Why are some tummy tucks box shaped/no waist line?

A lot of the boxy of the abdomen, hips, and waist depends on your basic anatomy.  If you have a large rib cage and narrow hips, it can be harder to achieve a curvy appearance.  That said, liposuction of the hips, flanks and waist plus thoughtful sculpting of the abdominal muscles can go a long way to getting you the appearance you desire.

Thanks for your inquiry.  Each person's undderlying shape is different with some individuals having narrow hip bones or wider rib cages. If you are concerned about your potential result being boxy, please be examined by a plastic surgeon to  possibly advise you.  

I will say that 90% of all abdominoplasties also include liposuction of the lateral flanks. It will enhance the natural curves improving the results without the boxy look. 

There are several factors that may contribute to a tummy tuck resulting in a boxy shape. These can include a person's native torso contours that simply do not become more curvy with surgery or an excess of subcutaneous fat that may improve with localized liposuction etc. The best way to determine what type of results you can expect is to have a close conversation with your plastic surgeon.It is imperative that you seek the advice of a plastic
surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has
extensive experience in tummy tuck/abdominoplasty.



I wish you the best.



Dr. Gabbay.

The most common reason would be significant fat in the flank area not treated at the time of liposuction. This can result in a square appearance from the front or back.

there are 3 possibilties :1 this maybe the natural shape of the patient 2 insufficient tightening of the muscle sheath (plication)3 patient is still overweight with significant internal fat around the gut etc.

There are several reasons that a person can look "Boxy" after a tummy tuck.  First is body type with regard to shape.  Secondly, body fat distribution in the hips and waistline play a part in shape and can be manipulated with a combination of liposuction and/or fat grafting.  

The final  result usually depends on the person's preoperative contour.  If a person is very fat or has no waist line to start with then a hour glass waist line will not occur postop.  Some patients have a large amount of internal (visceral) fat around there organs that prevent a good contour from occurring. any preop anatomical variance will usually still reveal itself postoperatively.