates a smoother, more youthful upper torso while minimizing visible scarring. For those seeking targeted upper abdominal rejuvenation, a consultation with Dr. Agha represents the first step toward achieving a flatter, firmer, and more aesthetically balanced upper abdomen.
Please follow us @drsiamakagha to learn what makes Dr. Agha unique and special, learn from his educational podcasts and consults, and view precision surgery after surgery.
