Smaller Waistline Through Liposuction?

Question

I am very close to making a decision on getting breast implants and while I was told this will make my waist appear smaller, I actually would like to have a smaller waist, so that my figure looks more like an hourglass. There's actually not much to remove from my waist, but can I have Liposuction to make it actually smaller, not just make it appear that way? If not, what are my options to achieve this?

Brent Moelleken, MD · Answer

I discourage patients from getting breast implants just to have their waist look smaller.  Large breast implants can sometimes have the opposite effect of making people look heavier!
In young mothers who notice they have lost their waist, they are quick to blame baby fat for the problem.  Often, though, the problem is both a little bit of fat but also the deep tissue (fascia) that has ripped, making the waist wide.  Also, the stretched skin can pool around the waist, hiding the thin waist silhouette. 
In perimenopausal women, a widening of the fascia occurs, causing the waist to become straight.  It is a disturbing finding for many women who are otherwise in excellent physical shape.  Again, tightening of the fascia via a tummy tuck can do wonders.
Your plastic surgeon can discuss the options with you, including various tummy tuck procedures to tighten the fascia or the loose abdominal skin, if indeed that is the reason for the wide waist.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Shar,

Thank you for your insightful question about enhancing your figure to achieve a more pronounced hourglass shape through cosmetic surgery. Your interest in both breast implants and modifications to your waistline demonstrates a desire for a harmonious and proportionate figure, which is a common goal among patients considering cosmetic enhancements.

Liposuction is indeed a viable option for creating a smaller waistline and enhancing the hourglass figure you desire. While it is true that increasing the size of your breasts can visually reduce the waist's appearance, directly addressing the waist size through liposuction can physically contour and reduce the waist circumference. This procedure works by removing excess fat from targeted areas, which, in your case, would be the waist and possibly adjacent areas to accentuate the contrast between your waist and hips.

Regarding your concern about there not being "much to remove" from your waist, a detailed consultation and examination would be necessary to determine the specific possibilities for your body. Even in cases where there is minimal fat, strategic removal can significantly impact the overall silhouette. Additionally, the recommendation to consider fat transfer to the hips can further enhance the hourglass effect by adding volume to the hips, thereby amplifying the waist-to-hip ratio.

If liposuction alone does not meet your goals, or if your situation requires a different approach, other options such as abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) or body contouring procedures could be discussed. These alternatives can also sculpt the abdominal area and waistline, although they are typically more invasive than liposuction.

Ultimately, the best approach will depend on your body's unique characteristics, your aesthetic goals, and a thorough evaluation by a qualified plastic surgeon. I encourage you to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can provide you with a personalized assessment and recommendations based on your specific desires and physical needs.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS
Plastic and Aesthetic Surgeon

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

When patients present for
evaluation and treatment of localized fat collections of the abdomen, clinical
results and patient satisfaction levels are high following liposuction.In many cases, abdominal contour is improved
and patients develop an hourglass shape following this procedure.The magnitude of the response is dependent
upon the amount of fat removed.In
your case, it’s hard to know how much liposuction will actually help you, since
by your own admission, you have minimal amounts of fat.This determination will require a physical
examination.Under
these circumstances, it is appropriate to consult a Board-Certified plastic
surgeon who has experience in this area.This surgeon should be able to formulate a treatment plan that addresses
your anatomic findings and achieves your aesthetic goals.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

If you have fat deposits in your mid section that are preventing you from having the hourglass shape you want, then liposuction may be able to remove them. Please see a board certified, experienced plastic surgeon for a better assessment of your concern.

Jaime Perez, MD · Answer

The answer to a smaller waistline and or to proportion your figure would be through liposuction. Liposuction is a surgical technique that plastic surgeons have used since the 1970’s to remove local, unwanted fat deposits. The most commonly addressed areas of the body are the abdomen, flank, back, chin/neck, arms, thighs, and legs. Using a cannula (a long, hollow, metal instrument) and rubber tubing under negative-pressure, the surgeon removes the unsightly fat, permanently improving the over-all contour of the body. Because liposuction is not a weight-loss technique, but rather a body-sculpting or body-contouring technique, the best candidates for liposuction are those that are near their ideal body weight, have good skin quality, and have specific areas of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in liposuction for best results.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

If there is enough fat to remove to make the surgical risks worthwhile, and there is no medical or surgical reason for not doing it, then you would be a candidate. Usually, the surgeon needs to be able to pinch a minimum of a little less than an inch of fat between two fingers to consider a patient a candidate.

Darrick E. Antell, MD, FACS · Answer

Liposuction removes fat from whichever area the procedure is performed on. 
So if the procedure was done on your waist, it will be smaller.  However, as you said there is not much there to begin with, you have to weigh the value of doing the procedure at all,  in a case like yours.  Talk it over with your surgeon for advice.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well. 
Yes, liposuction to the waist would remove the fat and make it smaller. Unfortunately, without pictures, it is very difficult to give you a proper answer. l recommend you to make an appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon to talk about your goals and anything you need to know.
Good luck :)

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	The operation that is &ldquo;best"  for you will be  based on your exact goals and physical examination. For example, &ldquo;seeking a hourglass figure&rdquo; may mean different things to different people;  communication with your plastic surgeon in person is critical. If there is a failure to communicate exactly your goals are there is a high likelihood that you will be disappointed with the results of surgery. Some patients may achieve the results with liposuction surgery,  some patients may require an extended tummy tuck to achieve their goals.

	I would suggest consultation with a well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon.

	I hope this helps.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Liposcution is a good procedure to remove excess fatty deposits from stubborn areas. However, if your are thin and do not have any significant fat to remove, then it is unlikley that the liposcution will narrow your waist. Remember that your waisltine is also determined by your underlying bony and muscular anatomy. Your pelvic bones determine for them ost part your natural waistline. Breast implants are good way to emphasize an hourglass figure in someone who is relatively narrow on top and wider on the bottom.

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