Reverse Tummy Tuck (Reverse Abdominoplasty)
A reverse tummy tuck is a surgical operation known as a reverse abdominoplasty. In classical tummy tuck operations, the focus is usually on the lower abdomen and the abdomen in general. However, in the reverse tummy tuck operation, more upper abdominal recovery is performed. A reverse tummy tuck surgery performed by plastic surgery specialists under the right conditions allows you to get rid of the sagging skin appearance in the abdominal area and gain various advantages.
What is a Reverse Tummy Tuck?
Reverse tummy tuck surgery is an operation that is usually performed by focusing on the upper abdomen. In this operation, regional fats accumulated in the upper abdomen and sagging skin tissue are removed. In addition, the upper abdominal muscles are tightened and the sagging problem in the region is solved precisely and effectively. In the reverse tummy tuck operation, important tissues, including muscle tissue in the region, are intervened. Therefore, as in all kinds of abdominal shaping operations, it is necessary to prefer plastic surgery specialists who are experienced in this field in reverse tummy tuck surgery.
How is Reverse Tummy Tuck Surgery Performed?
For a reverse tummy tuck surgery, a comprehensive evaluation is required first. Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery Specialist Op. Dr. Özgen Kıvanç has gained experience in abdominal aesthetics and prioritizes patient satisfaction.
Thanks to the evaluations made before the operation, the operation process is shaped in accordance with your wishes and needs. In the operation, an incision is usually made in the chest fold area and excess fat and sagging skin tissue are removed through this incision. In addition, aesthetic surgery methods are used to tighten the muscles in the region and a tight upper abdomen is obtained.
Who is a Reverse Tummy Tuck Suitable for?
Reverse tummy tuck operation is suitable for people who have sagging problems throughout the abdomen and especially in the upper abdomen. The upper abdomen, just like the abdomen in general, is a region that is prone to regional fat and sagging problems. In particular, situations such as losing weight suddenly after excessive weight gain affect skin elasticity and can cause upper abdominal sagging. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to flatten the upper abdomen with methods such as exercise because even if you lose enough weight, you can get rid of sagging skin. With reverse abdominoplasty, which comes into play at this point, an effective and minimally scarred tummy tuck operation suitable for individuals is performed.
Reverse Abdominoplasty Candidate Criteria
- As with any surgical procedure, certain criteria must be met by individuals undergoing reverse tummy tuck surgery. The criteria for reverse tummy tuck candidates are as follows:
- Having sagging in the upper abdomen rather than the lower abdomen
- Being between the ages of 18 and 65
- Not having any health issues that would prevent general anesthesia
- Not planning to become pregnant in the near future
Situations where Reverse Tummy Tuck Surgery is Not Suitable
Situations where reverse tummy tuck surgery is not suitable are situations where the general health status of the individual may be adversely affected as a result of the surgery or the desired effect of the surgery cannot be achieved. The first situation where reverse tummy tuck surgery is not suitable is, of course, having health problems that prevent general anesthesia. Another situation where reverse tummy tuck surgery is not suitable is to have a lower abdominal sagging problem that will need a lower tummy tuck, that is, a mini tummy tuck operation, not an upper tummy tuck.
Reverse Abdominoplasty Methods
Inverted tummy tuck methods are methods that address different patient profiles and therefore different needs. In order to achieve an aesthetic and tight upper abdominal appearance, reverse abdominoplasty surgery requires the use of methods that are suitable for the patient and can respond to their needs. Each inverse tummy tuck method has different advantages and patient profiles they address. The person who will choose among the reverse tummy tuck methods is a plastic surgeon. The plastic surgeon will choose between classical or Fleur de Lis tummy tuck techniques to create a symmetrical abdominal line and achieve the appearance the patient wants to achieve.
Classic Reverse Tummy Tuck
In the classic reverse tummy tuck technique, an incision is made on the abdominal line starting under the chest. In this way, only the upper belly area is intervened and no procedure is performed on the lower abdomen. Therefore, classical reverse tummy tuck is a method preferred only for individuals who have sagging problems in the upper abdomen.
Fleur de Lis Tummy Tuck Technique
Fleur de Lis tummy tuck technique is a much more complicated and comprehensive technique than the classical reverse tummy tuck technique. In the Fleur de Lis tummy tuck technique, both horizontal and vertical incisions can be made in the upper abdomen. Thanks to these incisions, it becomes possible to remove a large amount of fat and sagging skin tissue. Therefore, the Fleur de Lis tummy tuck technique may be ideal for individuals who need maximum efficiency from reverse abdominoplasty.
Advantages of Reverse Tummy Tuck Surgery
Upper abdominal recovery procedures applied in reverse tummy tuck surgery provide many advantages. The upper abdomen, just like the lower abdomen, is an area where it is very difficult to eliminate the sagging problem. Unfortunately, methods such as applying upper abdominal shaping exercises may not help you get results in some cases. The main reason for this situation is that although the muscle tissue is strengthened and tightened with exercises, it is not possible to get rid of excess and elastic skin tissue. Reverse tummy tuck surgery helps you take advantage of the effective results you cannot get with exercises. In addition to all these, the advantages of reverse tummy tuck surgery can be discussed in more detail under several headings.
Removal of Sagging in the Upper Abdominal Region
It is very difficult to remove sagging anywhere in the body, including the upper abdomen. The main reason for this situation is that even if excess fat tissue is removed from the body with weight loss in the sagging problem, it is not possible to get rid of the skin tissue that has lost its elasticity. With the reverse abdominoplasty operation, which is a type of abdominal aesthetics, the removal of sagging can be made quite easy and fast.
A Firmer and Aesthetic Abdominal Appearance
One of the main factors that make the body look aesthetic is the tight and aesthetic appearance of the abdominal area. With reverse tummy tuck surgery, it is possible to tighten the muscle tissue and tighten the belly area by removing excess skin tissue. Having a tighter and more aesthetic abdominal appearance may mean looking more aesthetic in general and therefore increasing self-confidence.
Recovery Process After Reverse Tummy Tuck Surgery
As with all medical operations, the effect of reverse abdominoplasty surgery and the avoidance of complications of this surgery depends on the healing process. If the healing process proceeds around the doctor’s recommendations and warnings, it can be completed without any problems in a short time. In addition, the healing process also determines the level of scar problem after a reverse tummy tuck. For example, behaviors such as protecting the surgical area from sunlight during the healing process can ensure that the surgical scar is light-colored enough to become indistinct. In addition to all these, the healing process after reverse abdominal surgery can be explained in more detail under several headings.
Postoperative Care and Recovery
As with any kind of surgery, it is necessary to undergo a healing process after reverse tummy tuck surgery. Within the scope of post-reverse tummy tuck surgery care, dressings should be applied for 10 – 12 days. In addition, during the healing process, it is necessary not to lie face down, to use the medical corset, to avoid movements that will stretch the abdominal area and to rest as much as possible, especially in the first days.
Scar Reduction and Postoperative Scar Care
In order to reduce scars after a reverse tummy tuck, you should pay attention to your doctor’s recommendations and especially to the use of medications with scar-reducing effects such as wound care creams. The scar that occurs after a reverse tummy tuck surgery is usually very large and not obvious. However, if you are uncomfortable with this scar, you can also benefit from effective scar treatment methods in line with the approval and recommendations of the plastic surgery specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a reverse tummy tuck surgery take?
The duration of the reverse tummy tuck surgery may vary depending on the experience of the plastic surgeon and the method preferred for the surgery. Operations performed with the classical reverse tummy tuck method can be completed in a shorter time compared to operations performed with the Fleur de Lis tummy tuck technique. However, in general, it can be said that reverse tummy tuck surgery takes an average of 3 hours. In addition, extreme situations such as the patient’s sagging problem being too advanced may also affect the duration of the operation. Therefore, you should consult your doctor to get information about the average time for reverse tummy tuck surgery.
Will there be sagging again after reverse tummy tuck surgery?
After reverse tummy tuck surgery, there may be a problem of sagging again. However, this situation usually occurs as a result of extreme factors. For example, if you gain too much weight and suddenly lose too much weight after reverse tummy tuck surgery, you may face the problem of belly sagging again. However, as long as there are no such extreme situations and you follow the doctor’s recommendations during the healing process, it is not very likely to have sagging again after reverse tummy tuck surgery.
How long is it Necessary to Wear a Corset After Tummy Tuck Surgery?
There are many differences between reverse tummy tuck surgery and tummy tuck surgery. These differences are the areas where the surgeries are effective, the way they are performed and the patient profiles they address. In tummy tuck surgery, the focus is on the general abdominal area and generally on the lower abdomen. The sagging problem that occurs in the lower abdomen due to factors such as multiple pregnancy is eliminated. In reverse tummy tuck surgery, on the contrary, the focus is on the upper abdomen. Therefore, while reverse tummy tuck surgery is an operation that falls within the scope of abdominal aesthetics, classical tummy tuck surgery is an operation that focuses on the general abdominal area and mostly on the lower belly area.
What should be the diet after reverse tummy tuck surgery?
The diet after reverse tummy tuck surgery determines how much result you can get from the surgery and how permanent the results you will get will be. You should not be fed with a diet program that contains too many calories, which will cause your excess weight problem after a reverse tummy tuck surgery. Instead, you need to eat a diet rich in protein and low in carbohydrates that will help you reach or maintain your ideal weight. Otherwise, you may face the problem of overweight and therefore sagging due to improper diet after reverse tummy tuck surgery.
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