How to keep hip contours/hourglass shape after tummy tuck? (Photo)

Question

Hello, I've noticed that on a lot of tummy tucks it seems that the belly is undefined and even after over a year of healing, it seems almost like an up and down-boxy shape. Even though I am a larger size, I would like to keep at least a slight hourglass shape I have now, after my tummy tuck. Are there ways to avoid this boxy shape or to combat the loss of an hourglass or another procedure to bring the hourglass shape back after a tummy tuck? look at Pics for examples.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

Since a tummy tuck only pulls down on excess skin and does not typically take in this excess in a vertical direction, the procedure does not help accentuate an hourglass figure in women with significant excess skin.   This is why in some women a fleur de lis tummy tuck is performed to take in excess skin in a vertical direction and result in a better figure.  If you are not a candidate for a fleur de lis due to minimal skin excess vertically, options include aggressive waist liposuction and fat grafting to the hips to help improve the hourglass shape.  Also the plication of the fascia vertically which is performed in most tummy tucks does help in accentuating your hourglass figure.

Joubin Gabbay, MD · Answer

The key to maintaining good shape after your tummy tuck / abdominoplasty is to keep healthy, exercise,  and maintain your weight. Additionally, you can use contouring garments to help you waist trim. I would recommend you discuss this with your plastic surgeon to have them help you optimize your results.I wish you the best.Dr. Gabbay.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello Dear, the best way to have your beautiful shape always is use your faja with compression after surgery. Also you have to use it for 6 months

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

The key to maintaining the outcome you will be pleased with long term is simple:  maintain a healthy lifestyle with careful attention to a healthy diet and exercise program.  Best wishes.

Peter Fisher, MD (retired) · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. If you start with an hourglass shape you should retain it with a well done operation. If you don't then tightening the fascia and performing appropriate liposuction of the flanks may give you an increased waist to hip ratio. Consult with ps's who can show you you before and after photos that impress you. Peter Fisher M.D

How to keep hip contours/hourglass shape after tummy tuck? (Photo)

Answers (5)