Posted February 19, 2025 in Tummy Tuck
Tummy tucks in Atlanta, GA are popular procedures that create a flatter, slimmer, and tighter-looking midsection. A newer variation of the surgery, known as an hourglass tummy tuck, takes the procedure to the next level. If you want a tummy tuck but also desire an enhanced waistline and a more sculpted abdominal area with the added benefit of augmenting your buttocks, then you may want to consider an hourglass tummy tuck. This variation of the procedure is quickly becoming one of the most commonly performed plastic surgeries, offering permanent improvements to your body, boosting self-confidence, and enhancing self-esteem.
What is an Hourglass Tummy Tuck?
An hourglass tummy tuck encompasses key elements of a traditional tummy tuck with the added benefit of fat grafting. Standard tummy tucks primarily focus on improving the abdominal area and often incorporate liposuction to some degree, helping to streamline and enhance the hips and flanks for a more natural look. However, all that removed fat can be put to good use, especially if you desire a more hourglass-shaped figure.
With an hourglass tummy tuck, a traditional tummy tuck is combined with liposculpture and a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL). The tummy tuck portion of the surgery includes tightening the abdominal muscles to repair any damage from pregnancy (often, the muscles separate, causing diastasis recti) and removing any excess skin. Fat is also removed from the abdominal region. Then, liposculpture, a more precise and sculpting liposuction technique, is performed on the flanks and hips to create a smaller-looking waist. The removed fat is purified and grafted into the buttocks for added shape, increased volume, and a more lifted appearance. This combination approach creates a smaller, more cinched waist, flatter stomach, and curvier buttocks with a bit of “booty pop.”
Since fat grafting is involved, an hourglass tummy tuck is a more intricate procedure compared to a traditional tummy tuck, consisting of several additional steps. As a result, the outcomes tend to be more dramatic and pronounced.
The Benefits of an Hourglass Tummy Tuck
An hourglass tummy tuck may help you achieve the body you’ve always longed for, especially since diet and exercise can’t eliminate loose skin or fully repair separated muscles as surgery can. Offering more body-sculpting benefits than a standard tummy tuck, the advantages of an hourglass tummy tuck are numerous. Here are some of the most appreciated benefits:
- Improved shape and posture – Since an hourglass tummy tuck sculpts the abdomen, hips, flanks, and buttocks, it creates a more balanced shape with enhanced curves. Correcting stretched-out abdominal muscles can also improve posture, as the back experiences less strain.
- A more defined waistline – By sculpting the hips and flanks with liposuction and adding fat to the buttocks, the waistline appears more defined and proportional.
- Enhanced proportions – Liposuction sculpts the lower body, while fat grafting to the buttocks enhances overall body proportions, creating a well-balanced and symmetrical appearance.
- Natural-looking results – A traditional tummy tuck can sometimes result in a boxy silhouette since fat is not added to the buttocks for added roundness. An hourglass tummy tuck creates a curvaceous, feminine figure that looks more natural.
- Well-hidden scars – Both traditional and hourglass tummy tucks utilize incisions that are concealed beneath bikinis, underwear, and low-cut bottoms. However, the incision for an hourglass tummy tuck is often placed slightly lower for even better concealment.
- A multitasking surgery – Rather than undergoing multiple procedures, an hourglass tummy tuck addresses several areas in a single surgery, allowing for comprehensive body contouring.
- Increased self-confidence – Many people find that a more hourglass shape helps them feel more confident about their appearance, leading to improved self-esteem and overall well-being.
Details to Know About the Surgery
At the core of an hourglass tummy tuck are three key components: eliminating excess skin, repairing separated abdominal muscles, and performing liposculpture with fat grafting. The precise contouring of the flanks, hips, and abdomen enhances the hourglass shape to help you achieve your desired look. For some, the procedure can even remove enough excess skin to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
Fat grafting is an essential part of this surgery, ensuring a natural-looking result. The addition of fat to the buttocks, which does not occur during a standard tummy tuck, provides additional volume and shape. However, since an hourglass tummy tuck involves a BBL, the recovery process is more extensive than that of a traditional tummy tuck, requiring ample time for healing.
The procedure itself takes about four hours to complete, ensuring each step is carefully executed for optimal results. Post-surgery, it is normal to experience bruising, swelling, and discomfort, with final results taking up to six months to fully settle.
The Recovery Timeline
Recovery from an hourglass tummy tuck occurs in phases, with milestones along the way. A typical recovery timeline includes:
- Immediately after surgery – You’ll wake up feeling tired with drains in place to remove fluid buildup. A compression garment will help reduce swelling, and an inflatable cushion will be necessary to relieve pressure when sitting.
- Week 1 – Moderate pain and discomfort can be managed with medication. Bruising and swelling peak around days two or three. Light movement, such as walking around the house, is encouraged to promote circulation, but strenuous activity should be avoided. Drains and sutures will typically be removed by the end of this period.
- Week 2 – Pain and discomfort subside, though swelling may persist. If you have a desk job, you may be cleared to return to work, but physical activity remains restricted.
- Weeks 3 & 4 – Swelling and bruising continue to improve. You should be able to stand upright and gradually increase activity, but exercises that put pressure on the abdomen or buttocks should still be avoided.
- Weeks 5-7 – Most swelling has subsided, and your hourglass shape is more visible. You should still avoid high-impact exercises but may begin light physical activity.
- Months 2-6 – With clearance from your surgeon, you can resume all types of exercise. Your scar will continue to fade, and any residual swelling should be gone.
- Months 6+ – Healing is largely complete, though minor scar fading may continue for up to two years. Final results are fully visible, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential for preserving them.
FAQs
Who is a good candidate for an hourglass tummy tuck?
The procedure is ideal for individuals seeking a narrower waist, a flatter stomach, and enhanced buttocks. It is especially beneficial for those who have experienced muscle separation from pregnancy, loose skin, and excess fat. Candidates should be in good health and have realistic expectations.
What are the risks associated with the procedure?
As with all cosmetic surgeries, risks include temporary numbness, advanced scarring, skin sensation changes, and asymmetry. Rare complications include hematoma, tissue necrosis, fluid accumulation, prolonged swelling, and anesthesia-related issues.
How will my belly button look after surgery?
The belly button is repositioned during surgery to maintain a natural appearance, with the scar carefully concealed within its contours.
Can I gain weight in my stomach after an hourglass tummy tuck?
Liposuction permanently removes fat cells from treated areas, but weight gain can still occur in untreated areas, leading to fat accumulation elsewhere on the body.
Are You Ready for an Hourglass Tummy Tuck?
At PSC Atlanta, we customize each hourglass tummy tuck to meet your unique needs while ensuring a comfortable experience with visible, confidence-boosting results. Schedule a consultation today to take the first step toward achieving the body of your dreams!
