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An upper tummy tuck, also called a reverse abdominoplasty, removes loose skin from the upper abdomen, between the belly button and the breasts, by lifting it upwards. Instead of a low scar above the pubic area, the scar is placed in or just below the breast fold. It is a less common operation than a standard tummy tuck and suits a specific group of patients: those whose loose skin is mainly above the belly button. At Soraca Med in Antalya, a tummy tuck starts from €2,750, and an upper tummy tuck is priced in a personal quote. This guide explains who benefits, how it compares with mini and full tummy tucks, how recovery works and what to consider before choosing it. Every treatment plan at Soraca Med is reviewed by our plastic surgeon, Dr. Gökhan Bacak.
Upper Tummy Tuck at a Glance
| Item | Typical detail |
| Also called | Reverse abdominoplasty |
| Treats | Loose skin and mild fullness above the belly button |
| Scar | In or just below the breast fold |
| Anesthesia | General anesthesia |
| Operation time | About 2 to 3 hours |
| Hospital stay | Usually 1 night |
| Time in Antalya | 7 to 8 days |
| Back to desk work | About 2 weeks |
| Starting price | Tummy tuck from €2,750; upper tummy tuck in a personal quote |
What Is an Upper Tummy Tuck?
In a standard tummy tuck, the skin of the abdomen is pulled down and the excess is removed through a low incision. This mostly improves the lower abdomen. In an upper tummy tuck, the skin is pulled up and the excess is removed at the breast fold. This tightens the area above the belly button, which a standard tummy tuck sometimes improves less.
The operation is often combined with a breast procedure, such as a breast lift or augmentation, because the incision is already at the breast fold.
Who Is a Good Candidate for an Upper Tummy Tuck?
- Loose or creased skin mainly above the belly button
- Little loose skin in the lower abdomen
- A stable weight close to your goal
- Good general health and no smoking
- Acceptance of a scar in the breast fold
It is usually not the right choice if your main concern is the lower belly, stretch marks below the belly button, separated stomach muscles along the whole abdomen, or a lower “pouch”. In these cases a mini or full tummy tuck is more effective.
Upper vs Mini vs Full Tummy Tuck
| Upper (reverse) tummy tuck | Mini tummy tuck | Full tummy tuck | |
| Area treated | Above the belly button | Below the belly button | Whole abdomen |
| Scar | Breast fold | Short low scar above the pubic area | Hip to hip, low, plus around the belly button |
| Muscle repair | Limited, upper part only | Lower part only | Whole length |
| Best for | Upper abdominal laxity | Small lower pouch | Loose skin and separated muscles after pregnancy or weight loss |
| Recovery | About 2 weeks before desk work | About 1 to 2 weeks | About 2 to 3 weeks; 4 to 6 weeks off strenuous activity |
The NHS describes partial and full abdominoplasty and notes that a full tummy tuck also realigns the abdominal muscles. Read more about the tummy tuck, the mini tummy tuck and the reverse tummy tuck in Antalya.
Benefits of an Upper Tummy Tuck
- Tightens loose skin above the belly button
- Smooths creases and folds in the upper abdomen
- Scar hidden in the breast fold and under a bra or bikini top
- Can be combined with breast surgery through the same area
- Shorter scar on the abdomen than a full tummy tuck
How the Upper Tummy Tuck Is Performed
- Assessment: you send photos of your abdomen standing and sitting; the surgeon confirms whether the laxity is mainly upper.
- Consultation and marking: the incision line is marked in the breast fold.
- General anesthesia.
- Lifting the skin: the upper abdominal skin is lifted upward and the excess is removed.
- Optional liposuction: to refine the waist and flanks.
- Closing: the skin is anchored to the chest wall to reduce tension on the scar.
- Dressing and garment: a compression garment is fitted; drains may be used.
Upper Tummy Tuck Recovery
| Time after surgery | What to expect |
| Days 1 to 2 | Hospital stay; tightness and soreness; first short walks |
| Days 3 to 7 | Rest at the hotel; walking several times a day; drains removed when ready |
| Week 2 | Return to desk work for many people |
| Weeks 4 to 6 | Gradual return to exercise; compression garment usually stopped around 6 weeks |
| Months 3 to 6 | Swelling settles and the scar begins to fade |
The NHS advises, for tummy tucks, about four to six weeks off strenuous activity and wearing a support garment for about six weeks. Avoid lifting heavy objects and stretching your arms high above your head in the first weeks, because this can pull on the breast fold scar.
Results
Expect a smoother, firmer upper abdomen and a cleaner line from the breasts to the waist. The scar is usually pink at first and fades over 12 to 18 months. Results last long-term if your weight stays stable, although natural ageing continues.
Risks of an Upper Tummy Tuck
The NHS lists possible complications of tummy tucks, including thick scars, wound healing problems, fluid or blood collections, numbness and blood clots. Specific to the upper tummy tuck:
- The breast fold can move slightly upward if too much tension is placed on the closure
- The scar may be visible in low-cut swimwear
- Breast shape can change if the fold position changes
Careful planning, anchoring of the skin and a realistic amount of skin removal reduce these risks.
Upper Tummy Tuck Cost in Antalya
| Procedure | Soraca Med price |
| Tummy tuck | From €2,750 |
| Upper (reverse) tummy tuck | Personal quote |
| Upper tummy tuck with breast surgery | Personal quote |
| Mommy makeover | From €4,750 |
The NHS states that a tummy tuck in the UK costs from about £5,000 to £10,000, plus consultation and follow-up costs. In Antalya, packages usually include surgery, anesthesia, hospital stay, garments, hotel and transfers. See our tummy tuck surgery cost guide.
How Long Should You Stay in Antalya?
Plan about seven to eight days, so drains can be removed and the wound checked before your flight. Walk often, drink water and wear compression socks on the flight to reduce the risk of blood clots.
How the Surgeon Decides: Upper, Mini or Full Tummy Tuck
During your consultation, the surgeon examines your abdomen standing, sitting and lying down. Three checks usually decide the operation:
- Where the loose skin sits: a pinch test above and below the belly button shows where most of the excess is.
- The muscles: you are asked to tense your stomach while lying down; a gap between the muscles (diastasis recti) suggests that a full tummy tuck with muscle repair will give a better result.
- The breast fold and breasts: the position of the fold and whether breast surgery is also planned affects whether a reverse incision makes sense.
If the loose skin is mostly above the belly button and the lower abdomen is firm, an upper tummy tuck is a logical choice. If both areas are loose, or if the muscles are separated, most surgeons recommend a full tummy tuck instead, because it treats the whole abdomen with one well-hidden low scar.
Myths and Facts About the Upper Tummy Tuck
| Myth | Fact |
| “An upper tummy tuck is a smaller, easier version of a tummy tuck.” | It is a different operation for a different problem, not simply a smaller one. |
| “It removes upper belly fat.” | It mainly removes loose skin. Fat is usually treated with liposuction. |
| “There is no visible scar.” | There is a scar, placed in or just below the breast fold, where clothing usually covers it. |
| “It repairs separated muscles.” | Only to a limited degree. Significant separation usually needs a full tummy tuck. |
| “Results are permanent whatever happens.” | Weight gain and pregnancy can stretch the skin again. |
Who Usually Benefits Most
The upper tummy tuck is most often chosen by:
- Women who have had a lower abdominal scar, such as a C-section, and still have loose skin higher up
- People who have had a previous tummy tuck that tightened the lower abdomen but left creasing above the belly button
- Women who are already having breast surgery, so one incision line in the breast fold serves both
- People who lost weight and have horizontal folds under the breasts
Preparing for Your Surgery in Antalya
- Stable weight: keep your weight steady for at least three to six months before surgery.
- Stop smoking: nicotine reduces blood flow to the skin and increases wound problems; stop at least four weeks before and after.
- Medicines: tell your surgeon about blood thinners, hormone treatments and supplements such as fish oil or vitamin E.
- Clothing: pack loose, front-opening tops and soft bras without underwire if your surgeon recommends them.
- Help at home: arrange help with lifting, shopping and household tasks for the first two weeks.
- Flights: book your return after the planned wound check, ideally with a flexible ticket.
Your Stay in Antalya Day by Day
| Day | What usually happens |
| Day 1 | Arrival and transfer to your hotel |
| Day 2 | Consultation, marking and blood tests |
| Day 3 | Surgery and overnight hospital stay |
| Day 4 | Discharge to the hotel; short walks |
| Days 5 to 6 | Rest, walking and check-up; drains removed when ready |
| Days 7 to 8 | Final wound check and flight home when cleared |
Caring for the Scar in the Breast Fold
Because the scar lies where the bra band sits, comfort matters in the first weeks. Wear the garment or bra your surgeon recommends, avoid tight underwire until the wound has healed, and keep the area clean and dry. Once the wound has closed, silicone gel or sheets can help the scar soften. Protect the scar from the sun for the first year. Most scars fade from red to pink to pale over 12 to 18 months.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is an upper tummy tuck?
It is a reverse abdominoplasty that lifts and removes loose skin above the belly button, with the scar placed in the breast fold.
Who needs an upper tummy tuck instead of a standard tummy tuck?
People whose loose skin is mainly above the belly button, with little lower abdominal laxity.
Where is the scar after an upper tummy tuck?
In or just below the fold under the breasts, where a bra or bikini top usually covers it.
How much does an upper tummy tuck cost in Antalya?
At Soraca Med, a tummy tuck starts from €2,750, and an upper tummy tuck is priced in a personal quote.
Can I combine an upper tummy tuck with breast surgery?
Yes. Because the incision is at the breast fold, it is often combined with a breast lift or augmentation.
How long is the recovery?
Many people return to desk work after about two weeks and avoid strenuous activity for four to six weeks.
Does an upper tummy tuck repair stomach muscles?
Only to a limited extent. If the muscles are separated along the whole abdomen, a full tummy tuck is usually better.
How long should I stay in Antalya?
About seven to eight days, so your surgeon can check your wound before you fly.
Is an upper tummy tuck the same as a mini tummy tuck?
No. A mini tummy tuck treats the lower abdomen through a short low scar. An upper tummy tuck treats the area above the belly button through a scar in the breast fold.
Can an upper tummy tuck be done after a C-section?
Yes. If the lower abdomen is firm but there is loose skin above the belly button, an upper tummy tuck can be a good option.
Will my belly button change?
Usually not much, because the skin is lifted upward rather than pulled down. Your surgeon explains any change in your case.
Can I wear a bra after an upper tummy tuck?
Usually a soft, supportive bra or garment without underwire is recommended at first, as your surgeon advises.
Sources and Medical Information
This guide is general patient information. The medical details are based on published patient guidance, including:
It does not replace a consultation: your surgeon decides what is safe for you, and their personal instructions always take priority. Prices are Soraca Med starting prices and are confirmed in your written quote. Last updated: October 2026.