Reverse Tummy Tuck: Upper Abdomen Tightening Explained

What is a reverse tummy tuck?

A reverse tummy tuck (reverse abdominoplasty) removes loose skin and fat from the upper abdomen, above the belly button. In a standard tummy tuck, the skin is pulled down to a low scar near the bikini line. In a reverse tummy tuck, the skin is lifted upward instead. The scar sits in the fold under the breasts (the inframammary fold), where the bra line usually hides it.

	Standard tummy tuck	Reverse tummy tuck
Area treated	Lower abdomen	Upper abdomen
Scar position	Bikini line	Under the breasts
Skin direction	Pulled down	Lifted up
Belly button	Usually repositioned	Usually left in place

Who is a good candidate?

A reverse abdominoplasty may suit you if you have:

Loose or folded skin above the belly button, with a fairly firm lower abdomen
Upper-abdominal laxity left over after a previous tummy tuck
Plans for breast surgery (augmentation, lift or reduction), because both can use the same fold incision
Existing scars under the breasts that can be reused
Upper-abdominal skin excess after major weight loss, often as part of an upper body lift

It is usually not the right choice when most of the excess is in the lower abdomen, when the abdominal muscles are widely separated (diastasis recti), or when you are still losing weight.

How the procedure is performed

Marking: with you standing, the fold under each breast and the amount of skin to remove are marked.
Incision: the cut is placed exactly in the inframammary fold. Sometimes the two sides are joined across the middle.
Lifting the skin: the upper-abdominal skin is freed and advanced upward.
Anchoring: the tissue is fixed to the chest wall with deep sutures so the fold does not drop and the scar does not stretch.
Trimming and closure: extra skin is removed and the wound closed in layers.
Combined procedures: liposuction or breast surgery can often be done at the same time.

The operation is performed under general anaesthesia and usually takes about two to three hours, depending on what is combined.

Scar and healing

The scar is the main trade-off. It starts pink and slightly raised, then usually fades and softens over 12 to 18 months. Because it follows the natural breast fold, most patients can hide it with a bra or swimwear. Silicone gel, sun protection and follow-up checks help it heal well. Results vary from patient to patient, and no scar can be guaranteed to be invisible.

Recovery timeline

First week: compression garment, gentle walking, limited arm lifting.
Weeks 2–3: most desk-based patients return to work.
Weeks 4–6: gradual return to exercise; avoid heavy lifting.
3 months onward: swelling settles and the final contour appears.

International patients travelling to Istanbul usually stay about 7 to 10 days for checks before flying home.

Risks to discuss

Like any surgery, a reverse tummy tuck carries risks. These include bleeding, fluid build-up (seroma), infection, wound-healing problems, asymmetry, a visible or widened scar, and the upper-abdominal fold settling lower over time. A full consultation is needed to judge whether the benefits are right for you.

Frequently asked questions

Is a reverse tummy tuck the same as a mini tummy tuck?

No. A mini tummy tuck treats a small area of the lower abdomen. A reverse tummy tuck treats the upper abdomen.

Can it be combined with breast surgery?

Yes. Both can use the fold under the breasts, which is one of the main reasons patients choose it.

Will my belly button change?

Usually not. It is normally left where it is.

How long do the results last?

The removed skin does not come back. Ageing, pregnancy and weight changes can still affect the result, so a stable weight helps.

Book a consultation

Prof. Dr. Mehmet Veli Karaaltın performs reverse abdominoplasty in Istanbul. Read the full Reverse Tummy Tuck procedure guide, compare it with a standard tummy tuck, or book a consultation to discuss your goals.

This article is for general information only and does not replace a personal medical consultation.

Procedures