An hourglass tummy tuck is a variation of traditional tummy tuck surgery.
It is also known as a “waistline tuck” or “hourglass waistline tuck.”
This surgery aims to make your waistline smaller by getting rid of extra skin and fat in the abdominal area.
As a result, it creates an hourglass shape for the body.
What Is the Difference Between Hourglass and Normal Tummy Tucks?
Knowing what makes an hourglass and a traditional tummy tuck different will help you decide whether you want one of these procedures.
A regular and an hourglass tummy tuck are similar procedures.
However, they differ in their primary focus and technique.
A traditional tummy tuck, also called an abdominoplasty, removes extra skin and fat from the stomach area, tightens the abdominal muscles, and gives the stomach a flat, toned look.
An hourglass waistline tuck focuses on making the waistline narrower to create an hourglass shape.
Both procedures may involve liposuction to remove extra fat around the waist and hips and to reposition the abdominal muscles to make the waistline stand out more.
How the Procedure Works
During the Hourglass tummy tuck procedure, the surgeon will make a horizontal cut across your lower abdomen, just above the pubic area.
They will remove any extra skin or fat and reposition the abdominal muscles to make your waistline look more defined.
The surgeon may also use liposuction to remove extra fat from the waist and hips to improve the waistline tuck shape.
You will get stitches to close the incision and wear a compression garment to help you heal and keep your new shape.
Related: The Perfect Solution for a Smaller Waistline: Mini Tummy Tuck
Hourglass Tummy Tuck Recovery
How long it takes to get better after undergoing an hourglass tummy tuck depends on the person and how much work the surgeon does.
Most of the time, you should expect to feel some pain and swelling for a few days or weeks after surgery.
It’s crucial to adhere to the surgeon’s post-operative instructions, which include details on how to take care of the incision site and deal with pain.
For a few weeks, you may be unable to perform strenuous activities such as heavy lifting or workouts.
The surgeon will tell you when it is safe to resume your normal activities and when you can see your final result.
A full recovery may take several weeks. You might endure pain, swelling, and trouble standing up during this time, which will lessen as you heal.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate?
If you are in good overall health, have a stable weight, and have excess skin and fat in the abdominal area, you are an ideal candidate for an hourglass tummy tuck.
Suitable candidates should also have realistic expectations about the procedure and the results.
Individuals who have lost significant weight and have sagging skin may also consider going for this surgery.
Those who have had pregnancies that stretched the abdominal muscles and skin may also be good candidates for this surgery.
The hourglass tummy tuck is not for persons who desire to lose a lot of weight or aren’t in good health overall.
It would be best to have good physical and mental health to recover quickly and successfully.
A consultation with a qualified surgeon is the best way to determine if an hourglass tummy tuck is right for you.
Risks and complications of Hourglass Tummy Tuck
As with any surgery, an hourglass waistline tuck comes with risks and possible complications. Some of these include:
- Bleeding: Although rare, there is a risk of excessive bleeding during or after the surgery.
- Infection at the incision site: This is possible with any surgical procedure, especially if you don’t take good care of the area.
- Nerve damage: Damage to the nerves during the surgery can cause numbness, tingling, or weakness in the abdominal area. Always look for a certified and experienced surgeon when going for waistline tuck.
- Complications from anesthesia: There are risks associated with using general anesthesia. They may include; allergic reactions, nausea, confusion, blood clot, and cardiovascular and respiratory complications.
- Scarring is a common side effect of surgery. After an hourglass tummy tuck, scarring usually happens in the lower abdomen.
- Unsatisfied with the results: Sometimes, patients may not be satisfied with the outcome of the surgery, either due to dissatisfaction with the shape or size of the waist or complications during the tummy tuck healing process.
Before your procedure, discuss these risks and potential complications with a qualified surgeon.
They will assist you in preventing their occurrence.
How Much Does an Hourglass Tummy Tuck Cost?
Depending on the needs of each person, the average cost of an hourglass tummy tuck ranges between $3,500 and $25,000.
This cost includes the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia fee, facility fee, and any pre- or post-operative care.
The total cost of the procedure can be affected by the following:
- The surgeon’s experience and reputation
- Amount of fat removed
- Procedure complexity
- The location of the surgeon
- If any additional operations are combined
Related: Discover the Cost of an Hourglass Tummy Tuck on Our Detailed Page
Before and After Photos of an Hourglass Tummy Tuck
Before and after pictures can be a helpful way to see what kind of results you might get from an hourglass tummy tuck.
They can give you an idea of the improvements that can be achieved and help you understand the procedure’s limitations.
Every person is unique, and the surgery results will vary from person to person.
Hourglass Tummy Tuck Recovery: What to Expect
Recovering from an hourglass tummy tuck surgery will take some time, but the results are well worth it.
You can expect to feel sore and swollen in the abdominal area for the first few days after surgery.
Your surgeon will give you instructions on managing the pain and swelling.
Additionally, you’ll require a compression garment to support your abdomen as it heals.
It’s essential to take it easy during recovery and avoid strenuous activities.
Within 2-4 weeks, most patients can resume their jobs and other regular activities.
Do not push yourself too hard; adhere to your surgeon’s instructions to recover quickly.
Scarring and How To Minimize Scars After Your Surgery
As for scarring, you can expect a scar that runs along the bikini line.
Your clothes will hide the scar, which will fade over time.
Your doctor will instruct you how to take care of your tummy tuck area and scar after surgery, so it heals well and isn’t as noticeable.
It will take some time to see the final results of your surgery. Initially, you may see a significant improvement in your abdominal area.
However, it can take several months for the swelling to entirely subside and for the final shape to become visible.
The results of an hourglass tummy tuck are long-lasting as long as you maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine.
Weight gain, pregnancy, and other factors can impact the results of your surgery.
Your doctor will tell you how to take care of yourself after surgery so that you get the best results.
Related: Learn How to Minimize or Eliminate Tummy Tuck Scars
- National Library of Medicine (Oct. 8, 2020). Standards and Trends in Lipoabdominoplasty. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7647643/
- Realself (n.d). Hourglass Tummy Tuck vs. Traditional Tummy Tuck: What's the Difference? realself.com/news/hourglass-tummy-tuck
