For patients in South Africa

Reverse Tummy Tuck in Turkey from South Africa: for loose skin above the belly button

Most tummy tucks treat loose skin below the belly button. A reverse tummy tuck works the other way: it removes loose skin from the upper abdomen through incisions hidden in the crease under the breasts, and leaves the lower abdomen alone. This page explains who that suits and how to plan it from South Africa. For tummy tucks in general, start with our tummy tuck guide for South African patients.

How it differs from a standard tummy tuck

• Area treated: the upper abdomen, between the breasts and the belly button, rather than the lower abdomen
• Scars: in the crease under the breasts, rather than from hip to hip low on the abdomen
• What it leaves alone: loose skin and muscle separation below the belly button
• Initial recovery: similar to a standard tummy tuck, at around two to three weeks

If most of your loose skin is below the belly button, a standard tummy tuck, or a mini tummy tuck for a small amount, is usually the better choice, and the surgeon will tell you so. If both the upper and lower abdomen are loose, a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck may fit better. The full technique is described on the reverse tummy tuck treatment page.

Who it suits

• People with loose skin mainly on the upper abdomen, under the breasts
• People left with loose skin after major weight loss
• People who accept scars in the breast crease
• People at a stable weight, in good health, and non-smokers or able to stop

Because the scar lies in the breast crease, some patients ask about having breast surgery at the same time; whether that is sensible is for the surgeon to decide. Our body contouring guide for South African patients covers related operations.

Planning the trip from South Africa

• Flights: direct flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Istanbul take around ten hours, followed by a short domestic flight to İzmir
• Visa: South Africans apply for an e-Visa online before travelling; see the e-Visa guide
• Where you stay: usually one or two nights in hospital, then recovery at Mandarin Grove near İzmir, where drains, if used, come out in the first week
• Fitness to fly: most patients are cleared after five to seven days, but the surgeon decides, and may ask you to stay longer before a ten-hour flight; book a return ticket you can change
• Time difference: İzmir is one hour ahead of South Africa

Abdominal surgery followed by a long-haul flight raises the risk of blood clots (DVT). The surgeon tells you when it is safe to fly and which precautions to take, in general your compression garment, walking regularly and drinking water. Tell us early about any history of clots.

Recovery and follow-up at home

Initial recovery takes around two to three weeks. Heavy lifting and core exercise wait until the surgeon clears you, and the abdomen keeps settling over three to six months while the scars fade. Ask the team for your operation notes and give them to your GP.

The same team follows up by photograph, message and video call. Under our treatment guarantee, medical complications and clinically necessary revisions within one year are treated in İzmir at no charge for the treatment; flights and accommodation remain your own cost. See also our clinic facts and complaints process.

What we will not do

We will not recommend a reverse tummy tuck when your loose skin is mainly on the lower abdomen, we will not confirm a plan before a board-certified surgeon has reviewed your photographs, and we will not promise a result. A long journey is not a reason to add more procedures than the surgeon judges safe.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a reverse and a standard tummy tuck?

A reverse tummy tuck removes loose skin from the upper abdomen through incisions in the breast crease. A standard tummy tuck treats the lower abdomen through a scar from hip to hip.

Does a reverse tummy tuck repair muscle separation?

It does not address loose skin or muscle separation in the lower abdomen. If that is your main concern, a standard tummy tuck is usually more appropriate.

Where will the scars be?

The scars are placed in the crease under the breasts, where a bra or bikini top usually covers them.

How long after a reverse tummy tuck can I fly to South Africa?

Most patients are cleared to fly after five to seven days, but the surgeon decides. Because the flight home takes around ten hours, keep your return date flexible.

Will my medical aid cover a reverse tummy tuck abroad?

South African medical schemes generally do not cover elective surgery abroad, and standard travel insurance usually excludes planned treatment. Ask both specifically.

Start with a free online consultation. Planning the trip? Read the guide for South African patients and the e-Visa guide.