Reverse Tummy Tuck

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Santa Monica, Beverly Hills and Greater Los Angeles

A reverse tummy tuck is a specialized procedure that targets the area above the belly button, lifting and removing excess skin through incisions typically placed along the inframammary fold or natural chest crease. With a traditional abdominoplasty, the excess skin and tissue is pulled downward through an incision just above the groin. For a reverse tummy tuck, the lift happens in the opposite direction.

Dr. Michael Zarrabi is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon renowned across Los Angeles and beyond for his ability to meticulously perform complex aesthetic procedures and deliver transformative, natural-looking results. Dr. Zarrabi specializes in a wide range of facial and body rejuvenations and applies his artistic technique and personalized approach to each unique case.

If you would like to learn more about the reverse tummy tuck and request a consultation with Dr. Zarrabi, please submit our online contact form or call our Santa Monica office at (310) 584-9990.

About Reverse Tummy Tucks

A reverse tummy tuck, or reverse abdominoplasty, is designed for patients whose primary concern is laxity in the upper abdominal region. Significant weight loss often causes a loss of volume and a downward shift of tissue, especially in the torso. When weight is reduced, the skin above the navel often loses its elasticity and begins to sag, creating a heavy appearance that cannot be corrected by diet and exercise alone. This procedure addresses that specific drooping effect by pulling the skin upward toward the chest, effectively smoothing out the mid-to-upper abdominal area. (1)

What Makes a Reverse Tummy Tuck Different

The fundamental distinction between a traditional tummy tuck and a reverse procedure lies in the direction of the lift and the location of the incisions. In a standard tummy tuck, (2) Dr. Zarrabi creates an incision just above the pubic area, pulling the abdominal skin and underlying tissue downward toward the groin. This method is highly effective for addressing concerns in the lower abdomen, such as the “pooch” or significant skin laxity below the navel.

In contrast, a reverse tummy tuck focuses specifically on the area between the navel and the chest. Rather than pulling downward, the skin is lifted upward, through incisions at the inframammary fold. This upward tension is ideal for patients who have relatively firm lower abdominal skin but suffer from drooping or “crepey” skin in the upper midsection. By utilizing these discreet incision sites, Dr. Zarrabi can effectively tighten the upper abdominal envelope without the need for the long, horizontal hip-to-hip scar associated with traditional methods.

Benefits

Choosing a reverse tummy tuck with Dr. Zarrabi offers several clinical and aesthetic advantages:

  • Targeted Upper Abdominal Contouring: It specifically addresses the stubborn skin laxity above the belly button that often persists as rolls or folds after significant weight loss or natural aging.
  • Seamless Scar Placement: Because the incisions are hidden within the natural breast creases, the resulting scars are virtually invisible when wearing bikinis, bras, or standard clothing.
  • Restored Midsection Proportions: By tightening the upper abdominal skin, the procedure restores a more youthful, taut appearance to the entire torso, improving how clothing fits and enhancing the patient’s entire silhouette.
  • Harmony with Other Procedures: The incision location makes it exceptionally easy to combine this procedure with breast enhancement surgeries, allowing for comprehensive rejuvenation of the upper body in a single operation.

Candidates

During your consultation with Dr. Zarrabi, he will personally confirm your candidacy for a reverse tummy tuck. Generally, ideal candidates meet the following criteria:

  • Stable Weight: Candidates should be at or within close range of their goal weight, as future significant fluctuations can compromise surgical results.
  • Healthy Non-Smokers: To reduce the risk of potential complications and ensure optimal healing, you should be a non-smoker or willing to quit nicotine for several weeks before and after surgery.
  • Upper Abdominal Laxity: This procedure is specifically intended for those whose skin laxity is concentrated above the navel due to massive weight loss, natural aging, or genetic factors.
  • Family Planning: Candidates should ideally not be planning future pregnancies, as this can restretch the tightened abdominal tissues.
  • Realistic Expectations: You should feel fully informed and understand the limitations and potential of the surgical results.

Personal Consultation

During your one-on-one meeting with Dr. Zarrabi, he will perform a thorough physical assessment of your abdominal area to evaluate skin laxity and tissue volume. He will review your medical history and listen as you describe your specific concerns and desired outcomes. This is also your opportunity to get your questions answered and view before and after pictures of other patients to help you realistically visualize potential results. Through what he learns, Dr. Zarrabi will create your personalized treatment plan and you can move forward with scheduling your procedure.

To start planning your reverse tummy tuck and request a consultation with Dr. Zarrabi, call (310) 584-9990 or contact us online.

Preparation

Preparing for surgery is vital for a safe procedure and smooth recovery. Dr. Zarrabi will provide you with detailed instructions, which typically include:

  • Suspend the use of certain blood-thinning medications and supplements.
  • Stop smoking at least six weeks before surgery to ensure proper blood flow and healing.
  • Set up a comfortable, well-stocked recovery space at home.
  • Arrange personal transportation home from surgery and assistance for the first 24-48 hours of initial recovery.

Procedure

Dr. Zarrabi will perform your reverse tummy tuck as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia to ensure your comfort. The surgery typically takes two to four hours, depending on the amount of tissue removed and whether you combine it with other procedures. Dr. Zarrabi begins by making precise incisions along the natural creases under the breasts. Through these incisions, he gently lifts the upper abdominal skin from the underlying muscle. Next, he carefully removes excess, inelastic tissue and, if necessary, he may perform liposuction to further refine the contours. Once he achieves the desired tension, he pulls the skin upward and meticulously sutures it into its new position, ensuring the scars remain hidden within the natural folds of the chest.

Recovery

Recovery from a reverse abdominoplasty is generally straightforward. You may experience mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which you can manage with prescription medication. Dr. Zarrabi encourages light activity, such as walking around the house, shortly after surgery to promote circulation. Most patients can return to non-strenuous office work within 7 to 10 days. However, you must avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and repetitive overhead reaching for at least 6 to 8 weeks. Dr. Zarrabi will also advise you on wearing compression garments or specialized surgical bras to support the tissues and minimize swelling during the initial healing phase.

Results

You will notice an immediate improvement in the firmness and contour of your upper abdomen following surgery. While initial swelling may obscure the final details, your results will continue to refine over the following months as the tissues settle and scars begin to fade. By adhering to a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a stable weight, your reverse tummy tuck results will be long-lasting, providing you with a smoother, more youthful midsection for years to come.

Cost of a Reverse Tummy Tuck in Santa Monica and Beverly Hills

The cost of a reverse tummy tuck varies based on the complexity of the case, the volume of tissue being removed, and the associated facility and anesthesia fees. During your consultation, Dr. Zarrabi will provide you with a personalized, itemized quote that covers all aspects of your care. You can also discuss various financing options to help make your aesthetic goals more accessible.

To request a consultation with Dr. Zarrabi and start exploring your potential for a reverse tummy tuck, please call (310) 584-9990 or submit our online contact form.

FAQ

Will I have visible scars?

While every surgery involves some scarring, Dr. Zarrabi strategically places reverse tummy tuck incisions within the inframammary folds. This means the resulting scars are easily hidden by bras and swimwear.

Is this procedure more painful than the traditional tummy tuck?

Generally, patients report that a reverse tummy tuck is less intense than a traditional one, largely because muscle plication (tightening of the abdominal muscles) is often not required for this procedure.

How long will the results last?

The results are intended to be long-lasting. As long as you maintain a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle, your contoured results should remain for many years.

When can I get back to exercise?

Light walking is encouraged soon after surgery, but you must strictly avoid strenuous activity for at least six to eight weeks to allow the surgical site to heal properly.

How much downtime is there?

Most patients take one to two weeks off from work, depending on the physical nature of their job and how quickly their body heals.

References

  1. Yang X, Wang GH, Wang J, Xie HB. Correction of Contour Deformity Using Reverse Abdominoplasty Combined with Mini-Abdominoplasty. Chinese Medical Journal. 2018;131(15):1871-1872. doi:https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6071455/
  2. Regan JP, Casaubon JT. Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck). StatPearls Publishing; 2020. Accessed August 14, 2026. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431058/