Published by Dr. Brandon Richland, MD
Hourglass tummy tuck offers an extreme solution for those hoping to gain a more defined shape that is slimmer at the waistline. Over time, the abdomen can stretch and leave behind excess skin and fat with a smaller and defined waistline, causing a complete change in figure.
A traditional tummy tuck is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to remove excess fat and skin from the abdomen and reshape the abdominal area.
During this procedure, two incisions are made; one on the suprapubic area that can extend from hip to hip also referred to as a low incision and another around the belly button called an umbilical.
The Hourglass Tummy Tuck is a comprehensive procedure that combines liposuction, tummy tuck and Brazilian butt lift techniques to create an alluring hourglass silhouette. It involves removing fat from the abdominal area as well as sculpting targeted areas of the body in order to achieve a balanced shape.
During the procedure, excess fat is carefully removed through liposuction and some of this harvested fat may be used for refining other areas such as buttocks or hips for improved symmetry.
The resulting effect from these combined techniques creates a more toned and contoured look with increased muscle tone around the midsection, giving it an alluring hourglass shape. This procedure can also help balance out uneven curves to improve overall body shapes and proportions drastically.
An hourglass figure through a tummy tuck is well suited for women who have saggy skin on their abdomen, loose abdominal muscles, and potential umbilical hernias. A full tummy tuck procedure is specifically designed to enhance a woman’s natural proportions and create a more defined waistline.
By tightening loose ab muscles and repositioning excess skin around the midsection, this procedure can provide results that are uniquely tailored to each individual patient’s desired goals.
For those patients looking for dramatic changes in their physique, those aiming for prominent curves and smaller waist, an hourglass tummy tuck may be ideal.
Consuming a well balanced diet is essential for lasting results following an hourglass tummy tuck procedure. Eating healthy before and after plastic surgery also helps strengthen the immune system in order to better fight off infection, reduce postoperative discomfort, and improve the final outcome of cosmetic surgery procedures.
Smoking not only affects your general health, it also has a major effect on the outcome of an hourglass tummy tuck. Some doctors will refuse to perform surgery if a candidate is actively smoking due to their body’s decreased ability to heal post surgery. Quitting smoking before plastic surgery allows for better healing and minimizes the risk of medical complications.
Before undergoing an hourglass tummy tuck surgery, it is important to exercise regularly. Regular exercise can go a long way in improving overall fitness and strengthening abdominal muscles thereby aiding the outcome of the hourglass tummy tuck surgery.
An anesthesiologist will be there to ensure the patient’s comfort throughout the procedure, and incisions will be made to reshape abdominal wall contours for liposuction and a fat transfer.
The selection of anesthesia affects an hourglass tummy tuck cost and is very important as it plays a crucial role in successful surgeries. General anesthesia is the most common type used for hourglass tummy tuck procedures.
During an hourglass tummy tuck procedure, incisions are made to remove excess skin, loose skin, and fat in the abdominal area. The extent of these incisions varies depending on the amount of laxity or where excess skin and fat is present.
Most of the skin and fat will be removed from between the belly button and pubic hair, as well as around both sides of it. During this plastic surgery, steps will be taken to tighten up existing abdominal muscles which can have a positive effect on body symmetry.
Liposuction is an important part of the comprehensive hourglass tummy tuck procedure, providing body contouring and targeted fat removal. Liposuction involves using a cannula to suction out excess fat deposits across various areas of the body, including from the abdomen, hips, back and flanks.
By removing these stubborn fat cells that are resistant to diet and exercise, liposuction can help create a more toned abdominal shape.
Fat transfer is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a person’s own fat to enhance various body parts such as the breast augmentation, buttocks, face or hands. During this type of plastic surgery, fat cells are extracted from one area and transferred to another region for enhancement.
Many individuals opt for fat transfer due to its many advantages and natural looking results. It is important for patients considering this treatment option to consult with an experienced board certified plastic surgeon, so they can gain insights into what’s involved in the process and get realistic expectations about the outcomes.
Bleeding is a potential risk factor for any type of surgery, and tummy tucks are no exception. While serious complications from excessive bleeding after a tummy tuck are rare, they can occur in some cases where certain risk factors exist.
Patients with hypertension or those who take medications that can cause thinning of the blood including aspirin, ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs, are at greater risk for excessive bleeding as well as developing hematomas during the healing process.
As with any plastic surgery done, infection is a risk during and after an hourglass tummy tuck procedure. The risks of infection are less with the hourglass tummy tuck than traditional tummy tucks due to smaller incisions and advanced surgical techniques used by experienced plastic surgeons.
Taking measures such as eating healthy before surgery, quitting smoking prior to treatment, and exercising regularly post-op, can all help prevent infections from occurring or developing after a tummy tuck.
Considering this kind of procedure, it is essential to choose a doctor with vast experience in the field. An experienced surgeon will have the knowledge and skills required to reduce the risks and potential complications that may arise from such surgery.
They are trained in handling post operative instructions as well as any problems, which could come up during or after the plastic surgery. It is highly recommended to ask about before and after pictures of previous surgeries they performed of similar cosmetic procedures prior to committing.
When considering an hourglass tummy tuck, it is important to ask your doctor about the before and after photos of their patients. This will give you a realistic expectation regarding the potential results you can achieve from surgery and help ensure that you receive safe and satisfactory results.
It is important for women considering this surgery to seek out reviews from previous patients. Reviews can provide first hand insights into a surgeon’s experience and capabilities, making it easier to make an informed decision on choosing the right professional.
An hourglass tummy tuck is a body contouring procedure that aims to give patients an hourglass figure while slimming and reshaping their midsection. This type of surgery involves removing excess skin, tightening the abdominal muscles, and transferring fat from problem areas such as the hips or waistline to other parts of the body in order to create curves at these locations as well.
Those considering an hourglass tummy tuck should be in good overall health and possess realistic expectations for what can be expected before undergoing any form of surgery. It’s also important for potential candidates to understand what results they desire so that doctors may tailor treatment plans specific to individual tastes if needed.
Resuming any strenuous activities such as exercise should be avoided initially. Light activity is encouraged within a few to several weeks, depending on progress made during physical examinations and follow up appointments with medical professionals following your initial procedures.
Final healing time will depend on how quickly your body recovers, but most individuals are back up and moving more comfortably within 2 months up 4 months post op. This timeline could change depending upon factors related your general health.
As with any surgical gesture, there are some inherent risks including infection or complications related to anesthesia use such as swelling or bleeding beneath incision sites, and hypertrophic scarring or keloid formation at completed suture lines located strategically along the modified midriff area. Naturally, results vary per patient treatment.
The hourglass tummy tuck is a comprehensive cosmetic surgery procedure. This specialty technique combines the traditional tummy tuck with liposuction and fat transfer to enhance natural curves and contours in order to achieve an hourglass shaped figure.
It has become increasingly popular among individuals who want to improve body symmetry, gain muscle tone, create a more defined waistline, definition in their waistline, remove fat and ultimately have a more aesthetically pleasing shape.
Undergoing an hourglass tummy tuck should be carefully considered along with questions that include assessing your medical history and fitness for anesthesia, as well as any potential risks involved, since outcomes may vary person to person. With proper care and recovery time after treatment, you can yield beautiful aesthetic results while preserving your overall health.
Please note that this article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Before making any changes to your treatments, please consult with your healthcare provider to discuss the appropriateness and safety of such changes.
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Dr. Brandon Richland, MD is a respected Board Certified Licensed Plastic Surgeon in Orange County / Southern California specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries.
Driven by his passion for medicine, Dr. Richland obtained his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the prestigious program at Saint Louis University (SLU) School of Medicine in 2013. His exceptional skills were recognized when he received the McGraw Hill / Lange Medical Student Academic Achievement Award, and graduated top of his class with Honors. For his undergraduate degree, he attended University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and graduated with Honors in 2009.
To further enhance his surgical expertise, Dr. Richland completed his Residency in Plastic Surgery at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) from 2013 to 2019 earning the Academic Achievement Award twice during this period. A total of 14 years in dedicated schooling and medical residency.
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Cover Image Credit: Dariya2 / 123RF.com (Licensed). Photo Illustration by: Dr. Brandon Richland, MD.