Will I keep my hourglass shape after a tummy tuck? (Photos)

Question

I curve in at my waist naturally. Will that stay the same after a tummy tuck or will I become squared off?

John LoMonaco, MD, FACS · Answer

No two tummy tucks are alike, and in your case tightening the muscles along with liposuction will get you a nice proportion.  There is artistry in how much fat and where to take it from, so see an experienced surgeon who is a board-certified plastic surgeon.

Robert L. Steely, MD, FACS · Answer

Good morning!The best way to be sure that you keep or even are able to accentuate your curves is two fold.  One- try and lose some weight before surgery- it will greatly enhance your result.  Secondly, and most important, be sure you are seeing a surgeon that is not only certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery but someone who has a practice exclusively cosmetic in nature and can show you lots of before and after photos.I hope this helps

Shwetambara Parakh, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Yes you do have a good waist and a tummy tuck with tightening of the rectus muscle/fascia will only enhance it. I routinely do add liposuction of the waist and flanks to my tummy tucks to improve this even further and avoid the boxy shape.Good luck

Michael E. Decherd, MD, FACS · Answer

In my experience when we setup the muscles, the maximum amount of tightening happens at a point between the belly-button and your sternum.  So I feel like the hourglass shape is ENHANCED, as it makes the waist more narrow.Obviously everyone is a little different, but generally this is true.Good Luck!

Robert J. Spies, MD · Answer

I do agree with the other physicians that you will retain an hourglass shape if you have a tummy tuck and liposuction of the flanks and back.  More improvement would occur if you were able to lose some of the excess weight that resides inside the abdomen.  That is what is called visceral fat and tends to push the belly outwards, especially the upper belly.  Healthy diet and exercise would help rid you of some of that fat.  The tummy tuck result will then look even better.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your pictures.  In my opinion, you should see an improvement in your hour glass shape with a tummy tuck and some selective liposuction.  Seek several 
personal consultations from board certified 
plastic surgeons.Best wishes.

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. TT and adding lipo will keep your hour glass or accentuate. Please consult with board certified PS for evaluation

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

One of the reasons for Performing a Tummy Tuck with muscle tightening is to recreate and enhance the hourglass figure. Obesity and multiple pregnancies permanently separate and stretch the abdominal muscles thereby blunting and destroying an attractive hourglass figure. Aggressive tightening of the loose muscles in a Tummy Tuck combined with liposuction of the low back and flank recreate and enhance the hourglass figure as well as create distinct round and fuller appearing buttocks in addition to the flat tummy in the front. Good LuckPeter Aldea MD

Michael A. Bogdan, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Dear Lulul0tus,With just a tummy-tuck, you might look a bit square.  You should really consider some flank (love-handle) liposuction to define you waist line and accentuate your natural curves.  Visit with a board certified plastic surgeon who's work you like (look over their photo galleries for similar cases) and discuss your concerns.

Jon A. Perlman, MD (retired) · Answer

I would not expect your curves in the flank area to be less visible after a tummy tuck.  If anything taking away some of the excess skin and fat while tightening your muscles may enhance or at least make your curves more noticeable.  People with muscles that are naturally contoured in that region can enhance the area by removal of fat (if present) to show the muscle contour but that contour cannot otherwise be created.  Enjoy your results and make every effort to get to a healthy and maintainable weight before undergoing surgery.Warm regards,Jon A Perlman MD FACS
Certified, Am Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, Am. Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)
Beverly Hills, Ca

Will I keep my hourglass shape after a tummy tuck? (Photos)

Answers (11)

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