While a traditional abdominoplasty is used to eliminate loose skin in the lower abdomen, a reverse abdominoplasty involves the removal of excess skin in the upper abdomen. Patients who have lost significant amounts of weight and have lax skin in the upper abdominal area often use reverse tummy tuck to regain a slimmer, more contoured body shape.

Newport Beach plastic surgeon Dr. Robert Kessler performs both reverse abdominoplasty and traditional tummy tuck procedures to accommodate the unique needs of each patient. In this post, Dr. Kessler discusses the reverse abdominoplasty surgery and explains who can benefit from this procedure.

How a Reverse Abdominoplasty Is Performed

First, incisions are made across the lower breast fold and lower sternum. The excess upper abdominal skin is then removed. Excess fat deposits can also be removed at this time using liposuction, if needed.

The skin is tightened in a vertical direction and the incisions are closed. Some women may find that their scar is mostly concealed underneath their breast fold and therefore not noticeable, even in a two-piece bathing suit.

The resulting upper abdominal shape will be significantly tighter and flatter. Note that unlike a traditional tummy tuck, a reverse abdominoplasty does not involve muscle tightening.

Patients Who May Benefit from a Reverse Tummy Tuck

The reverse tummy tuck is used to remove excess, lax skin from the upper abdominal area. Patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and are primarily concerned about loose skin in the upper abdomen may be good candidates for a reverse abdominoplasty.

If you’ve previously had a tummy tuck procedure, you may notice that your lower abdomen is keeping its contoured shape, but your upper abdomen has developed excess skin. The reverse tummy tuck can be used in these cases to complete your ideal abdominal shape.

You should be at or near your ideal weight before getting a reverse abdominoplasty. Any major weight fluctuations after your procedure could compromise your results, and women who are planning another pregnancy may want to postpone this procedure to avoid stretching the skin after surgery.

Schedule Your Tummy Tuck Consultation

If you have questions about whether a reverse or traditional abdominoplasty is right for you, contact our Newport Beach office to schedule a consultation. Dr. Rob Kessler can explain the benefits of each procedure and help you develop a customized body contouring plan. Call our office at 949.644.6544 to schedule your appointment.

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