Pregnancy and weight loss can leave the stomach sagging, with excess skin pooling across the abdomen. Diet and exercise seem to make little difference; the stubborn fatty tissue does not improve with further weight loss or toning. A surgical procedure will be required to bring back a youthful, flat stomach.
While the Tummy Tuck has always been the go-to procedure for soft, bulging skin across the waist and below the beltline, excess tissue above the belly button can still remain after surgery. Those who are experiencing protruding, shapeless tissue of the upper stomach can find the Reverse Abdominoplasty will return the tight, sculpted shape they desire.
The Reverse Abdominoplasty
The Reverse Abdominoplasty, sometimes referred to as the Revise Tummy Tuck, is a surgical procedure designed to lift and tighten lax sagging skin from the stomach. Different from the traditional Tummy Tuck, which excises skin from the lower stomach, the Reverse Abdominoplasty removes skin only from the upper portion. An inframammary incision below the breasts is used for a Reverse Abdominoplasty, leaving the scars well hidden within the breast crease. The technique can easily be combined with other body sculpting procedures, such as a Breast Augmentation using the same incision, for optimal results.
The surgeons at Spalding Drive Plastic Surgery have been recognized for performing the Reverse Abdominoplasty. They have years of extensive experience and utilizes safe and most effective Reverse Abdominoplasty techniques.
The Ideal Patient for a Reverse Abdominoplasty
Those patients who have experienced a dramatic weight loss, have sagging tissue above their belly button (even after a previous Tummy Tuck), or are looking to receive both a Breast Augmentation and Tummy Tuck may benefit from the Reverse Abdominoplasty procedure.
The ideal candidate will be in good health, not smoke, understand the surgical procedure, and hold realistic expectations for their results. Women who are planning on becoming pregnant in the future should discuss their aesthetic goals with the doctors first. There is the possibility that pregnancy will pull and stretch abdominal tissues, un-doing the initial surgical results. In this instance, a revision procedure may be necessary.
The Reverse Abdominoplasty Procedure
The procedure is performed at the Spalding Surgery Facility in Beverly Hills. Performed under general anesthesia, on an outpatient basis, patients are resting comfortably at home the same day. The surgery will take between two and four hours to complete.
The procedure begins with a small incision along the inframammary fold, along the crease breast crease. From here, he will excise the unwanted, loose skin along the upper abdomen, as well as the unsightly fatty deposits. The remaining skin is then pulled upward until taut, followed by dissolvable stitches to hold the tissue in place. With this procedure, there is no need to reposition the belly button, which often occurs during the traditional Tummy Tuck.
Recovery
Patients should expect the recovery after the procedure to take between one and two weeks. Initially, patients will need to wear a special surgical bandage or compression garment. Swelling, bruising, and tenderness may remain for the first 10-14 days.
There will be mild to moderate discomfort for the first week, so at this time, you will be prescribed with pain medications needed for a comfortable, at-home recovery. In one to two weeks, patients will feel well enough to return to work. Strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and exercise should be postponed for four to six weeks.
Results from a Reverse Abdominoplasty
Immediately after the procedure, patients will be able to note a smoother, tighter abdomen. As the swelling resolves, over the following two to three months, the full benefits of the surgery can be appreciated. The entire stomach will be lifted and tightened to a smooth, healthy contour. A small scar will result from the surgery, but this will fade over time and is normally well concealed within the breast crease. Women with larger breasts will have more scar coverage.
Risks from the Reverse Abdominoplasty
While the procedure is a generally safe, it is invasive, therefore carries some risks. Potential complications include bleeding, infection, scarring, asymmetry, and nerve damage.
Reverse Abdominoplasty FAQ
The surgery begins by making an incision across the inframammary fold, or breast crease. From here, excess skin is removed and the remaining tissues are pulled taut. Dissolvable stitches close the incision for proper healing.
The incision is placed in the inframammary fold, along the breast crease.
Anyone with lax upper abdominal skin may benefit from the Reverse Abdominoplasty. Patients who have experienced a dramatic weight loss can make an excellent candidate for the procedure. Patients should be in overall good health, be a nonsmoker, and hold reasonable expectations for their results.
The surgery will be performed at the Spalding Surgery Facility in lovely Beverly Hills, California.
A Reverse Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to smooth and flatten the excess, lax tissue of the upper abdomen. Unlike the Tummy Tuck, this procedure tightens only the skin, not the muscles.
The surgery is performed with general anesthesia.
Yes, the surgery does result in a scar. Over time this will fade, although it will remain visible. The scar can be easily concealed under swimwear or clothing. Women with larger breasts have better scar coverage, as well.
The surgery will take between two and four hours to complete.
Patients normally feel well enough to return to work or school one to two weeks after their procedure.
Patients should expect their recovery to take about one week. Initially, swelling and bruising may occur. Moderate discomfort is common, although appropriate pain medications will be prescribed for a comfortable recovery.
The surgery is considered a safe procedure, although on the rare occasion, complications do occur. Risks of the procedure include bleeding, infection, raised scars, and permanent numbness.
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