Reverse Tummy Tuck in Del Mar, CA

If loose, sagging skin above your belly button won't respond to diet or exercise, a reverse tummy tuck may be the targeted solution you need. Dr. Paul E. Chasan of Ranch & Coast Plastic Surgery offers this specialized upper-abdominal contouring procedure to patients throughout the Del Mar and San Diego area.

Upper Abdominal Contouring From a San Diego Plastic Surgery Authority

Dr. Chasan has spent more than 30 years perfecting body contouring and revisionary surgery in San Diego and Del Mar, and he is known among his peers as a "surgeon's surgeon" for his precision and problem-solving approach to complex cases. As the founder of Ranch & Coast Plastic Surgery, he is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has authored more than 20 peer-reviewed publications in the field. For patients whose upper abdominal skin remains loose after weight loss, pregnancy, or a previous tummy tuck, Dr. Chasan's reverse tummy tuck offers a tailored answer that a standard abdominoplasty cannot provide on its own.

What Is a Reverse Tummy Tuck?

A reverse tummy tuck is a body contouring surgery that lifts and tightens the upper abdomen rather than the lower abdomen. Instead of pulling skin downward toward the bikini line, as in a traditional abdominoplasty, the surgeon lifts the upper abdominal skin upward through an incision typically hidden along the lower breast crease. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, a reverse tummy tuck tightens the upper abdomen specifically, while a traditional tummy tuck primarily addresses the area below the navel.

The result is a smoother, firmer contour across the upper stomach and lower chest, an area that a standard tummy tuck or liposuction alone often cannot fully correct.

Benefits of a Reverse Tummy Tuck

Patients considering upper abdominal contouring at Ranch & Coast Plastic Surgery in Del Mar can expect several key benefits:

Removal of excess, sagging skin above the belly button
A more contoured, natural-looking upper abdominal profile
Well-concealed scarring placed within the natural breast crease
The ability to combine the procedure with breast surgery through a shared incision
A solution for upper abdominal laxity that persists after a prior tummy tuck

Are You a Candidate for a Reverse Tummy Tuck?

Good candidates for a reverse tummy tuck are patients whose primary concern is loose, hanging skin in the upper abdomen rather than the lower abdomen or waistline. This often includes patients who have lost significant weight, women whose skin has not fully retracted after pregnancy, and those who had a traditional tummy tuck in the past but still have upper abdominal laxity.

Ideal candidates are in good general health, do not smoke, and have realistic expectations for their results. Dr. Chasan evaluates each patient individually during a consultation to confirm whether a reverse tummy tuck, a traditional tummy tuck, liposuction, or a combined approach will best achieve their goals.

Why Choose Ranch & Coast Plastic Surgery for Your Reverse Tummy Tuck in Del Mar?

Ranch & Coast Plastic Surgery is a freestanding surgical center in downtown Del Mar built around meticulous, individualized care. Patients considering a reverse tummy tuck in Del Mar benefit from:

A surgeon with over 30 years of experience and a reputation for correcting complex or previously unsatisfactory results
Board-certified anesthesiologists selected from a small, hand-picked group at Scripps Memorial Hospital
Dedicated operating room nurses with a minimum of 10 years working alongside Dr. Chasan
A private, 23-hour overnight recovery stay for added comfort and safety following surgery
On-site private parking and a calm, spa-like setting just north of San Diego and La Jolla

What to Expect Before, During, and After Your Reverse Tummy Tuck

Consultation and Cost

Every reverse tummy tuck begins with a private consultation with Dr. Chasan, who examines the upper abdominal skin, discusses your history and goals, and outlines the surgical plan. Cost varies based on the extent of skin removal, whether the procedure is combined with breast surgery or liposuction, and anesthesia and facility fees. Ranch & Coast Plastic Surgery reviews exact pricing and financing options during your consultation.

The Procedure

A reverse tummy tuck is performed under anesthesia at Ranch & Coast's private surgical facility. Dr. Chasan places the incision along the natural crease beneath the breasts, then lifts and repositions the upper abdominal skin, removing the excess before closing the incision. When appropriate, he may also tighten the upper abdominal muscles or perform liposuction to refine the surrounding contour. Many patients choose to combine this procedure with breast augmentation or a breast lift, since both can share the same incision line.

Recovery and Results Timeline

Recovery from a reverse tummy tuck is generally shorter than recovery from a full abdominoplasty. Most patients take about one to two weeks off from work and other regular activities, with a gradual return to exercise around the four-week mark, consistent with recovery timelines described by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Some swelling and soreness along the incision are common in the first few weeks. Final results become visible as swelling resolves over the following months.

Reverse Tummy Tuck vs. Traditional Tummy Tuck

The two procedures address different areas of the abdomen, and many patients benefit from understanding the distinction before their consultation:

Reverse tummy tuck: Targets the upper abdomen above the belly button; incision is hidden along the breast crease; often paired with breast surgery.
Traditional tummy tuck: Targets the lower and mid-abdomen below the belly button; incision runs along the lower bikini line; frequently repairs separated abdominal muscles.

Some patients need both approaches — particularly those who have already had a lower abdominoplasty and still have laxity higher on the torso, or those planning a full mommy makeover. Dr. Chasan will recommend the combination that best matches your anatomy during your consultation.

Reverse Tummy Tuck FAQs

How is a reverse tummy tuck different from a mini tummy tuck?

A mini tummy tuck addresses only the lowest part of the abdomen, between the belly button and the pubic region, while a reverse tummy tuck addresses the opposite end — the upper abdomen above the belly button.

Will a reverse tummy tuck treat abdominal muscle separation?

Reverse tummy tucks primarily address skin laxity in the upper abdomen. Most diastasis recti, or muscle separation, occurs lower on the abdomen and is better addressed with a traditional tummy tuck, which Dr. Chasan can discuss during your consultation.

Can a reverse tummy tuck be combined with other procedures?

Yes. Because the incision is placed along the breast crease, a reverse tummy tuck is frequently combined with breast augmentation or a breast lift. It can also be paired with liposuction to refine the surrounding contour.

What are the risks of a reverse tummy tuck?

As with any surgical procedure, risks can include infection, bleeding, scarring, asymmetry, and changes in skin sensation. Dr. Chasan reviews your individual risk profile in detail during your consultation so you can make a fully informed decision.

Will insurance cover a reverse tummy tuck?

Reverse tummy tucks are considered cosmetic procedures and are not typically covered by insurance. Ranch & Coast Plastic Surgery can discuss financing options during your consultation.

See Real Reverse Tummy Tuck Results

Schedule Your Reverse Tummy Tuck Consultation in Del Mar

If loose skin in your upper abdomen is holding back your confidence, Dr. Paul E. Chasan and the team at Ranch & Coast Plastic Surgery can help you determine whether a reverse tummy tuck is right for you. Contact our Del Mar office today to schedule your private consultation.