Reverse Abdominoplasty and Mammoplasty: Combination for chest and abdomen rejuvenation

• January 30, 2025
• By Fernando Amato

The combination of abdominoplasty and mammoplasty provides a harmonious result and rejuvenates the chest and abdominal region. While mammoplasty focuses on reshaping the breasts, reverse abdominoplasty acts on the upper abdomen, pulling excess skin towards the chest. This combination primarily benefits patients with significant laxity in the upper abdomen who wish to correct the appearance of their breasts.

In this article, we will explain how each procedure works, its indications, and what to expect from this surgical combination.

📝 Highlights on reverse abdominoplasty and mammoplasty

1. 🤝 Complementary procedures: combined to treat upper abdominal laxity and reshape the breasts.

2. 📉 Indicated for patients with excessive laxity above the navel, not resolved by traditional abdominoplasty.

3. 🛠️ Reverse abdominoplasty pulls the skin of the upper abdomen towards the chest, while mammoplasty improves breast shape and volume.

4. ⏳ Single procedure reduces recovery time compared to separate surgeries.

5. 🩺 Always performed by a specialized plastic surgeon to ensure safety and appropriate aesthetic results.

What is reverse abdominoplasty?

Reverse abdominoplasty primarily benefits patients who have predominant skin laxity in the upper abdominal region (above the navel), when traditional abdominoplasty does not adequately resolve the problem. This “reverse” technique differs in that the abdominal skin is pulled upwards, towards the chest, and not downwards, as in conventional abdominoplasty.

The surgeon makes the incision below the breasts, usually utilizing the inframammary fold (natural line below the breasts), which camouflages the scar. This approach especially benefits patients who have lost a lot of weight or have localized laxity.

What is mammoplasty?

• Mammoplasty is a plastic surgery of the breasts, which can have different objectives, such as:
• Reduction mammoplasty: to reduce breast volume and treat physical discomforts, such as back or shoulder pain. Breast augmentation: to improve breast volume and projection, often with the use of silicone implants (learn more about implants here).
• Mastopexy (with or without implants): to reposition sagging breasts and improve contour, ideal for cases of laxity, especially after breastfeeding or weight loss (more details here).

The choice of technique depends on the individual needs of each patient. When combined with reverse abdominoplasty, the goal is to create a harmonious appearance between the upper abdomen and the chest.

Who can undergo combined reverse abdominoplasty and mammoplasty?

This combination is indicated for patients who:

• Have marked laxity in the upper abdominal region;
• Wish to correct breast ptosis or improve their shape and volume;
• Have undergone significant weight loss, such as after bariatric surgery;
• Are in good general health and are at or near their ideal weight;
• Do not have medical conditions that contraindicate surgery, such as serious heart or lung problems.

⚠️ Important: A detailed evaluation with a plastic surgeon is essential to determine if this combination of procedures is the best option for your case.

How is the combined surgery performed?

The surgeon can perform reverse abdominoplasty and mammoplasty in a single procedure, optimizing surgical and recovery time. Both techniques are planned to ensure that scars are discreet and the results are harmonious.

1. Inframammary incision:

In reverse abdominoplasty, the surgeon performs an incision along the natural fold below the breasts. The surgeon can use this same incision for mammoplasty, if a breast lift (mastopexy) is performed.

2. Abdominal skin traction:

Excess skin from the upper abdomen is pulled upwards and fixed in the chest area. This improves firmness and reduces laxity in this region.

3. Breast reshaping:

In mammoplasty, the surgeon can perform reduction, augmentation with implants, or a lift (mastopexy), depending on the patient's needs.

4. Suture and finalization:

The surgeon removes excess skin, reshapes the breasts, and carefully closes the incisions to minimize scars.

Benefits of combined surgery

• Harmonious results: simultaneously treats the chest and abdomen, creating a balanced and natural appearance.
• Optimized recovery: The combination of surgeries reduces the total recovery time compared to performing the procedures separately.
• Single scar: The surgeon utilizes the inframammary fold incision for both surgeries, reducing visible scars.
• Improved self-esteem: the combined results help patients feel more confident in their own bodies.

Recovery

Recovery from combined surgery follows similar care to other plastic procedures:

1. First days:

• Absolute rest, with restriction of sudden movements.

• Use of an abdominal compression garment and surgical bra to aid recovery.

2. First weeks:

• Avoid intense physical activities.

• Attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing.

3. Return to routine:

• Light activities can be resumed after 2 to 4 weeks.

• Physical exercises are gradually released after 6 to 8 weeks, as advised by the doctor.

⚠️ The final result can be observed after 6 months, once the swelling completely subsides and the scars mature.

Possible complications

Although the combination of reverse abdominoplasty and mammoplasty is safe when performed by an experienced plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Fernando Amato, complications can occur, such as:

• Fluid accumulation (seroma);
• Infection;
• Changes in skin sensitivity;
• Hypertrophic scars or keloids.

Therefore, following medical guidelines in the pre- and postoperative periods is essential to minimize risks.

When to seek a specialist?

Therefore, if you have laxity in the upper abdomen or wish to improve the appearance of your breasts, schedule a consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon. Only a qualified professional can assess your needs and recommend the best approach to achieve your aesthetic goals.

👉 Schedule a consultation with Dr. Fernando Amato and discover how reverse abdominoplasty and mammoplasty can transform your self-esteem!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does reverse abdominoplasty replace traditional abdominoplasty?

No. The reverse technique is indicated only to treat upper abdominal laxity.

2. Can I combine reverse abdominoplasty with silicone implants?

Yes, it is possible to combine silicone implant placement with mammoplasty.

3. Are the scars very visible?

No, the scars are located in the inframammary fold, a discreet and easily camouflaged area.

4. What is the recovery time?

Total recovery can take 6 to 8 weeks, with stricter restrictions in the first 4 weeks.

5. Can this surgery be performed after bariatric surgery?

Yes, it is a common indication for patients who experience laxity after significant weight loss.

6. Does reverse abdominoplasty correct abdominal diastasis?

No. Diastasis (separation of the abdominal muscles) is treated with conventional abdominoplasty.

7. Do I need to wear a compression garment?

Yes, wearing a compression garment and surgical bra is essential to aid recovery and improve results.

8. What tests are needed before surgery?

Blood tests, electrocardiogram, evaluation by the plastic surgeon and anesthesiologist.

9. Is there a risk of laxity returning?

Yes, especially if there is significant weight gain or pregnancy after surgery.

10. Is it possible to perform liposuction along with these procedures?

Yes, liposuction can be combined to further improve body contour.

Keywords:

#abdominoplasty #mammoplasty #plasticsurgery #abdomen #breasts

Share this article:

Related articles