Reverse Tummy Tuck Cost and Procedure Guide

Body contouring surgery is experiencing increased demand, and one lesser-known option, the reverse tummy tuck, is quietly gaining attention for its ability to smooth and sculpt the upper abdomen.¹ Whether you have excess upper abdominal skin from recent weight loss, pregnancy or general aging, a reverse tummy tuck procedure may be worth exploring to help you regain the confidence in how clothes fit and how you feel.

What Is a Reverse Tummy Tuck?

A reverse tummy tuck, also known as an upper abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that surgically removes excess skin and fat from the upper abdomen. While a traditional tummy tuck smooths the stomach by pulling the abdominal skin down, a reverse tummy tuck pulls the skin upwards, hiding the incision under the fold of the breast.²

Benefits

A reverse tummy tuck can offer a number of benefits for those looking to address concerns with the upper abdomen:²

• Helps restore pre-pregnancy abdominal tautness
• Lasting results when paired with a healthy diet and exercise
• Less invasive than a traditional tummy tuck
• Removes excess skin above the belly button
• Scars are hidden under the breast fold
• Shorter recovery than a traditional tummy tuck 
• Smooths and firms the upper abdomen

For the right candidate, a reverse tummy tuck may offer a targeted option to restore tone and contour to the upper abdomen, enhancing both your appearance and confidence.

Reverse tummy vs. traditional tummy tuck

A traditional abdominoplasty or tummy tuck focuses on the lower abdominal area, removing excess skin and fat around and below the belly button. The procedure can also repair separated abdominal muscles, known as diastasis recti. To sculpt a smooth stomach, a traditional tummy tuck pulls the abdominal skin downward, leaving patients with an incision just above the pubic area.² 

A reverse tummy tuck, however, is designed to address only excess skin and fullness above the belly button. It cannot address separated abdominal muscles. The scar for a reverse tummy tuck is hidden along the inframammary fold under the breast, making the scar potentially more discreet.²

Since a reverse tummy tuck is less invasive than a traditional tummy tuck, postoperative pain and overall recovery time are decreased as well.² 

Good candidates

Men or women who have unwanted or excess skin or fat above the belly button may be good candidates for a reverse tummy tuck. This could be excess skin caused by weight loss, pregnancy or normal aging.³ 

You may also be interested in a reverse tummy tuck to refine a traditional tummy tuck or to improve the results of breast augmentation or lift. The procedure can also be used to reconstruct the chest wall after breast cancer treatment.³

Reverse Tummy Tuck Costs

The cost of a reverse tummy tuck can range from $7,000 to $15,000. The total price of a reverse tummy tuck will vary based on your surgical center, geographic location and any other procedures performed at the same time.⁴

Is a reverse tummy tuck covered by insurance?

A reverse tummy tuck is considered a cosmetic procedure and, therefore, not typically covered by health insurance plans.⁵ Surgical centers may offer in-house financing to help spread out the cost of a reverse tummy tuck, or you can apply for the CareCredit credit card* as a way to pay for a reverse tummy tuck over time.

What You Might Expect During a Reverse Tummy Tuck

Here is what you may generally expect if you are considering a reverse tummy tuck procedure.

Preparation

To prepare for a reverse tummy tuck, you’ll start by scheduling a consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss your aesthetic goals. The consultation may include a physical exam, a review of your medication history and a discussion of alternative or complementary treatment options.⁶ 

Procedure

A reverse tummy tuck is performed under general anesthesia. An incision will be made in the inframammary fold, under the crease of the breast. Excess fat will be removed via liposuction, while extra skin will be pulled upward and trimmed. The incision will be sutured closed, and the abdomen will be wrapped in gauze and a compression garment.³ The outpatient procedure usually takes about two to three hours to complete.⁷

Recovery

Recovery for a reverse tummy tuck can take one to two weeks, with swelling, bruising and soreness being common. It is recommended to avoid physical activity and lifting anything heavier than 5 to 10 pounds for four to six weeks.³ Follow your surgeon’s directions for scar management and wearing compression garments to assist with the recovery process.²

Final results from a reverse tummy tuck is typically visible within one to three months, allowing you to resume all your normal activities.⁴ 

Potential Side Effects of a Reverse Tummy Tuck

As with all surgical procedures, a reverse tummy tuck can have potential side effects. These can include:³

• Asymmetry
• Bruising
• Hematomas
• Infection
• Scarring
• Seromas
• Swelling

Follow your surgeon’s directions for postoperative care, activity limitations and scar management to minimize potential side effects.²

Scheduling Your Reverse Tummy Tuck

If you think a reverse tummy tuck could be right for you, schedule a consultation with a cosmetic doctor near you to discuss your options. A reverse tummy tuck could help you achieve a smooth and sculpted stomach. Whether you have excess skin from recent weight loss and natural aging, or an uneven abdominal appearance after pregnancy or a mini tummy tuck, a reverse tummy tuck can help you get back the confidence you deserve.

Financing a Reverse Tummy Tuck With the CareCredit Credit Card

Ready to revitalize your appearance and boost your confidence? The CareCredit credit card makes it easy to pay for a reverse tummy tuck and related expenses not covered by health insurance.* Use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit so you can stop dreaming and start living your best life. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to cosmetic procedures, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, pet care, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Kate Bayless is a health and wellness freelance writer with 20 years of experience. Her work has appeared in Parents, Women's Health, Beachbody and OpenFit.