Many of us strive for a flat and well-toned abdomen through diet and exercise but it is not always easily obtainable. A tummy tuck is a popular surgical procedure among individuals who are looking to removes excess fat and skin due to having children or after significant weight loss. Lately, the “reverse tummy tuck” has been circulating on cosmetic surgery websites and social media leaving many people curious about what a reverse tummy tuck is and how it varies from a standard tummy tuck.
A standard tummy tuck procedure addresses loose skin of the upper and lower abdomen area, while the reverse tummy tuck only removes excess loose skin from the upper abdomen. A standard tummy tuck incision is horizontal from hip to hip, near the pubic hairline. A reverse tummy tuck incision is beneath the breasts at the crease, typically where a bra would be worn. This scar placement for the reverse tummy tuck may be advertised as a “scarless” tummy tuck, but there is in fact still a scar and that scar is more visible than that of a standard tummy tuck.
A reverse tummy tuck is an extremely rare procedure since it may cause some potential drawbacks in breast shape and incision placement. Less than 1% of tummy tuck patients are candidates for a reverse tummy tuck. An ideal candidate for a tummy tuck is a non-smoking individual with loose abdominal skin. Most patients who seek a tummy tuck procedure carry most of their excess skin in the lower abdomen area, therefore, a standard tummy tuck is favored over a reverse tummy tuck procedure.
Our view – a standard tummy tuck will provide patients with a more natural, desirable outcome in the long run. If you are interested in scheduling a consultation to discuss if you are a candidate for a standard tummy tuck, please contact our office.
