You may have heard of a tummy tuck. It is a highly sought-after procedure. After all, who doesn’t want a flatter tummy and a more sculpted-looking waistline? Sometimes people ask us, “ What is a reverse tummy tuck ?”
Before diving into explaining the reverse tummy tuck, it may help to have a quick refresher on what happens during a standard tummy tuck.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that aims to sculpt the abdomen more sculpted. It’s popular with people who have loose or sagging skin in the lower abdominal area resulting from pregnancy or significant weight loss. In fact, a tummy tuck is often part of a “mommy makeover,” which is a custom package of cosmetic procedures to help restore one’s post-pregnancy physique. Consider asking your plastic surgery the differente between mommy makeover vs tummy tuck.
During a tummy tuck procedure, a plastic surgeon removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens the muscles in the abdominal wall. This results in a flatter and more toned appearance. The procedure usually involves an incision from hip to hip and around the navel to free the navel from surrounding tissue. While it leaves a scar, it can be covered wearing underwear or a two-piece swimsuit.
After the excess skin and fat are removed, the remaining skin is re-draped and stitched in place. In some cases, the navel may need to be repositioned to match the new shape of the abdomen. The procedure can take anywhere from 1 to 5 hours, depending on the complexity and individual circumstances.
Please note that a tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss or an appropriate exercise program. Significant fluctuations in weight may greatly diminish results. It is crucial to understand what are the benefits of a tummy tuck before the procedure. If you are planning substantial weight loss or having another child, it may be better to postpone a tummy tuck.
How is a Reverse Tummy Tuck Different?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgery , a reverse tummy tuck may be a good alternative for people with excess skin around their upper abdomen area and who don’t have diastasis tummy tuck to repair. It can also help repair damage, including a hernia.
A reverse tummy tuck, or reverse abdominoplasty, is a less common type of tummy tuck. It primarily targets the upper part of the abdomen, while a standard tummy tuck primarily targets the lower abdomen. A reverse tummy tuck can also address sagging or excess skin in the upper abdomen up to just below the breasts. As the Aesthetic Surgery Journal notes, the upper abdomen and torso can be challenging in terms of body sculpting procedures. The reverse tummy tuck may be an excellent option for some who want to approach the look of this area.
During a reverse tummy tuck, your surgeon makes an incision in the crease beneath the breasts. Through this incision, the surgeon can remove excess skin and tighten the underlying muscles to form a smoother and firmer-looking upper belly and abdomen.
Like a standard tummy tuck, this procedure is often performed on people who have lost a lot of weight, leaving them with excess loose skin. Women who have experienced changes in their bodies due to pregnancy also frequently consider a reverse tummy tuck. It can also be combined with other procedures like breast augmentation or a traditional tummy tuck.
Is a Tummy Tuck Right for You?
There are a few things to consider when deciding whether either a standard tummy tuck or a reverse tummy tuck is right for you. Schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon to work through these factors.
First, determine whether you are healthy enough for an elective operation. Some things to consider include:
- Are you a nonsmoker or willing to quit smoking a few months before your operation? Smoking gets in the way of your body’s ability to heal.
- Are you reasonably close to your healthy weight range? This is a matter to discuss with your plastic surgeon. There are a few reasons; first, the results of a tummy tuck won’t last if your weight isn’t pretty stable. If you plan to lose weight, your best bet is to do it first. The most crucial reason is your safety. Dosing anesthetics can be trickier for people with a higher BMI, so weight loss is encouraged rather if you are far from your healthy weight range.
- Are you generally healthy? This doesn’t mean you have to be the perfect specimen. Some health conditions increase the odds of complications from a tummy tuck or any elective surgery. Be open with your doctor about any diagnosed medical conditions you have, unresolved symptoms that may hint at an undiagnosed illness, and your family medical history. Again, this ensures a safe experience and good results for you.
Talk with your plastic surgeon about how to get a flat tummy. What areas are you not satisfied with? When your surgeon understands your hopes and aesthetic goals, you are more likely to get the results you hope for. Ask any questions you have and ask to see examples of the kind of results you may realistically expect.
Keep an open mind during your consultation. After learning a patient’s goals, a plastic surgeon sometimes realizes that another procedure might be a good fit. With so many cosmetic procedures, it is nearly impossible for someone outside the field to know the full range of options. For example, some people haven’t heard of a reverse tummy tuck, so they may come in for a consultation to explore getting a breast lift or a standard tummy tuck. After talking with a plastic surgeon, they may hear of a reverse tummy tuck for the first time and learn that is the procedure most likely to give them the desired results. Ultimately, plastic surgery is a highly personal and individual choice.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you live in the Charlotte, NC, area, then we hope you will consider Charlotte Plastic Surgery . We have served our community for decades and offer today’s most sought-after and sometimes rare cosmetic procedures. Call us today to schedule your appointment.
