Reverse Tummy Tuck

Q: Dr. Eppley, Was told by another ps that I’d need a reverse tummy tuck due to existing scar on my stomach. Is this so and what type of results would I get? Have you done this procedure before?

A: Thank you for your inquiry. While your large abdominal scar is certainly an issue for any form of a tummy tuck, I do not see a reverse tummy tuck of being beneficial for you. Reverse tummy tucks are usually down on patients whose lower abdomen is flat and the loose skin they have is above the belly button. Thus by pulling up on the upper abdominal skin the tissue overhang around the belly button is improved. And most of these women are usually thinner with a simple skin pull can be more effective. This is clearly not the situation you have. While you could do a reverse tummy tuck it will have virtually no effect on your lower abdomen and does not really solve the vascular risk issue that you have with your current abdominal scar. In conclusion I have done a fair number of reverse tummy tucks and you would not be a candidate for one in my opinion. The only tummy tuck that would be effective is a more traditional lower tummy tuck. Your large scar does give one pause when considering that procedure but that is a separate issue from your initial question.

Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana