What Is a Reverse Tummy Tuck?

A modern approach to tightening the upper abdomen when traditional tummy tucks fall short

When most people think of a tummy tuck, they picture tightening loose skin in the lower abdomen. But for some patients, the main concern is actually above the belly button. Loose skin, crepey texture, or stretched tissue in the upper abdomen can remain even after weight loss, pregnancy, or previous surgery. This situation is where a reverse tummy tuck becomes a valuable and often overlooked solution.

At The Aesthetics Centers in Newport Beach, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Siamak Agha frequently evaluates patients who feel frustrated that standard abdominal procedures do not fully address their upper abdominal laxity. The reverse tummy tuck was developed specifically for this group, offering targeted correction in an area that traditional approaches do not always reach.

Not all abdominal laxity sits below the belly button. For patients with loose upper abdominal skin, a reverse tummy tuck can be transformative when properly planned and executed.

Understanding the reverse tummy tuck concept

A reverse tummy tuck is a body contouring procedure designed to remove excess skin and tighten tissue in the upper abdomen, the area between the belly button and the breast crease.

Unlike a traditional tummy tuck, which pulls skin downward and removes excess tissue from the lower abdomen, the reverse technique lifts the skin upward. The excess tissue is removed through incisions hidden along the natural fold beneath the breasts or within the breast crease.

This upward redraping allows surgeons to smooth wrinkles, reduce sagging, and restore a firmer contour to the upper torso without disturbing the lower abdominal region.

Why upper abdominal laxity happens

Loose skin in the upper abdomen can develop for several reasons:

1. Significant weight loss, especially after bariatric surgery.
2. Pregnancy-related stretching.
3. Natural aging and gradual loss of skin elasticity.
4. Prior abdominal or breast surgery.
5. Genetics and overall skin quality.

In many cases, patients may have relatively tight skin below the belly button but noticeable looseness above it. A traditional tummy tuck alone may not fully correct this imbalance.

Dr. Agha often sees patients who previously underwent lower abdominal tightening but still feel that their torso looks aged or uneven when viewed from the front or side. The reverse tummy tuck fills this gap in treatment.

How the procedure is performed

The reverse tummy tuck is carefully customized based on each patient’s anatomy and goals. During surgery:

1. Incisions are placed discreetly along the inframammary fold, the natural crease beneath the breasts.
2. Upper abdominal skin is gently lifted upward.
3. Excess skin is removed.
4. The remaining tissue is recontoured and secured for a smoother, firmer appearance.

When performed by an experienced surgeon, scars typically remain well hidden under the breast fold or within existing breast surgery scars.

At The Aesthetics Centers in Newport Beach, Dr. Agha often combines this procedure with breast surgery, such as a breast lift, reduction, or reconstruction. This allows both areas to be addressed through the same incision pattern for improved harmony and efficiency.

Reverse tummy tuck vs traditional tummy tuck

While both procedures aim to improve abdominal contour, they address different anatomical zones.
A traditional tummy tuck targets the lower abdomen, tightens abdominal muscles, removes skin below the belly button, and places the incision along the bikini line.

A reverse tummy tuck targets the upper abdomen, tightens skin above the belly button, removes tissue through breast crease incisions, and does not usually involve muscle tightening.

Some patients benefit from a combined approach when laxity exists both above and below the belly button. Dr. Agha frequently designs hybrid surgical plans that address the entire abdominal wall in a balanced and natural way.

Who typically benefits from a reverse tummy tuck?

This procedure is especially helpful for patients who:

1. Have loose or sagging skin primarily in the upper abdomen.
2. Have already had a traditional tummy tuck but still see upper laxity.
3. They are currently undergoing breast surgery and are seeking a comprehensive rejuvenation of their upper torso.
4. Have good lower abdominal skin tone.
5. Maintain a stable weight.

Because the technique is highly specific, proper evaluation is essential. During consultation, Dr. Agha carefully examines skin quality, scar placement options, and overall body proportions to ensure the procedure will deliver meaningful improvement.

Recovery and expected results

Recovery from a reverse tummy tuck is generally more comfortable than a full traditional tummy tuck, as abdominal muscles are usually not tightened.

Most patients experience mild to moderate swelling and tightness, temporary discomfort under the breast area, return to light activity within one to two weeks, and gradual improvement in contour over several months.

Final results typically reveal a smoother, flatter upper abdomen with improved posture of the skin and more balanced proportions between the chest and midsection.

The importance of surgical expertise

Although less commonly discussed than standard tummy tucks, the reverse tummy tuck requires precise planning and advanced aesthetic judgment. Incision placement, skin tension, and breast positioning must all be carefully coordinated to avoid unnatural contours or visible scarring.

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Siamak Agha’s extensive experience in body contouring and reconstructive surgery allows him to integrate this procedure seamlessly into comprehensive treatment plans. At The Aesthetics Centers in Newport Beach, the focus remains on natural transitions, long-term stability, and results that complement the entire torso rather than just a single area.

Conclusion

A reverse tummy tuck is not a replacement for a traditional tummy tuck, but for the right patient, it can be the missing piece that completes abdominal rejuvenation.

By targeting the upper abdomen directly, this procedure offers an elegant solution to a problem that often goes untreated. Under the care of board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Siamak Agha, patients can achieve a smoother, more youthful torso that looks balanced from every angle.