Reverse Tummy Tuck

The traditional tummy tuck procedure consistently ranks in the top five plastic surgeries performed in the United States. This includes all types of tummy tucks including mini, full, and extended. However, there is a less well known type of tummy tuck called a reverse tummy tuck. While not as commonly performed, a reverse abdominoplasty can provide fantastic results in the right patients. Dr. Ludwig Allegra of Northwest Face & Body performs the best reverse tummy tuck Bellevue and Kirkland have to offer.

What Is A Reverse Tummy Tuck?

A reverse tummy tuck is a plastic surgery that focuses on correcting sagging and removing excess skin of the upper abdomen. Similar to how a standard tummy tuck addresses the lower abdomen with smaller amounts of correction in the upper abdomen, a reverse tummy tuck works exactly the opposite.

Reverse abdominoplasty surgery is less common than traditional abdominoplasty because it is only right for a small number of patients. Many plastic surgeons will perform a reverse tummy tuck as a revisional procedure, or as part of a breast procedure. Based on your particular anatomy, Dr. Ludwig Allegra can determine if a reverse abdominoplasty will best meet your needs.

Motivations And Indications:

There are many reasons that a patient may seek a Bellevue reverse tummy tuck. It is not uncommon for a patient to come in interested in another procedure and discover the reverse tummy tuck. The most common motivations and uses of a reverse tummy tuck include:

• Revise previous cosmetic abdominal procedures
• Address breast sagging
• Correct upper abdominal sagging
• Remove extra skin that collected in the upper abdomen (common after massive weight loss)
• Correct changes in the upper abdomen due to pregnancy
• May repair the abdominal muscles
• Improve body contours so that the upper abdomen better complements the lower abdomen

Overall, the main motivations for a reverse tummy tuck are to achieve a flatter and more proportionate abdomen. As mentioned, one of the most common uses of the procedure is to revise previous cosmetic surgery. Usually, it revises liposuction or a tummy tuck.

Reverse Tummy Tuck vs. Traditional Tummy Tuck

A traditional abdominoplasty surgery does address the upper abdomen. While limited, a tummy tuck with added liposuction is usually sufficient in correcting most patient’s upper abdomen condition. How can you tell if you need a reverse tummy tuck or a standard tummy tuck?

One of the easiest ways to determine which tummy tuck is right for you is to lean over at a ninety degree angle. If you have sagging in the lower abdomen below the belly button, a mini tummy tuck will likely address your concerns. If you have sagging of the lower and upper abdomen, a traditional tummy tuck will likely give you a good result. However, if only the upper abdomen sags, a reverse tummy tuck may be right for you.

Occasionally, Dr. Allegra may perform a reverse tummy tuck with a small excision to remove extra skin on the lower tummy. It is common to combine a reverse tummy tuck with a breast lift or breast augmentation because the incision is well placed to accommodate those procedures.

Reverse Tummy Tuck From Start To Finish

The process of finding the right Bellevue plastic surgeon to perform your reverse tummy tuck can take months or even years. Along with researching the procedure, surgeons, and going to consultations, it can also take time to prepare yourself for surgery. At Northwest Face & Body, we make the process of undergoing a reverse abdominoplasty seamless. We will never rush you to make a decision and want you to feel ready and confident for your procedure.

Consultation

At a consultation at Northwest Face & Body, Dr. Allegra will lead you through the appointment. He will determine if you are a good candidate for a reverse tummy tuck in Bellevue. First, he will want to understand your concerns and goals for the procedure. Next, he will review your pertinent medical history and lifestyle. Finally, he will conduct a physical exam where he can better observe your anatomy. He will then conclude the procedure(s) necessary to reach your goals.

If Dr. Allegra determines that you are a candidate for a reverse abdominoplasty, he will describe the surgery and expected results. You will then receive a customized price quote and financing information. Even if Dr. Allegra does not believe it is the right procedure for you, he will still give recommendations on what may help you reach your goals.

Surgery:

On the day of your reverse abdominoplasty in Bellevue, you will come to our state certified surgical center. The Northwest Face & Body team will clear you for surgery and Dr. Allegra will make surgical markings. Then, a licensed anesthesia provider will place you under general anesthesia.

Dr. Allegra will then make an incision under the breasts. The incision looks like a traditional tummy tuck incision that crosses through each inframammary fold. Through this incision, Dr. Allegra will remove extra skin and fat. He will also pull the skin tight over your new body contours.

Some reverse tummy tuck patients opt for breast implants or a breast lift at the same time. The incision already complements these procedures well and many patients are well suited for these procedures.

Recovery

A reverse tummy tuck recovery will differ from patient to patient. Most people find that they can return to work in about a week. Patients can usually resume most forms of exercise at around two weeks.

Dr. Allegra will provide instructions on how to promote the most comfortable recovery and the best results. Generally, patients can return to their full, normal lives within four to six weeks.

Results will take longer to settle in. While you will certainly see some results almost immediately, it can take months for swelling to completely dissipate. Additionally, your skin and anatomy need time to settle over your new contours. Usually, plastic surgeons consider results final after nine months to a year depending on your healing process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are The Incisions Well Hidden?

A traditional tummy tuck incision is usually easy to hide with undergarments and clothing. However, a reverse tummy tuck scar is harder to hide. While bras may conceal it fairly well, it is usually more difficult to hide. Dr. Allegra will work to minimize the size and look of the scars during surgery. Women with larger breasts may see better scar coverage than those with smaller breasts.

In most everyday clothing, the reverse tummy tuck scar would be completely hidden from view. Even in fairly revealing clothes, the scar should not become visible. Dr. Allegra can discuss the extent of the scar with you and what you can expect. Some patients may need a smaller scar than others based on the amount of correction necessary.

Can A Reverse Abdominoplasty Repair The Muscles?

It is not common practice to repair the abdominal muscles or diastasis recti during a reverse tummy tuck in Kirkland. Normally, diastasis recti will affect the lower abdomen. In some cases, it may only affect the upper abdomen. Also, if a previous surgery did not adequately correct the separation it may be possible during your reverse tummy tuck.

So, yes, while it is possible. Muscle plication is performed more on a case-by-case basis with Kirkland reverse tummy tuck surgery.

Is It Safe To Combine With Other Procedures?

Yes, in the right candidate it is perfectly safe to combine a reverse abdominoplasty with another plastic surgery. As previously discussed, it is especially popular to combine a reverse tummy tuck with a breast lift or augmentation because the procedures already use a similar incision.

Not every patient should combine cosmetic surgeries. Dr. Allegra will evaluate whether it is safe for you to combine procedures during your consultation.

What Is The Cost Of A Reverse Tummy Tuck?

The cost of a reverse tummy tuck in Bellevue varies based on the specifics of the surgery. At a consultation, Dr. Allegra will provide a more accurate price quote. To get a general idea of our tummy tuck prices, visit our Price List. You can explore your abdominoplasty options and get a tentative price through our Price Simulator™ web app.

Bellevue And Kirkland’s Top Destination For Reverse Abdominoplasty Surgery

Northwest Face & Body is a top rated plastic surgery practice in Kirkland, Washington. Having served the Eastside for over three decades, it is conveniently located minutes away from downtown Bellevue and Kirkland. Our Medicare certified surgical center meets the highest standards and takes advantage of the newest technology.

Dr. Ludwig Allegra is a board-certified surgeon who bridges the gap between aesthetics and technical ability. Not only is Dr. Allegra a talented and capable surgeon, he also has a deep understanding of bodily aesthetics and symmetry. He utilizes this knowledge and skill as one of the best Bellevue plastic surgeons.

To schedule a consultation at Northwest Face & Body, call us at 425-576-1700. You can also connect with us online via our contact page, Price Simulator™ app, or chat.