Reverse Tummy Tuck (Upper Abdominoplasty) in Newport Beach
A reverse tummy tuck, also called an upper abdominoplasty, removes loose skin above the belly button through an incision placed in the natural crease under the breasts. At Beyond Restore in Newport Beach, it is performed by Dr. Andrew Jarminski, a fellowship-trained cosmetic surgeon, or Dr. Paris Sabo, a fellowship-trained cosmetic surgeon. It starts with a free consultation.
What Is a Reverse Tummy Tuck?
A reverse tummy tuck, also called an upper abdominoplasty, is a surgical body contouring procedure designed to address loose skin and tissue in the upper abdomen. Unlike a traditional tummy tuck, which focuses on the area below the navel, this approach lifts and refines the skin above the belly button.
It is often considered by people who notice upper abdominal laxity after significant weight loss, pregnancy, or age-related changes. By repositioning and redraping the skin through an incision placed in the natural breast crease (inframammary fold), a reverse tummy tuck can create a smoother, firmer, and more proportionate contour, with a scar that usually sits within the crease.
A reverse tummy tuck is a contouring procedure, not a weight-loss procedure. It tends to work well once you are at or near a weight you can maintain.
Who Is a Candidate for a Reverse Tummy Tuck?
You may be a candidate for a reverse tummy tuck if you:
- Have excess or sagging skin mainly above the navel
- Notice upper abdominal laxity after weight loss, pregnancy or aging
- Have good muscle tone, or have had a traditional tummy tuck, but still see loose skin in the upper abdomen
- Are at a stable weight you can maintain and are in good overall health
- Don’t smoke or use nicotine, or are willing to stop for the period your surgeon specifies
- Want a smoother upper contour rather than a dramatic change, and have realistic expectations about scarring and recovery
It may also suit patients who are planning a breast lift or augmentation, since the incision can align with breast surgery. If your loose skin is mainly below the belly button, or your abdominal muscles have separated, a full or mini tummy tuck may suit you better.
Your surgeon will assess your candidacy at a free consultation, reviewing your health history, anatomy and goals.
How a Reverse Tummy Tuck Works (Surgical Technique)
A reverse abdominoplasty is performed either awake under local anesthesia in our onsite surgical suite, or under general anesthesia at an accredited ambulatory surgery center (ASC). You and your surgeon choose the approach at your consultation. Key steps include:
- Incision placement: an incision is made along the inframammary fold (the natural crease under the breasts), so the scar can usually sit within natural contours.
- Skin excision: excess skin and tissue from the upper abdomen are removed.
- Skin redraping: the remaining skin is lifted and secured for a smoother upper abdomen.
- Optional combination procedures: a breast lift, reduction or augmentation can be performed at the same time when appropriate.
Unlike a full tummy tuck, this technique typically does not require muscle tightening or belly button repositioning, which makes it a more targeted procedure. Beyond Restore’s tummy tucks don’t use drains.
Reverse vs Full vs Mini Tummy Tuck
All three procedures remove loose abdominal skin, but they treat different areas. Here is how they compare in general terms. For more on full, mini and extended options, see our Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) page.
Reverse Tummy Tuck (Upper Abdominoplasty)
- Focus: loose skin above the belly button
- Incision: placed in the breast crease
- Muscle tightening: not usually involved
- Belly button: not usually repositioned
- Generally for: upper abdominal laxity after weight loss, pregnancy or aging
- Recovery: often shorter, as muscle repair is not usually involved
Full Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
- Focus: loose skin above and below the belly button, plus muscle tightening as needed
- Incision: low, roughly hip to hip within the bikini line, plus around the belly button
- Muscle tightening: above and below the belly button, as needed
- Belly button: repositioned
- Generally for: loose skin and muscle separation (diastasis recti), often after pregnancy
Mini Tummy Tuck
- Focus: a smaller amount of loose skin below the belly button
- Incision: shorter, low on the abdomen
- Muscle tightening: lower abdomen only, if needed
- Belly button: usually not repositioned
- Generally for: mild lower abdominal skin laxity
Some patients have loose skin both above and below the belly button. Your surgeon will recommend the approach that fits your anatomy and goals after an in-person exam at your consultation.
Benefits of a Reverse Tummy Tuck
Smoother Upper Abdominal Contour
Excess skin above the belly button is removed and redraped, creating a smoother, firmer shape in the upper abdomen.
Natural Scar Placement
The incision rests in the inframammary fold, so the scar can usually blend into the natural breast crease and sit beneath bras, swimsuits or clothing. Once your incision has healed, optional scar care such as silicone therapy and PRP is available.
A More Targeted Recovery
Because a reverse tummy tuck typically avoids muscle tightening, recovery may be shorter and more comfortable than after a full tummy tuck.
Better Clothing Fit
Many patients find fitted tops and dresses sit more smoothly over the upper abdomen.
Pairs With Breast Procedures
Because the incision sits in the breast crease, a reverse tummy tuck can be combined with a breast lift or augmentation, and it can be part of a Mommy Makeover plan.
After Weight Loss
For people who still have loose upper abdominal skin after significant weight loss, a reverse tummy tuck can address that area directly.
What to Expect: The Procedure & Recovery
Before Your Surgery
- Your journey starts with a free consultation at our Newport Beach clinic, 1501 Westcliff Dr #303, including an anatomy-based evaluation and surgical planning.
- Pre-surgical preparation may involve lab testing, medical clearance and skin marking.
- You’ll receive detailed instructions about nutrition, activity, medications and stopping smoking and nicotine. Arrange for someone to drive you home.
During Surgery
- Your procedure is performed either awake under local anesthesia in our onsite surgical suite, or under general anesthesia at an accredited ambulatory surgery center (ASC). You and your surgeon choose the approach at your consultation.
- The procedure typically takes about 2 to 4 hours, depending on the scope and whether other procedures are combined.
- Excess skin is removed, the remaining tissue is repositioned, and the incision is closed with sutures. No drains are used.
After Surgery
- Expect mild swelling and bruising for the first 1 to 2 weeks.
- You’ll wear a compression garment (faja) for about 8 weeks, as directed, to help control swelling and support healing.
- We recommend lymphatic massage after surgery. It may help with swelling and comfort while you heal.
- Light activities may resume after 7 to 10 days. Exercise can usually resume around 4 weeks, once your surgeon clears you.
- Follow-up visits let your surgeon check your healing.
Results Timeline
- Week 1: Compression garment (faja) in place; swelling and tightness are normal.
- 7 to 10 days: Light activities may resume.
- First 2 weeks: Early improvement shows as swelling decreases.
- Around 4 weeks: Exercise can usually resume, once your surgeon clears you.
- About 8 weeks: Most patients finish wearing the faja.
- 3 to 6 months: Your final contour may become visible as residual swelling resolves.
Scars soften and fade gradually over many months. Results are long-lasting when you keep a stable weight and healthy habits, though aging and weight changes can still affect your shape. Individual results vary.
Safety and Risks
A reverse tummy tuck is surgery, and every surgery carries risk. Your surgeon will review your personal risk factors and how we work to reduce them.
- General surgical risks: bleeding, infection, reactions to anesthesia, and blood clots.
- Specific risks: fluid buildup (seroma), visible scarring, delayed wound healing, asymmetry, and temporary or lasting numbness.
Every procedure follows physician-led protocols, in our onsite surgical suite or at an accredited ambulatory surgery center. Follow-up visits let your surgeon check your healing, and optional scar care such as silicone therapy and PRP is available once your incision has healed. Not smoking and following your aftercare plan can help lower some risks. Results vary, and no surgeon can guarantee a specific outcome.
Reverse Tummy Tuck FAQs
Am I a candidate for a reverse tummy tuck?
You may be a candidate if you have loose skin mainly above your belly button, are at a stable weight and in good health, don’t smoke or are willing to stop, and want a smoother contour in your upper abdomen. Your surgeon will confirm your candidacy at your consultation.
Where will the scar be located?
The incision is placed along the inframammary fold, the natural crease beneath the breasts, so the scar can usually sit beneath a bra or swimwear. Scars soften and fade over many months but don’t disappear completely. Once your incision has healed, optional scar care such as silicone therapy and PRP is available.
How long does recovery take?
Light activities may resume after about 7 to 10 days, and exercise can usually resume around 4 weeks, once your surgeon clears you. You’ll wear a compression garment (faja) for about 8 weeks, and we recommend lymphatic massage after surgery. Swelling and bruising usually ease over the first 1 to 2 weeks, and your final contour may be visible at about 3 to 6 months.
Can this be combined with other procedures?
Often, yes. Many patients pair a reverse tummy tuck with a breast lift, breast augmentation or liposculpture, as part of a Mommy Makeover or post-weight-loss contouring plan, when it is safe and sensible for their health. Combining procedures can change the length of surgery and your recovery.
How is it different from liposculpture?
Liposculpture removes fat but does not remove loose skin. A reverse tummy tuck removes loose skin above the belly button and redrapes the area, so it may be the better fit when skin laxity, rather than fat, is the main concern.
How long do results last?
Results are long-lasting when supported by a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle. Aging, weight changes and pregnancy can still affect your contour over time.
Should I get a reverse tummy tuck or a full tummy tuck?
It depends on where your loose skin is and whether your abdominal muscles have separated. A reverse tummy tuck treats loose skin above the belly button through an incision in the breast crease. A full tummy tuck treats loose skin above and below the belly button through a low incision and can include muscle tightening and belly button repositioning. A mini tummy tuck treats a smaller amount of loose skin below the belly button. Your surgeon will recommend an option after an in-person exam.
Will I be awake or asleep for my reverse tummy tuck?
At Beyond Restore, a reverse tummy tuck is offered two ways: awake under local anesthesia in our onsite surgical suite, or under general anesthesia at an accredited ambulatory surgery center (ASC). You and your surgeon choose the approach at your consultation, based on your plan. Either way, you’ll need someone to drive you home.
Will I have drains?
No. Beyond Restore’s tummy tucks don’t use drains. Your care team will give you instructions for caring for your incision and managing swelling, including wearing your compression garment as directed.
How long will I wear a compression garment?
Plan on wearing a compression garment (faja) for about 8 weeks after your reverse tummy tuck. It helps control swelling and supports healing. Your care team will fit you and tell you exactly how to wear it.
What are the risks of a reverse tummy tuck?
A reverse tummy tuck is surgery, and every surgery carries risk. Possible risks include bleeding, infection, reactions to anesthesia, blood clots, fluid buildup (seroma), delayed wound healing, visible scarring, asymmetry, and temporary or lasting numbness. Your surgeon will review your individual risks at your consultation. Results vary, and no surgeon can guarantee a specific outcome.
How much does a reverse tummy tuck cost?
Cost depends on your plan, including whether other procedures such as a breast lift or liposculpture are combined and which anesthesia option is used. We’ll give you a personalized quote at your free consultation so you know what’s included before you decide. Financing is available through PatientFi, CareCredit and Cherry.
Why Choose Beyond Restore for a Reverse Tummy Tuck
- Performed by a fellowship-trained cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Andrew Jarminski or Dr. Paris Sabo
- Planned around your anatomy, with incisions and contouring tailored to your body
- Offered awake under local anesthesia in our onsite surgical suite, or under general anesthesia at an accredited ASC
- Supported through recovery, with optional scar care after healing, such as silicone therapy and PRP