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Meta Learn what part of the abdomen a reverse tummy tuck treats, how it targets upper abdominal laxity, and when this specialized procedure is recommended.

What Part of the Abdomen Does a Reverse Tummy Tuck Treat?

Understanding how upper abdominal laxity is corrected with a targeted surgical approach

When people hear the term “tummy tuck,” they usually think of tightening the lower abdomen. However, not all abdominal laxity occurs below the belly button. For some patients, loose skin and weakened tissue are concentrated in the upper abdomen, an area that traditional tummy tuck techniques do not fully address.

This is where a reverse tummy tuck becomes an effective solution.

At The Aesthetics Centers in Newport Beach, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Siamak Agha evaluates abdominal contour based on anatomy rather than a one-size-fits-all procedure, allowing him to determine when upper abdominal correction is best achieved through a reverse approach.

“Not all abdominal laxity is the same. Treating the correct zone is what creates a natural result.”

The specific area that a reverse tummy tuck targets

A reverse tummy tuck specifically targets the area above the belly button and below the breast crease.

• Above the belly button
• Below the breast crease
• Across the upper central and upper lateral abdomen

This zone often develops laxity after:

• Significant weight loss
• Pregnancy
• Previous abdominal surgery
• Aging-related skin relaxation

In these patients, tightening the lower abdomen alone would leave visible looseness above the navel.

How this differs from a traditional tummy tuck

A standard tummy tuck primarily treats:

• Skin and fat below the belly button
• Lower abdominal muscle separation
• The lower waistline and lower contour

A reverse tummy tuck, by contrast:

• Removes excess skin from the upper abdomen
• Lifts tissue upward rather than downward
• Uses an incision hidden beneath the breast crease or existing breast surgery scars

The direction of correction is reversed, which is how the procedure received its name.

Why upper abdominal laxity is often overlooked

Many patients assume all abdominal looseness can be corrected with one procedure. In reality, the abdomen behaves as two separate zones:

• Upper abdomen
• Lower abdomen

Each zone responds differently to pregnancy, weight change, and aging.

If only the lower abdomen is treated, residual looseness above the belly button may remain, creating an imbalanced contour.

Dr. Agha carefully evaluates both zones during consultation to determine whether a reverse tummy tuck, traditional tummy tuck, or combination approach is most appropriate.

Common candidates for reverse tummy tuck

Patients who benefit most often include:

• Women with sagging skin above the navel after pregnancy
• Individuals after massive weight loss
• Patients who previously had a standard tummy tuck but developed upper laxity
• Those undergoing breast surgery who can combine incisions discreetly

This procedure is frequently combined with breast lifts or reductions, allowing the incision to remain hidden beneath the breast fold.

What the correction actually accomplishes

A reverse tummy tuck:

• Tightens loose upper abdominal skin
• Improves upper waistline contour
• Smooths abdominal transitions beneath the breasts
• Restores a more youthful abdominal profile

It does not significantly correct lower abdominal bulging or muscle separation below the navel, which is why proper patient selection is critical.

Scarring and placement considerations

The incision is typically placed:

• Along the natural breast crease
• Or within existing breast surgery scars

This allows the scar to remain concealed beneath clothing and swimwear.

Dr. Agha carefully plans incision placement to minimize visibility while achieving effective tightening.

Recovery expectations

Recovery is similar to other body contouring procedures and may include:

• Temporary swelling and tightness
• Limited upper body stretching during early healing
• Gradual return to normal activity over several weeks

Most patients resume light activities within two weeks and return to full activity gradually as healing progresses.

Final thoughts

A reverse tummy tuck does not treat the entire abdomen. It treats the upper abdomen specifically.

For patients whose primary concern lies above the belly button, it can be the most precise and natural way to restore contour without unnecessary lower abdominal surgery.

When properly selected and performed, the result is subtle, balanced, and long-lasting.

If you are concerned about loose skin or contour changes in your upper abdomen, schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Siamak Agha at The Aesthetics Centers in Newport Beach to determine whether a reverse tummy tuck is right for you.