Dr. Saber’s Blog

Discover the Benefits of a Reverse Tummy Tuck: A Lesser Known Plastic Surgery

When it comes to body contouring, a reverse tummy tuck is an often overlooked but highly effective procedure. Not to be confused with liposuction, this advanced surgical technique targets the upper abdominal skin and can provide impressive results for those struggling with excess skin (especially after weight loss).

What is a reverse tummy tuck?

An upper abdominoplasty, or reverse tummy tuck, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that tightens and removes excess skin from the area above the belly button. Unlike a traditional tummy tuck, which addresses the lower abdominal area, a reverse tummy tuck procedure specifically targets loose or sagging skin above the belly button.

Patients undergoing a traditional or reverse tummy tuck often combine it with a breast lift (mastopexy), breast augmentation (fat grafting or breast implants), or breast reduction. A reverse tummy tuck is especially well-suited to combination with breast surgery as the incision is already hidden along the breast crease.

This surgical approach can be particularly beneficial for patients who have experienced massive weight loss and still struggle with stubborn loose skin despite undergoing a regular tummy tuck.

What are the differences between reverse and traditional tummy tucks?

If you’re considering undergoing a cosmetic procedure to enhance your look after substantial weight loss or just want to refine your body shape, it’s essential to know what your surgical options are. There are three major differences that separate a traditional abdominoplasty from a reverse one.

  • Target Area: A traditional tummy tuck focuses on the lower abdomen. A reverse tummy tuck removes excess tissue and skin of the upper abdomen — and may even involve the correction of rectus abdominis diastasis (separation of the abdominal muscles).
  • Surgical Technique: In a reverse abdominoplasty, surgeons make incisions below the breasts along the inframammary fold instead of around the navel or across the lower abdomen like in a standard abdominoplasty procedure.
  • Patient Needs: There are many ways to improve the appearance of the abdomen (reverse and traditional tummy tuck surgery, a mini tummy tuck, and liposuction, to name just a few). A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon will determine which procedure best suits the patient’s needs.

What are the benefits of a reverse tummy tuck?

A reverse tummy tuck has several advantages, otherwise, the market would not be thriving. Accessibility, functionality, and aesthetics are among the biggest reasons patients seek out reverse abdominoplasty.

It is important to me that my patients have realistic expectations before undergoing surgery. Some of the benefits patients experience with a reverse tummy tuck include:

Improved appearance

Removing excess fat, abdominal tissue, and skin almost instantly creates a flatter stomach. This is extra beneficial for patients who’ve already lost a large amount of weight or undergone a traditional tummy tuck as it brings the abdomen into balance.

Reverse Tummy Tuck

Better posture

In addition to enhancing one’s appearance, a reverse tummy tuck may also contribute to better posture by tightening lax muscles in the abdominal region. When these muscles get stronger through surgery, they provide greater support for the spine — potentially reducing back pain and improving overall posture.

Excess skin folds can trap moisture and bacteria leading to rashes or infections. Also, the loose skin rubbing against itself or clothing may cause chafing which can be uncomfortable.

If skin didn’t cause enough problems, sagging tissues may lead to pressure sores or other forms of damage. 

A reverse tummy tuck can potentially address all these issues at once by removing the excess skin.

Increased confidence and self-esteem

Lastly, a reverse tummy tuck can have a significant impact on people’s self-esteem and confidence. Patients can gain an enhanced sense of self-worth, which may result in more social connections, improved personal relationships, and a higher quality of life.

Am I a good candidate for a reverse tummy tuck?

An ideal candidate for this plastic surgery procedure is one who has excess skin in the upper part of the abdomen. However, there are other factors you need to consider before even thinking about getting a reverse tummy tuck.

Above all else, you should be in good health, physically and emotionally speaking. This kind of procedure can be a hard pill to swallow especially if you’re in an unstable state of mind. Also, you must take into consideration other medical conditions you have that might interfere with the procedure.

It is also recommended that you wait until you’re finished having children to undergo any body contouring plastic surgeries as the weight gain of pregnancy can ruin your results.

You should also be a non-smoker; people who smoke are at higher risk for complications and problematic healing.

Reverse Tummy Tuck

Are reverse tummy tucks safe?

While generally safe when performed by a skilled plastic surgeon, all surgical procedures come with some risk. Risks include:

  • nerve damage
  • scarring
  • chance of infection
  • pain

You will be given pain medications after your surgery to keep you comfortable. To ensure the best results, follow all after-care instructions,

Have more reverse tummy tuck questions? Talk to Dr. Saber

Dr. Sepideh Saber, MD, FACS is one of Los Angeles’ leading plastic surgeons. As a board-certified professional, she is committed to putting her expertise in service to patients of all genders, ages, and orientations.

After graduating from Stanford University’s medical school, she completed a residency at the University of Southern California and a fellowship at New York University. Overall, she trained for over ten years in plastic and reconstructive microsurgery.

To get in touch, call (877) 205-4100 or schedule a consultation online.

The practice of Dr. Saber is located in Encino, CA for patients throughout the Los Angeles area. We are also convenient to Encino, Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, Calabasas, Burbank, Glendale, Hidden Hills, Agoura Hills, Northridge, North Hollywood, Malibu, Topanga, Canoga Park, Reseda, Valley Glen, Chatsworth, West Hills, Winnetka, Universal City, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Downtown Los Angeles, Silverlake, and Echo Park.

Dr. Saber graduated from Stanford University’s world-renowned medical school and did her plastic and reconstructive surgery residency at the equally lauded University of Southern California. She then completed a fellowship at New York University in the extremely challenging and delicate disciplines of hand surgery and microsurgery.

Dr. Saber offers a more sensitive, female perspective for patients of all ages, genders, and orientations. Former patients from all walks of life have praised not only their treatment outcomes but her caring, thoughtful approach to a wide array of appearance and health-related matters.
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    Dr. Sepideh Saber, MD, FACS

    👩🏻‍⚕️ Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
    🏫 Stanford/USC/NYU Trained
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She is only 10 days Post Surgery and her results already look amazing! We were able to achieve a beautiful natural looking result. 

Give us a call to set up a complimentary consultation with #DrSaber who will create a customized plan for you!
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    Our patient came in for a Panniculectomy without liposuction, and is 6 weeks Post- Op. We are thrilled with her results!⏳👙

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    ✨ Our patient came in for a Breast lift, Liposuction of the abdomen and flanks, and fat transfer to the breast . 

Her after photo is only 6 weeks Post- Op. 
We absolutely love her results✨

Give us a call to set up a complimentary consultation with #DrSaber who will create a customized plan for you!

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#breastimplants #breastsurgery #breastaugmentation 
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  • What patients say about Dr. Saber

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    Over 16 Reviews

    I was fortunate to find Dr. Saber after researching board-certified surgeons who specialize in breast cancer reconstruction revision surgery. I knew I was in good hands from the moment I spoke with the lovely and efficient Marlene, Dr Saber's office manager. Dr Saber patiently listened to my concerns and, after examining me, explained what I could realistically expect the outcome to be from another surgery. She also explained to me that she would need to review my previous surgery notes before we could discuss a possible further surgery, which I found comforting and highly ethical. I also discussed a couple of other procedures that I would like done, including fat removal from my large upper arms that had caused me great embarrassment for several years. Dr. Saber is an excellent surgeon who is incredibly kind and genuine. She truly understands the female body and the emotional aspect of body insecurities yet, she is transparent about what can and cannot be done and takes time to discuss realistic expectations and outcomes. My breast reconstruction revision surgery will take place in the New Year, but in the meantime, I have the most fabulous upper arms that I recently flaunted in a strapless dress (something I have not done in years). Dr Saber is truly one of a kind, and I still cannot believe how fortunate I am to have found her. I highly recommend Dr Saber.

    Linda DeCarlo November 29, 2023

    I don’t have enough wonderful words to describe Dr Saber and Marlene! I had a tummy tuck done this year and from start to finish the entire experience was amazing. Marlene is always so helpful and works so hard to make every detail a breeze for you. When I had my consultation with Dr Saber I was at a point of complete agony with my body. She instantly took that stress and frustration off my shoulders! As a woman not being heard by doctors for years I left that consultation with happy tears knowing I had finally found my Dr. It was a major surgery and I felt completely zen and at peace going in because she really does make you feel that safe. I didn’t think I would ever look the way I do now! She gave me the gift of having the body I kept fighting for. I will never stop recommending her.

    Monica Prusa October 9, 2023

    I saw Dr. Saber when I broke my wrist. I ended up having to have surgery. She did an excellent job and I am healing nicely. She was very professional, but was also very kind and compassionate. I would highly recommend her!!

    Sandy Schaupp September 13, 2022

    I LOVED DR SABER!!! There are a few reasons why I chose her. One was because she’s a female Doctor that was my goal who also did a good job (which I was able to confirm with all her before and after photos) and what sold me was my safety in mind. She made me feel like I was in the best hands ever along with Marlene who coordinated everything THANK YOU LADIES! Dr Saber helped me get back the body I have always desired. I had a lot of stomach fat from weight gain and I lost weight so a lot of my weight was in my front lower and upper abdomen. Now I have a super beautiful curvy body like an hourglass after a tummy tuck and lipo she did. She understood the assignment hahaha . I’m 32 years old no kids just wanted to enjoy my younger body looking and feeling beautiful and she really took good care of me. Even after hours I had an emergency due to my fault but she was there and got back to me very quickly and I’m very grateful. I also think her work says a lot because I stopped taking pain medication on the 3rd day after surgery and was fine with very minimal pain I was able to tolerate the healing process. Highly recommend going with her I just had a wonderful experience and would do it all over again if I had too. Maybe after I have kids. Thanks Dr Saber and team <3

    STEPHANIE d July 15, 2022

    Dr.Saber is by far one of the best plastic surgeons. I love how she takes her time to explain any procedure to the patients understanding. She always makes sure to answers any and all questions.From fillers to body contours she’s the one you want.

    Katherine Melara February 15, 2022

    Dr Saber is amazing! She is caring and very informative. I went in for fillers and she explained procedure step by step. I highly recommend her and look forward to future visits.

    Amanda Vazquez December 18, 2020

    Dr. Saber was friendly, knowledgeable and professional. She took time to listen, answer all my questions and was forthright in her recommendations. Her staff was friendly and helpful. I was very happy with the results and plan on going back. If you are looking for a first rate professional experience look no further she is the doctor for you!

    T R December 18, 2020

    Dr. Saber is one of a kind plastic surgeon with a heart of gold. She is a well verse plastic surgeon that puts her patient's needs before anything else. She genuinely cares about every single patient, and her work speaks for itself. I notice every post-operative result on her Instagram (@saberplasticsurgery) the patients have this glow that radiates through. I have been going to Dr. Saber for my Botox for the past 3 years, and love the results every time. I know who I will be going to for any future plastic surgery needs, and will confidently refer family and friends to Dr. Saber for any Botox, fillers, and plastic surgery consultations.

    Rudy Garcia December 16, 2020

    I have nothing but great things to say about Dr. Saber! I am so pleased with my results from a breast augmentation she performed on me back in late June! She answered all my questions and concerns before and after my surgery. She’s very easy to get in contact with and she’s so nice. She made feel so comfortable throughout the whole process. 100/10 Lover her work!!

    Amanda Villegas October 15, 2020

    Dr Saber is hands down the best surgeon! She took her time answering my questions and explained procedure in detail. After doing liposuction six months ago, I am extremely happy with my results and I appreciate her so much.

    Marlene Cosentino October 15, 2020

    Dr. Saber is so kind and thorough with her patients! She is an amazing doctor and genuinely cars about everyone she comes in contact with. I would recommend her to anyone for any hand surgery or cosmetic procedure.

    Rachel Meach October 15, 2020