Which Surgeries Can Significantly Decrease the Waistline

Question

I heard there's many different surgeries that can reduce the size of the waistline but which surgeries significantly reduce the wasitline? If someone has a large frame can they still obtain good results?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear 4423Anon
Thank you for your great question regarding plastic surgery procedures to significantly reduce the waistline. There are two forms of plastic surgery that can reduce your waistline or torso. There is aggressive liposuction which can remove fat and establish an hourglass waistline. As the name implies, liposuction is great to remove fat. However, skin recoil potential is not guaranteed. If you have a lot of skin and fat I would not suggest waistline liposuction. The other alternative to waistline liposuction is a torsoplasty. Also, I call this term “hourglassing". During a hourglassing or torsoplasty, an incision is made along the waistline. This can be done in two locations. This torsoplasty can be done centrally in the abdomen from the zyphoid or between the breast to the pubic region. By making this midline incision, the abdominal  skin and fat are gathered centrally, and the waistline is brought in much like a corset. Indeed, some plastic surgeon calls this a corset or central torsoplasty. The other incision pattern to achieve the hourglass waistline an incision from the axilla, or armpit, to the top of the hip. This is done on each side. An elliptical area of skin and fat is removed from each side, an hourglass waistline is brought in. The benefit of the incision on the side is that when your arms are held by your sides, the scar is hidden. For larger patients, the incision on the side may yield better results. The incision on the side can also remove excess skin and fat from the back. When considering a waistline surgery, please seek a board-certified plastic surgeon who is highly experienced. Thank you for your question regarding how to decrease waistline with liposuction, a torsoplasty or, an hourglass procedure. If you have any questions regarding waistline surgery or plastic surgery, call my office.
Thank you,
Dr. Timothy Katzen

William Bruno, MD · Answer

The first recommendation is to be at or as close to your ideal body weight as possible, that is a BMI (body mass index) under 25. Liposuction then may be able to accentuate your waistline further. Some people naturally have a wider ribcage, and this can not be changed by liposuction or any type of plastic surgery. It's difficult to give you specific recommendations without photos. Consult with a few plastic surgeons in person for more information on your specific case.Best wishes,Dr.Bruno

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Your waistline is determined by several factors which relate to your skeleton (boney framework), your musclulature, your subvcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue (fatty) deposits and your skin laxity. Depending on which of these factors is responsible for your contour, an appopriate procedure to treat the specific problem must be planned.

Armando Soto, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there-

	The best answer, of course, will depend on the particulars of your individual situation, such as your goals, your current body contour, and your preferred experience. In other words, the best way to get the most accurate answer for you is to visit a reputable and appropriately trained and certified surgeon for a consultation.

	Generally speaking, Liposuction, tummy tucks (and there are various techniques for both) and a healthier lifestyle will all contribute to an improved silhouette.

	Two words of caution- be sure your surgeon is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. There are many people out there claiming expertise in "body contouring" with little to no training- compromising their ethics yes- but also compromising the safety and happiness of the poor patients who trust them. Don't be one of them.

	Also, don't be fooled into thinking that the machine used will make a difference in your outcome. The greatest determinant of your outcome will be the professional you choose to perform your procedure. In the hands of a well-trained and experienced plastic surgeon, I am confident your goals could be reached with ANY liposuction equipment (although more safely with some than with others)- so anyone who spends a lot of time or energy telling you why their MACHINE is better than what the Dr. down the street uses should raise an alarm...

	Here's a bit more info on this:

Sean Younai, MD, FACS · Answer

liposculpture and large volume liposuction of the abdomen, flanks, and the lower back can very effectively reduce the waist line and creat a narrow waist with an hour-glass figure.

Benjamin Boudreaux, MD · Answer

Even if you are dedicated to proper diet and exercise, it may be a struggle to eliminate stubborn fat deposits on your waistline. Liposuction is a simple way to rejuvenate your figure.If you are at a healthy weight, but have stubborn fat and loose skin around your stomach, you may be a good candidate for a tummy tuck. A tummy tuck involves the removal of excess tissue along the midsection, as well as the tightening of muscles in the abdominal wall.These two procedures are often combined. A comprehensive treatment plan can help you maximize the aesthetic benefit of your surgery

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

In part, you are limited by your anatomy. For instance, the underlying pelvis and muscular and other soft tissue architecture impact the waist. Liposuction for thick subcutaneous fat deposists may help as can a tummy tuck.

Robert Brueck, MD · Answer

I think this depends on your particular waistline.I think liposuction will do the most to debulk or reduce the size.also a tummy tuck can help along with tightening the abdominal muscles.These three things are the most beneficial.

John P. Di Saia, MD · Answer

Hello,

	It really depends upon how you are beforehand. If you have loose tummy tissue, a tummy tuck with a muscle repair tightens the most. This will not work if your tummy is firm however so sometimes weight loss beforehand is needed. The large frame is not the important part. It is how that frame is laid out.

	 

	Best Regards,

	 

	John Di Saia MD

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

Regarding: "Which Surgeries Can Significantly Decrease the Waistline
	I heard there's many different surgeries that can reduce the size of the waistline but which surgeries significantly reduce the wasitline? If someone has a large frame can they still obtain good results?"

	You are absolutely right ALL body contouring operations (and within this large groups the different techniques of Tummy Tuck and of Liposuction) will narrow the waist. However, the greatest effect would depend on picking the right tool (operation) for the right reason for a large waist.

	IF the waist is out of proportion solely due to higher fat deposits (hips and love handle areas) then Liposuction will do the job. If the large waist is only due to muscle separation due to pregnancy or massive weight gain, then the answer would be a Tummy Tuck. Finally, if the large waist is due to BOTH the effects of pregnancy AND weight gain, then you would probably do best with a combination of a Tummy tuck and Liposuction.

	The ONLY way to learn which option best suites you is to be seen and be examined by one or more experienced Plastic surgeon(s) who can advise you based on your specific condition.

	Dr. Peter Aldea

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