Reverse Tummy Tuck

Consultations offered at our three convenient locations in Austin, TX, San Antonio, TX and Westlake Hills, TX

Written by Dr. Johnny Franco · Updated Plastic Surgeon · Diplomate, American Board of Plastic Surgery

A reverse tummy tuck is a body contouring procedure that can restore smoother skin, a flatter stomach, and a more defined waist. This procedure is a variation of the traditional tummy tuck, but unlike its counterpart, it only addresses concerns found above the navel. This means that it is designed to improve the upper half of the abdomen, leaving its lower portion untouched. . However the procedure is often combined with other procedures such as liposculpting and energy devices such as renuvion for a total transformation. (1)

Austin Plastic Surgeon is one of Texas’s premier aesthetic practices. Our team consists of several renowned plastic surgeons, licensed nurse injectors, physician assistants, specialists, and more. Because of our natural-looking results and dedication to patient safety, our practice has won Best of Austin awards for Best Cosmetic/Plastic Surgery Doctor. We have also been awarded Best Plastic Surgeon and Best Plastic Surgery Center in the Austin American Statesman.

Reverse tummy tuck procedures are ideal for patients that have isolated skin laxity above their belly button, but have minimal excess skin below the belly button. Many patients feel as if they have a sad belly button that they want to improve, but don’t want to undergo a traditional abdominoplasty. Many patients that are undergoing a breast lift will include a reverse tummy tuck as the incision in the fold that is being used for the breast is also used to lift and shape the upper abdomen for the reverse tummy tuck.

To begin working with our team, we invite you to contact us online. You may also call the office closest to you:

About Reverse Tummy Tucks

A reverse tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that can recontour your figure by removing excess skin from across the upper portion of the abdomen. Typically the incisions can be concealed below the breasts.

Over time, life events, intrinsic factors, and extrinsic factors can influence your upper abdomen and cause the skin in this region to repeatedly stretch and contract. While these changes are normal, they can cause the region to become inelastic and begin hanging down, rather than retracting to your contours. When this occurs, our surgical team can perform a reverse tummy tuck to correct these concerns and restore the natural contours of your upper to mid-abdomen.

What is the Difference Between a Full Tummy Tuck and a Reverse Tummy Tuck?

A full tummy tuck places an incision that extends between the hips, just above the pubic area. Your surgeon would then pull the skin downward to restore a more taut and firm appearance above and below the navel. A reverse tummy tuck uses an incision that extends horizontally beneath the breast creases. (2) Your surgeon would then pull the skin upwards to target inelasticity found exclusively above the navel.

Benefits

Reverse tummy tucks offer several advantages and benefits, especially when you choose to work with one of the accomplished surgeons here at Austin Plastic Surgeon. A few of them include:

  • Targeted Contouring: The primary benefit of a reverse tummy tuck is its ability to target and remove excess skin from across the upper abdomen.
  • Discreet Scarring: During a reverse tummy tuck, each incision is placed beneath the breast crease. This placement allows any post-operative scarring to be concealed within the natural contours of this region.
  • Elevated Proportions: This procedure can restore a more balanced appearance to your entire midsection.
  • Innovative, Up-To-Date Techniques: Our surgeons are each trained in an array of advanced techniques to optimize your results and recovery. This includes combination treatments with technology such as AYON for maximum effectiveness.
  • Drainless Techniques: Our surgical team performs each variation of tummy tuck using progressive tension sutures. By doing so, they can reduce any postoperative discomfort and improve your overall mobility.
  • Tailored Solutions: Our surgical team customizes each procedure according to your anatomy, needs, and aesthetic goals.
  • Heightened Self-Confidence: After seeing their results, many of our former patients have reported feeling more positive about themselves and their appearance.
  • Lasting Results: When maintained properly, you can enjoy the results of a reverse tummy tuck for many, many years to come.
  • Reverse Tummy Tuck and Renuvion: At Austin Plastic Surgeon we often combine our reverse tummy tuck procedures with liposculpting and skin contracture devices such as Renuvion. This allows improvement in the skin tougher and improved overall contour and sculpting of the abdomen. The use of Renuvion allows us to treat the entire abdomen, while only skin is removed above the belly button the entire abdomen is treated and contoured
  • Combination Treatments: Patients at our practice undergoing a breast list with or without a breast augmentation commonly combine the procedure with a reverse tummy tuck. This allows the enhancement of the breast while shaping and contouring the abdomen through the same incision.

Candidates

You may be an ideal candidate for a reverse tummy tuck if you have developed skin laxity, sagging skin, sad belly button or weakened muscles above the navel as a result of pregnancy, weight loss, or another life event. You should be in good general health and maintain realistic expectations regarding your results. You should no longer plan on having children, and you should possess a stable weight you can maintain long-term. It is also important that you are nonsmoking or willing to quit using nicotine entirely. Reverse Tummy Tucks have become extremely popular with the GLP-1 medications. So many of our patients have been on their weight loss journey and they want their abdomen to look as good as they feel. Medications such as Semaglutide and Tirzepatide have helped so many patients, however patients that lose 2- -40lbs often have a little extra skin above the belly button but may not need a fully tummy tuck and a reverse tummy tuck has been a great option for them. They have slight excess skin above the belly button, but have never had a c-section or pregnancy and for these patients reverse tummy tuck tends to be an ideal procedure.

Personal Consultation

The first step to restoring your figure is attending a consultation at any one of our board certified plastic surgeons at Austin Plastic Surgeon who specialize in body contouring. During your visit, your surgeon will meet with you individually to review your medical history, discuss your concerns, and establish realistic goals. They will also perform a thorough evaluation to assess your natural silhouette, your skin quality, and the degree of sagging in the area.

Our team has guided thousands of patients on their weight loss journey and surgical procedures to help them look as good as they feel.

Your surgeon will then use the shared information to finalize your candidacy and the details of your treatment plan. As part of your plan we will discuss the benefits of a reverse tummy tuck and if it needs to be combined with liposculpting and skin tightening devices such as Renuvion. We will also discuss some of our custom rapid recovery plans that we often combine with hyperbaric oxygen therapy and carboxy gel treatments to maximize your recovery and minimize your downtime. Our team of board certified plastic surgeons will explain your options to you, determine where to place the incision, and decide how much skin to remove and if the procedure needs to be combined with liposculpting and Renuvion for skin contracture. Depending on your ideal aesthetic, they may also recommend pairing your procedure with other treatments.

To schedule this consultation, we invite you to either contact us online or call the office most convenient for you:

Preparation

Once you have scheduled your personal consultation, our team will provide you with a written set of instructions to help you prepare. These instructions may vary depending on your lifestyle habits and surgical plan, but they will optimize your procedure, recovery, and results.

Under the proper medical guidance, you will need to discontinue taking any blood-thinning medications or supplements. You will need to arrange for transportation home after your procedure, and time away from your workplace and personal responsibilities. If applicable, you will also need to quit consuming nicotine or alcohol.

Procedure

Our surgical team performs reverse tummy tucks on an outpatient basis. When you arrive, your surgeon will reconfirm the details of your treatment plan and cleanse your skin. You will then receive general anesthesia to ensure your comfort.

Your surgeon will place an incision that extends horizontally across the creases beneath your breasts, or the inframammary folds. Most commonly we will keep the incisions for the reverse tummy tuck limited to the crease under the breast and not cross the midline to help conceal the incision. Through this incision, the upper abdomen can be lifted to the level of the belly button. Then we will proceed to lift the skin upwards to lift and sculpt the abdomen, remove any excess skin, and tighten the underlying abdominal muscles if necessary above the umbilicus. If necessary liposculpting will be done to remove any excess fat, sculpt the entire abdomen and this is often combined with Renvion for skin tightening. The combination of soft definition liposculpting, Renuvion for skin tightening and reverse tummy tuck is one of the most common combinations for our we perform at Austin Plastic Surgeon.

Recovery

After a reverse tummy tuck, it is common to experience some swelling, bruising, and general discomfort around the treated areas. At Austin Plastic Surgeon we believe in rapid recovery methods for our reverse tummy tucks. These rapid recovery methods include exparel to decrease discomfort, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, carboxy get and early ambulation. The Exparel is injected into the rectus muscles, which is a long-lasting local non-opioid anesthetic. They will also provide you with a portable compression device to limit additional swelling and prevent blood clots from forming. We also provide all our patients with non-narcotic options for pain control with a medication called Journavx to help our patients be as comfortable as possible while avoiding the issue associated with traditional pain medications.

We recommend integrating lymphatic massage, gentle movements and light walks into your routine as soon as you feel comfortable. By doing so, you can increase circulation to the healing regions. You may return to desk work and nonstrenuous activities after resting for approximately 1 to 2 weeks. However, you will need to refrain from engaging in anything more arduous until your surgeon has approved your return.

Our team will provide you with a full set of postoperative guidelines to help you care for yourself as you heal. If any questions arise during this time, we encourage you to contact us. Our team will be available to assist you.

Results

You will be able to notice immediate improvements in the appearance of the upper abdomen, but your results may be temporarily obscured as any residual swelling finishes dissipating. Once they do, you will be able to enjoy an improved appearance of your abdomen and an elevated opened belly button. When combined with liposculpting and skin tightening such as Renuvion patients can see a change in the entire abdomen. You may also notice improvements in your sense of self-confidence and personal comfort.

Reverse tummy tucks yield durable results that you can enjoy for many years to come. To best preserve them, we recommend upholding healthy lifestyle habits and maintaining a stable weight.

Cost of Reverse Tummy Tucks in Austin, Texas

The cost of your reverse tummy tuck will vary depending on a combination of different factors. A few of them may include the type of corrections you require, the techniques your surgeon performs, the extent of your procedure, whether you choose to pair it with another procedure, and more. Once your surgeon has met with you to converse about these details, they will provide you with a comprehensive cost estimate.

FAQ

What is the difference between a traditional tummy tuck and a reverse tummy tuck?

A traditional tummy tuck places an incision that extends between the hips before pulling the abdominal skin downward. In contrast, a reverse tummy tuck uses an incision that extends across the creases beneath the breasts. This approach also pulls the skin upward to achieve its results.

Will my surgeon reposition my navel during my reverse tummy tuck?

No, your surgeon will not reshape or reposition your navel during the procedure.

What type of anesthesia will my surgeon use to perform my reverse tummy tuck?

Our surgical team uses general anesthesia to ensure each patient’s comfort during the procedure.

How long does recovery from a reverse tummy tuck take?

Many of our patients are able to return to desk work and other light tasks after resting for approximately 1 to 2 weeks. However, you will need to refrain from participating in anything more arduous until your surgeon has cleared you to return.

Will my reverse tummy tuck leave significant scarring?

While every procedure will leave some degree of scarring, a reverse tummy tuck hides the incisions within the natural contours of your breasts. This means you can easily conceal any scarring beneath your swimwear, undergarments, and tops. Any scarring will also flatten and fade with time until it is barely perceptible.

How long will the results of a reverse tummy tuck last?

When you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle habits, the results of your reverse tummy tuck can last for many years to come.

Can my surgeon perform a reverse tummy tuck alongside another procedure?

Yes, your surgeon may pair your procedure with another to achieve more transformational results. We recommend scheduling a consultation if you are interested in learning more about this option.

References

  1. Alves AS, Martineau J, Dupuis A, Zuo K, Kalbermatten DF, Oranges CM. Reverse Abdominoplasty in a Patient Presenting with Subcostal Nephrectomy Scar and Transverse Muscle Incisional Hernia. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2023;11(9):e5297. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000005297
  2. Regan JP, Casaubon JT. Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck). PubMed. 2020. Accessed October 7, 2026. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431058/

About Dr. Johnny Franco

Plastic Surgeon · Austin Plastic Surgeon

Board certification
American Board of Plastic Surgery (verify)
Education and training
  • Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, Beloit College
  • Doctorate of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
  • Residency, Plastic Surgery, Saint Louis University School of Medicine (chief resident 2010-2011)
  • Training, Microsurgery (cancer reconstruction), Chan Gung Hospital in Taiwan (2011)
  • Fellowship, Breast Reconstruction and Fat Transfer, Gent University Hospital in Belgium
Memberships
  • American Society of Plastic Surgeons
  • American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
  • Austin Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons
Awards
  • Merck Index Award
  • Walter S. Haven Prize
NPI
1053503672
Offices
Austin · San Antonio · West Lake Hills

Read Dr. Johnny Franco's full bio