Reverse Tummy Tuck vs. Tummy Tuck

Loose skin on the abdomen can be addressed using different tummy tuck techniques depending on where it has accumulated.

There are two types of tummy tuck procedures: a reverse tummy tuck and a traditional tummy tuck.

In this article, we will discuss each procedure and the areas they can treat so that you can determine which is right for you and your tummy. 

Reverse Tummy Tuck

A reverse tummy tuck removes unnecessary stomach tissue from the upper abdomen. This is in contrast to a standard abdominoplasty that treats both the lower portion of the stomach.

For men or women suffering the after-effects of drastic weight loss, or women experiencing loose skin after pregnancy, a reverse tummy tuck can be an extremely effective operation.

What Does a Reverse Tummy Tuck Treat?

When skin has accumulated in the upper abdomen, a reverse tummy tuck will tighten up the skin and remove any excess tissue in order to create a flatter, more contoured look. 

A reverse tummy tuck is only able to treat the upper abdomen and, therefore, cannot treat diastasis recti, which affects the whole abdomen.

How Much Does Reverse Tummy Tuck Cost?

At the Creo Clinic in London, the price for a reverse tummy tuck typically costs between £10,900 to £12,900. As the procedure will be personalised to your individual needs, a consultation will be necessary to determine the exact costs.

Reverse Tummy Tuck Procedure

Performing a reverse tummy tuck requires an incision along the folds just below the breasts. The unwanted skin is then excised, and the wound is stitched shut. 

A reverse tummy tuck can also be combined with liposuction to remove excess fat deposits in the upper abdomen if required. 

How Long is Reverse Tummy Tuck Recovery?

After your tummy tuck, you can expect a complete recovery after the 12-week mark, but you may be able to return to work after one or two weeks if it is sedentary.

You may return to your exercise routine after six weeks, although activities that stress the stomach muscles, such as sit-ups, crunches, or heavy weight lifting, must wait until three months after the surgery

It is normal to experience swelling around your wounds, especially in the first few weeks. A compression garment should help with reducing the swelling and should be worn for at least six weeks after the surgery. 

When Can You See Reverse Tummy Tuck Results?

The full effects of the surgery should be visible after 6-12 months once your swelling fully subsides. At this point, your stomach is likely to be visibly smoother and flatter.

Tummy Tuck

If the issues with excess skin affect mainly the lower abdomen, many patients look to a traditional tummy tuck. The procedure can tighten up these loose skin pockets and repair any core muscle damage.

What Does a Tummy Tuck Treat?

A tummy tuck can treat a variety of medical and aesthetic issues:

• Sagging, Inelastic Skin – a tummy tuck surgery will remove excess skin to help your stomach appear flatter and more symmetrical.

• Diastasis Recti – After pregnancy, women can experience continued separation of the abdominal muscles. Sometimes this does not heal quickly, and a tummy tuck can remedy this by joining the separated muscles back together.

• Stretch Marks – reducing excess tissue and increasing the tightness of the skin can help to clear up stretch marks that may have appeared after weight gain or pregnancy.

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?

For a mini tummy tuck at the CREO Clinic in London, prices begin at £8,900. A full tummy tuck starts from £10,900 up £13,900 depending on the anaesthetics and methodology used.

A final cost will only be possible after a consultation with our surgeon, as the surgery is bespoke and needs vary from patient to patient.

Tummy Tuck Procedure

Unlike a reverse tummy tuck, a traditional tummy tuck makes an incision across the bikini line of the lower abdomen and, in the case of a full tummy tuck, around the belly button. 

A fleur de lis tummy tuck or extended tummy tuck will make incisions across the bikini line and along the flanks, but not around the navel.

From that point, the undesirable skin will be removed, and the skin tightened up. In addition, any muscle separation will be repaired. Finally, the incisions are closed, and the naval may be repositioned for a natural-looking result. 

How Long is Tummy Tuck Recovery?

After one or two weeks, patients may feel able to return to work, but a full recovery can take a minimum of 12 weeks. Most patients feel able to return to their day-to-day routine after one or two weeks. 

Light exercise may be possible after 3 to 4 weeks. Our guide to exercising post-tummy tuck may be useful for better understanding a likely timeline for exercise after your surgery.

When Can You See Tummy Tuck Results?

Most patients see the results of their tummy tuck after two or three months. At this stage, all swelling should have settled down and revealed a slimmer, more streamlined stomach.

However, it can take up to 6-12 months for all post-operative swelling to dissipate, after which you will be able to enjoy the final results of your taut tummy.

Which Procedure is Right For You?

Deciding whether a traditional tummy tuck or a reverse tummy tuck is better for you depends mostly on which area of your abdomen requires treatment. 

If you are unsure, the best course of action is to consult with an experienced cosmetic surgeon who can work with you to decide which surgery is appropriate.

Schedule a Consultation with CREO Clinic Today

To explore the possibility of a tummy tuck or reverse tummy tuck, book a consultation with Dr. Omar Tillo, the Creo clinic’s double-board-certified cosmetic surgeon.

Dr Tillo is a specialist in tummy tuck surgeries of all kinds and can collaborate with you on a bespoke treatment plan that factors in your needs and sets you on a path to reshaping and restoring your stomach.