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Reverse Tummy Tuck Sarasota

REVERSE TUMMY TUCK SARASOTA

The abdomen tends to be one of the most problematic areas on the body. Both men and women store excess fat in the abdomen. Due to the differing ways that men and women store fat, women may tend to hold onto more fat in the hips and lower stomach. Pregnancy and childbirth also impact this. Men also store much of their extra fat in the abdomen. Therefore, most people who have lost weight end up with extra skin in the abdomen that a tummy tuck can address. However, occasionally people may find that fat collects near the waist or upper abdomen more than the lower stomach. A reverse tummy tuck can correct this. Dr. Alberico Sessa at Sarasota Surgical Arts performs the best reverse tummy tuck Sarasota offers.

OVERVIEW: WHAT IS A REVERSE TUMMY TUCK?

A reverse tummy tuck is similar to the traditional abdominoplasty performed on the lower abdomen. In this case, the incision is located just underneath the breast tissue. In women, this correlates to the inframammary fold. Dr. Sessa will then approach the procedure similar to a tummy tuck and create a tighter, slimmer contour. 

In general, a reverse tummy tuck requires a specific patient. Generally, a traditional tummy tuck or liposuction will better address a patient’s concerns in the upper abdomen. The procedure is frequently performed as a revision procedure or in conjunction with a breast lift. Depending on your anatomy and goals, Dr. Sessa can determine if a reverse tummy tuck in Sarasota is right for you.

When It’s Needed

As mentioned before, a reverse tummy tuck is usually not favored over more commonly performed surgeries. However, there are some situations where a reverse abdominoplasty will best treat your concerns. A few of the indications for reverse tummy tuck surgery may include:

  • Address sagging of the upper abdomen
  • Remove extra and loose skin localized in the upper abdomen
  • Repair the upper abdominal muscles
  • Correct previous cosmetic surgery
  • Improve body contours for a flatter stomach
  • Address sagging of the breasts
  • Correct changes in the body due to pregnancy

Benefits

For the right patient, a reverse abdominoplasty can make a major difference in the look of their body. This offers many benefits and advantages such as:

  • Tighten the upper abdominal muscles
  • Remove extra skin
  • Address stretch marks
  • Remove fat
  • Provide a slimmer appearance
  • Scars easy to conceal
  • Can combine with a breast procedure
  • May make certain exercises easier

REVERSE TUMMY TUCK vs. TRADITIONAL TUMMY TUCK

The actual surgical technique for each type of tummy tuck is similar. The major difference between a reverse tummy tuck and a traditional tummy tuck is the location of the incision. Otherwise, the procedures tend to address the same issues at different locations. The table below details the basic differences between the two procedures.

Reverse Tummy TuckTummy Tuck
  • Incision located in the inframammary fold/upper abdomen
  • Only addresses the upper abdominal muscles
  • Less frequently performed surgery
  • Does not alter the belly button
  • Commonly a revision procedure
  • May have an easier recovery
  • Incision located just below the pubis bone on the lower abdomen
  • Can correct diastasis recti present on any of the abdominal muscles
  • One of the top cosmetic surgeries in the US
  • Repositions and recreates the belly button

Along with these differences, the two procedures tend to have similar motivations and goals. Each surgery aims to provide a smoother, flatter abdomen. They also both will correct the damage done to the body after pregnancy and childbirth.

BEFORE AND AFTER REVERSE ABDOMINOPLASTY

Consultation

Before undergoing a Sarasota reverse tummy tuck, you will need to meet with Dr. Sessa at Sarasota Surgical Arts. At this appointment, Dr. Sessa will lead you through a conversation. He may ask about your medical history, previous surgeries, and medications you take. Dr. Sessa will then want to know about your goals for the procedure. He will also take the time to answer questions and address your concerns.

Dr. Sessa will then perform a physical exam. During the exam, he will look at the unique structures of your body to determine if a reverse tummy tuck will provide the results you want. He may also recommend other procedures that may better address your concerns or would add to your results.

Before leaving the Sarasota Surgical Arts office, Dr. Sessa will describe the procedure and the results you can expect. You will then receive a customized price quote based on the needs of your surgery. You can also inquire about financing.

Preparation

At your consultation and after you schedule surgery, Dr. Sessa will provide you with instructions on how to prepare for your procedure. This may include making temporary changes in your medical care and logistic arrangements. Examples of ways Dr. Sessa may ask you to prepare are:

  • Request enough time off work
  • Wear loose fitting clothing on surgery day
  • Make childcare arrangements if necessary
  • Do not eat or drink anything for several hours before surgery
  • Stop using certain medications or supplements if possible and instructed by Dr. Sessa
  • Arrange for a family member, friend, or professional caretaker to drive you home and look after you following surgery
  • Make lodging arrangements if necessary
  • Quit smoking for several weeks before surgery
  • Take any pre-surgery medications prescribed by Dr. Sessa and other prescribed medications Dr. Sessa did not have you stop
  • Fill your prescriptions before surgery

Surgery

After a licensed anesthesia provider places you under general anesthesia, Dr. Sessa will make the incision. Following the inframammary fold, the incision is generally well hidden. Women with larger breasts will see more natural coverage of the incision and otherwise it is easy to conceal with most clothing.

Finishing the incision, Dr. Sessa will tighten the upper abdominal muscles, remove extra skin and fat, and pull the skin tight over your new abdomen. He may also perform liposuction to remove smaller pockets of fat or accentuate the waist. After finishing surgery, he will stitch the incision.

Recovery

Once you wake up from your Sarasota reverse tummy tuck, you will stay in the office for monitoring for about an hour or two. After you wake up fully and Dr. Sessa clears you, your caregiver will drive you home to begin recovery. 

As far as symptoms and side effects of surgery, you may notice swelling and bruising settle in over the first few days. A tummy tuck often causes postoperative pain and Dr. Sessa will prescribe medications to keep pain and discomfort to a minimum. Some patients may also feel itching or numbness around the incision. All of these side effects are normal and should subside in about two or three weeks, with many symptoms getting better within a week.

Patients usually take at least one week off work. If you have a particularly physical job, or one that requires lifting, you may need to take a few weeks off and go back on light duty. This largely depends on your individual healing and the type of job you have. Dr. Sessa can discuss this with you at your consultation

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do Reverse Tummy Tucks Work?

For the right patient, a tummy tuck can work to provide a flatter abdomen and improved contours. Any surgery not performed on a proper candidate will not provide the desired results. Therefore, Dr. Sessa will ensure you are a good fit for reverse tummy tuck surgery in Sarasota. Identifying the best candidates promotes better results and safer surgeries.

Will It Affect The Belly Button?

No, unlike a standard tummy tuck, a reverse tummy tuck will not affect the position or shape of the belly button. Although, if you would like to make a small change to the shape of your belly button, Dr. Sessa can likely perform the procedure at the same time.

Is Liposuction Better?

It depends. If you do not have a lot of extra skin, or your skin laxity is good, Dr. Sessa may recommend liposuction over a reverse tummy tuck. However, liposuction does not address diatasis recti or the abdominal muscles. Therefore, if you need muscle plication, a reverse tummy tuck may be the better option.

Liposuction and lipo 360 is often performed alongside other tummy tuck procedures. It can reveal muscle tone and address localized, stubborn fat deposits in the stomach.

Can I Combine Other Procedures With A Reverse Tummy Tuck?

Yes, due to the incision’s location in the inframammary fold, many patients combine a reverse tummy tuck with a breast lift or breast augmentation. The incision offers ample access to both the upper abdomen and breasts, which allows Dr. Sessa to perform each surgery utilizing the same main incision. When a surgery addresses the breasts and tummy, it is usually called a mommy makeover.

It is possible to combine other types of procedures with a reverse tummy tuck. Other surgeries Dr. Sessa may perform with a reverse tummy tuck include:

How Common Is Reverse Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Since traditional tummy tuck surgery often provides some level of correction to the upper abdomen, a reverse tummy tuck is not necessary. Most people with extra skin and fat in the upper abdomen, usually carry some in the lower abdomen as well. However, in some rare cases, patients will see the majority of extra skin or fat in the upper abdomen.

This is most frequently seen in women experiencing breast sagging or people who have lost large amounts of weight. Sometimes patients may undergo both a reverse tummy tuck and tummy tuck, depending on their anatomy and needs. While a reverse tummy tuck is not as common, the procedure is not antiquated or unnecessary when performed on an ideal candidate.

THE BEST REVERSE TUMMY TUCK IN SARASOTA

When considering a cosmetic surgeon for your reverse tummy tuck in Sarasota, it is understandable that you want a surgeon with experience and expertise. Dr. Alberico Sessa of Sarasota Surgical Arts frequently performs tummy tucks of all types. He has extensive experience in revision surgery and body contouring surgery. With decades of experience, Dr. Sessa is among one of the best cosmetic surgeons in Florida.

Sarasota Surgical Arts features an on-site ambulatory surgery center fully equipped to address your surgical needs. Along with cosmetic surgery, Sarasota Surgical Arts also offers injectables like BOTOX, Dysport, and dermal fillers. It is the top destination in Sarasota for all of your cosmetic needs. 

To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 941-923-1736. You can also reach out to us online via our Price Simulator™, chat, or contact form.