Reverse Tummy Tuck
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Marin, San Francisco, Sonoma and Napa
A reverse tummy tuck is a specialized surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of the upper abdomen, often involving the tightening of excess skin. (1)
Aging, weight fluctuations, and genetics can all contribute to sagging or loose skin in the upper abdomen. While many people are familiar with the traditional tummy tuck, which targets the lower belly, few realize that there is a surgical option for upper abdominal skin laxity. This lesser-known but highly effective procedure is called a reverse tummy tuck. Many doctors specialize in tummy tuck procedures, as they are one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in the United States. (2) Not as many doctors, however, specialize in this unique variation of a tummy tuck, and therefore, receiving care from a doctor who specializes in this variation will better help you achieve impressive, transformative results.
Board-certified surgeon Dr. Yngvar A. Hvistendahl and his team at Plastic Surgery Specialists specialize in innovative procedures, including reverse tummy tucks. With his extensive experience and commitment to surgical precision, Dr. Hvistendahl provides personalized treatment plans that deliver natural-looking results.
If you are interested in learning more about how you can revitalize your upper abdominal area, schedule a personal consultation by contacting us online or by calling (415) 925-2880. If you are from out of town or have a busy schedule, Dr. Hvistendahl offers virtual consultations.
Contents
About Reverse Tummy Tucks
A reverse tummy tuck is a surgical procedure designed specifically to address excess tissue in the upper abdomen. Unlike a traditional abdominoplasty, which makes incisions low on the abdomen near the pubic area, a reverse tummy tuck involves incisions placed along the natural crease beneath the breasts. Through these incisions, the surgeon removes excess skin and tightens the musculature to effectively contour the upper abdomen. (3)
The reverse tummy tuck primarily focuses on addressing excess skin in the upper abdomen, as this procedure is especially helpful for patients who have undergone significant weight loss or have experienced upper abdominal skin sagging due to aging. It can also be an ideal follow-up to a lower tummy tuck or liposuction when residual upper abdominal laxity remains.
Benefits
The reverse tummy tuck provides a variety of cosmetic and functional benefits because of its ability to:
- Tighten sagging upper abdominal skin
- Create a more defined and youthful midsection
- Remove stubborn pockets of upper abdominal fat
- Improve symmetry and body proportions
- Enhance confidence when wearing form-fitting clothing or swimwear
- Complement results from prior lower tummy tuck or liposuction procedures
Who Is A Good Candidate?
A reverse tummy tuck is not the right fit for everyone, but it can be extremely effective for a select group of patients. You may be an ideal candidate if you:
- Have significant loose skin located in the upper abdomen
- Are at or near your ideal weight and can maintain a stable weight
- Are in good overall health and free of serious medical conditions
- Do not smoke or are willing to quit for several weeks before and after surgery
- Have realistic expectations about the outcome of surgery
This procedure is particularly well-suited for patients who have already undergone weight loss surgery or a lower tummy tuck and are now left with laxity above the belly button. During your consultation, Dr. Hvistendahl will assess your candidacy and explain your options in detail.
Personal Consultation
The first step in your reverse tummy tuck treatment is a personal consultation with Dr. Hvistendahl. During this visit, you will discuss your goals and concerns, review your medical history, and undergo a physical examination of your abdomen.
He will explain the surgical approach, show you before and after photos, and answer any questions you may have. Finally, Dr. Hvistendahl will create a personalized treatment plan designed to help you reach your unique goals.
To schedule this personal consultation, contact us online or by calling (415) 925-2880.
Preparation
Dr. Hvistendahl and his team will give you specific instructions to follow in the weeks leading up to your procedure. These may include:
- Quitting nicotine products for at least four weeks before and after surgery
- Avoiding medications and supplements that can thin your blood
- Making necessary arrangements for time off work and assistance at home during recovery
- Preparing your home recovery area with essentials such as compression garments, loose clothing, and supportive pillows
Following these guidelines carefully will help minimize the risk of complications and support optimal healing.
Procedure
On the day of your reverse tummy tuck, you will be placed under general anesthesia for your comfort and safety. Dr. Hvistendahl will make incisions along the inframammary folds (the creases beneath the breasts), which may be continuous or bilateral depending on your anatomy and goals. This placement typically helps conceal the scar within the bra line, although individual healing and anatomy can affect the final scar visibility. He will then carefully remove excess upper abdominal skin and, if necessary, perform liposuction to refine the contour further. The remaining tissue will be lifted and tightened to create a firmer, smoother appearance.
Depending on your individual needs, this procedure may take anywhere from two to four hours to complete. Once complete, the incisions will be closed with sutures, and surgical dressings will be applied.
Recovery
Recovery from a reverse tummy tuck is manageable, as a plication of the muscles are rarely performed so the discomfort is significantly less. You will likely need to wear a supportive compression garment to reduce swelling and help your tissues adjust to their new contours.
In the first few days after surgery, you can expect some soreness, swelling, and bruising in the upper abdominal area. Pain can be controlled with prescribed medication, and most patients feel well enough to resume light activities within one to two weeks, but complete healing and scar maturation will continue over the next few months.
You should avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, or overhead arm movements for several weeks. Dr. Hvistendahl will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure everything is healing properly. Patients are encouraged to contact the office with any questions or concerns that arise during recovery.
Results
The results of a reverse tummy tuck will vary from patient to patient but are often both immediate and progressive. You will likely notice a flatter, firmer upper abdomen shortly after surgery, with continued improvement as any swelling resolves. Once healing is complete, the upper torso will appear more sculpted and youthful, and the skin will lie smoothly over your abdominal muscles.
When paired with a healthy diet and consistent exercise, the results of a reverse tummy tuck can be long-lasting. Patients who have realistic expectations and follow postoperative instructions closely tend to be highly satisfied with their outcomes.
Corresponding Procedures
A reverse tummy tuck can be performed as a standalone surgery, but it is often combined with other body contouring procedures for more comprehensive rejuvenation. Patients may choose to pair their reverse tummy tuck with:
Dr. Hvistendahl will help any patients interested in pursuing additional treatments review all possible combinations and recommend which procedures they could benefit most from.
Cost of Reverse Tummy Tuck in Marin County
The total cost of a reverse tummy tuck depends on several factors, including the complexity of your case, the use of additional procedures, and the cost of anesthesia and surgical facility fees. After you consult with Dr. Hvistendahl, you will receive a detailed quote outlining all associated costs. Financing options are available for qualifying patients. Our team will be happy to discuss payment plans and answer any financial questions you may have.
Schedule a personal consultation to explore your reverse tummy tuck options by contacting us online or by calling (415) 925-2880. If you are from out of town or have a busy schedule, we can accommodate with a virtual consultation.
FAQ
How is a reverse tummy tuck different from a regular tummy tuck?
A reverse tummy tuck focuses on removing excess skin from the upper abdomen, whereas a regular tummy tuck addresses the lower abdomen. The incisions are placed beneath the breasts rather than along the bikini line.
Will I have scars after a reverse tummy tuck?
Dr. Hvistendahl places the incisions along the natural crease under the breasts, allowing the resulting scars to be easily concealed by most bras and swimwear tops.
Is a reverse tummy tuck painful?
You will be under anesthesia during the procedure. Some soreness and discomfort are common during recovery, but these symptoms are manageable with medication and proper care.
How long is the recovery from a reverse tummy tuck?
Most patients return to light activity within 1 to 2 weeks. Full healing can take several months, and you should avoid heavy lifting and exercise for at least 4 to 6 weeks.
Can I combine a reverse tummy tuck with other procedures?
Yes. Many patients combine their reverse tummy tuck with liposuction, breast enhancement, or lower abdominal contouring for more dramatic results.
References
- Brunelli D, Mazzarella F, Chiara Zanettin, et al. Reverse abdominoplasty: easily solving complicated situations. Case Reports in Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery. 2025;12(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/23320885.2025.2475902
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. 2024 ASPS Procedural Statistics Release. plasticsurgery.org. Published 2025. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2024/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2024.pdf
- Halbesma GJ, van der Lei B. The Reverse Abdominoplasty. Annals of Plastic Surgery. 2008;61(2):133-137. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/sap.0b013e31815f6fb9
