Reverse Abdominoplasty: Tightening the Upper Abdomen
While a traditional abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) excels at correcting laxity and excess skin in the lower abdomen, many patients experience frustrating skin looseness primarily in the upper abdomen and area beneath the breast line. This is often the case following massive weight loss, certain bariatric procedures, or liposuction procedures of the abdomen.
At The Plastics Atelier in Omaha, we offer Reverse Abdominoplasty, a highly specialized surgical technique designed to specifically address and correct laxity above the navel, restoring firmness and contour to the upper abdominal wall.
Who is an Ideal Candidate?
The Reverse Abdominoplasty is distinct from the traditional Tummy Tuck and is typically recommended for patients who exhibit:
Significant Upper Abdominal Skin Laxity: The primary skin excess and drooping are concentrated between the rib cage and the belly button.
Minimal Lower Abdominal Issues: The skin and muscle below the navel are already firm or have been corrected by a previous surgery.
Need for Coordinated Breast Contouring: The procedure may be performed simultaneously with a breast lift or breast reduction, as the incisions are along the inframammary fold (the crease under the breast).
The Specialized Technique
The Reverse Abdominoplasty literally reverses the direction of skin excision and tightening compared to a traditional Tummy Tuck.
1. Incision Placement
Instead of an incision low on the pubic area, the incision is placed precisely in the inframammary folds (the natural creases beneath the breasts). If the breasts require a lift or reduction, these incisions can be seamlessly incorporated.
2. Lifting and Tightening
The skin of the entire upper abdomen is carefully lifted.
The excess skin is pulled upward toward the chest.
The excess skin is excised and trimmed along the inframammary fold incisions.
The remaining skin is meticulously sutured, resulting in a tighter, smoother upper abdomen.
3. Muscle Plication (Optional)
If there is residual separation of the abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) in the upper half of the abdomen, Dr. Hall can repair and tighten these muscles through the same incision to flatten the upper midsection.
Key Benefits of Reverse Abdominoplasty
Targeted Correction: Specifically addresses the loose skin that the traditional Tummy Tuck leaves behind.
Concealed Scarring: The resulting scar is placed within the natural crease of the inframammary fold, making it highly inconspicuous, especially when combined with a breast procedure.
Flatter Upper Torso: Provides a smooth, tight transition from the breast line down to the waist.
If your primary concern is loose skin in your upper abdomen, a Reverse Abdominoplasty may be the specialized solution you need. We invite you to schedule a personalized consultation with Dr. Hall at The Plastics Atelier in Omaha, Nebraska, to discuss your body contouring goals.