Reverse Tummy Tuck
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A reverse tummy tuck corrects loose skin and excess fat in the upper abdomen, an area a standard tummy tuck doesn’t reach. It works especially well for patients who are already happy with their lower abdomen but want a firmer, more defined shape above the navel.
Dr. Rikesh Parikh performs reverse tummy tucks at RP Plastic Surgery in Bellevue for patients from Seattle and beyond, sometimes combining the procedure with another treatment to address more than one concern during the same surgery.
What Is a Reverse Tummy Tuck?
A reverse tummy tuck uses an incision placed in the crease beneath the breasts, rather than the lower abdomen incision used in a standard tummy tuck. Through this incision, Dr. Parikh lifts and tightens the skin of the upper abdomen, removing what’s loose and pulling the remaining skin upward. Because the scar sits within the natural breast crease, it’s generally well hidden even though it connects at the midline. This approach works well for patients whose main concern sits above the belly button rather than below it.Am I a Candidate for a Reverse Tummy Tuck?
A reverse tummy tuck tends to suit a specific group of patients:- Loose skin or excess fat is concentrated in the upper abdomen, above the navel
- The lower abdomen already looks the way the patient wants
- Weight has been stable for at least six months
- General health is good, without uncontrolled diabetes or a history of blood clots
- Not currently smoking, or willing to quit before and after surgery
What to Expect During a Reverse Tummy Tuck
Surgery is performed under general anesthesia at RP Plastic Surgery’s accredited surgery center, and typically takes two to three hours, depending on how much skin needs to be removed. Dr. Parikh marks the incision along the natural crease beneath the breasts, then removes the excess skin from the upper abdomen and pulls the remaining skin upward before closing the incision. If another procedure is planned for the same visit, it’s usually performed during the same operation.Reviews
Dr Parikh and his team have been absolutely amazing to work with from start to finish! I was very nervous and Dr Parikh and his team were very comforting. One of the most comforting things is that he actually cares about his patients, and their overall well being always comes first. He is truly a perfectionist, and aims to get the most natural results possible, which I love! I will definitely be back to him for any of my future procedures. I highly recommend Dr Parikh!!!K.N.
Recovery After a Reverse Tummy Tuck
Most patients take one to two weeks off work, depending on how much correction was needed. A compression garment is worn continuously for the first several weeks to reduce swelling and support the healing tissue. Light walking is encouraged early on to keep circulation moving, while more strenuous exercise should wait about six weeks. Final results become visible over the following months as swelling resolves.Benefits of a Reverse Tummy Tuck
Patients who choose this procedure often notice several changes:- A firmer, smoother upper abdomen, without affecting the area below the navel
- Loose skin that diet and exercise haven’t resolved is gone
- A scar that sits within the natural breast crease rather than across the lower abdomen
- Results well suited to patients who don’t need, or don’t want, a full tummy tuck
Combining a Reverse Tummy Tuck With Other Procedures
Dr. Parikh regularly combines this procedure with other treatments in a single, safe operation. Because the incision follows the same crease used in breast lift surgery, it’s sometimes performed alongside a breast lift during the same visit — an option worth raising directly during consultation. A monsplasty lift or labiaplasty can also be added in appropriate cases, since neither meaningfully extends the recovery period.Cost of a Reverse Tummy Tuck
What a reverse tummy tuck costs varies from patient to patient, based on the amount of skin removed and whether it’s performed alongside another procedure. Dr. Parikh discusses exact pricing during your consultation, and financing options are available for qualified patients.Why Choose RP Plastic Surgery
Dr. Rikesh Parikh is double board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, and he holds Fellow status with the American College of Surgeons. He completed his surgical training at Vanderbilt University and now treats patients from Seattle and Bellevue at RP Plastic Surgery’s state-accredited surgery center.
His approach to combining procedures isn’t just experience-based. Dr. Parikh co-authored a published study examining outcomes across 183,914 aesthetic surgical procedures performed in accredited facilities, research that directly informs how he plans cases like a reverse tummy tuck paired with a monsplasty or labiaplasty. That evidence-backed approach is what allows patients a single recovery period, rather than several spread across separate surgery dates.
Reverse Tummy Tuck FAQs
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What is the difference between a reverse tummy tuck and a standard tummy tuck?
A standard tummy tuck addresses the lower abdomen through an incision near the pubic area. A reverse tummy tuck instead treats the upper abdomen through an incision hidden in the breast crease, making it a better fit for patients who are already satisfied with their lower abdomen. -
How long does a reverse tummy tuck take?
Surgery typically takes two to three hours, though the exact length depends on how much skin needs to be removed and whether another procedure is performed at the same time. -
Can a reverse tummy tuck be combined with other procedures?
Yes. Dr. Parikh often combines it with a monsplasty lift or labiaplasty, and in some cases a breast lift, since the incisions and recovery periods can overlap. He’ll go over which combinations make sense during your consultation. -
When will I see the final results from a reverse tummy tuck?
Most swelling resolves within four to six weeks, though it can take several months before the upper abdomen reaches its final shape. Like any surgical scar, this one will continue to soften and fade over the next year. -
Is a reverse tummy tuck covered by insurance?
No, procedures like this are considered elective and cosmetic, which means insurance typically won’t cover them. Ask about the practice’s financing plans if you’d like to spread the cost over time.