The famous hourglass figure embodied by such icons as Marilyn Monroe, Jessica Rabbit and even Wonder Woman represent the idyllic female form: a slender waist framed above and below by dramatic curves for a shapely silhouette that’s always admired and envied.

Having a nicely defined waistline is one of the hallmarks of this quintessential womanly shape, yet a trim waist can be hard to achieve with diet and exercise alone. If you’d like to take your natural hourglass to new heights, here are three options that can produce beautiful results.

What is Waist Surgery

Are you considering having surgery for a smaller waist? Several surgical procedures and techniques are available for achieving a smaller, more sculpted midsection. Standard procedures, like a tummy tuck, waist lipo, and waist reduction surgery, can help slim the abdomen for a slimmer look.

Not sure which waist surgery is best for you? Here’s a closer look at some of the most requested procedures at Ditesheim Cosmetic Surgery.

Liposuction

Liposuction removes fat deposits, a procedure that can be ideal for sculpting the waistline in order to create a firmer, tighter midline that accentuates the softer, fuller aspects of your figure.

One of the easiest, gentlest and most effective forms of liposuction is AquaShape™, which uses water pressure to dislodge fat cells from the targeted area. Unlike traditional liposuction, which uses physical force to remove fat, AquaShape™ only requires local anesthesia, and can be performed on an outpatient basis.

Waist lipo is a gold-standard treatment option for patients with excess fat cells in the midsection. Liposuction is a relatively simple surgery with high success rates. Dr. Ditesheim often suggests liposuction for patients who don’t have a lot of loose skin but want to have waist reduction surgery.

Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini tummy tuck may be recommended for women who have slight loosening of the skin below the belly button, and/or fat deposits that diet and exercise cannot shift. During a mini tummy tuck, excess skin is removed from the lower abdominal region and tummy muscles may be tightened as well, resulting in a firm, flat stomach.

Keep in mind that a mini tummy tuck addresses smaller areas compared to a traditional tummy tuck. A mini tummy tuck may be your best option if you have relatively minor concerns in your lower abdomen, like small amounts of excess skin or fat. This type of waist sculpting surgery involves making a horizontal incision, typically below the belly button. The incision is generally shorter than the incision used in a full tummy tuck. During surgery, the muscles in the abdomen are tightened, and excess skin is trimmed. In some cases, Dr. Ditesheim performs waist lipo and a mini tummy tuck to achieve the best results.

Full Tummy Tuck

The full tummy tuck (or abdominoplasty) is the removal of excess abdominal skin both above and below the belly button, as well as a more comprehensive repair of the abdominal muscles and repositioning of the navel. Like the mini tummy tuck, a full tummy tuck nips in the waistline to further enhance your femininity.

A traditional tummy tuck addresses concerns like sagging skin and excess fat above and below the belly button. This surgery for a smaller waist requires a larger incision than a mini tummy tuck. The incision usually stretches from hip bone to hip bone.
Dr. Ditesheim will repair the abdominal muscles during a full tummy tuck to create a flatter, more toned appearance. Once the muscles are tightened, he removes extra skin and fat in the entire abdominal area.

Some patients will benefit from waist lipo during a full tummy tuck to remove pesky, stubborn fat cells in the midsection.

Is Waist Surgery Right For Me?

For many patients, waist surgery is a step toward self-love, confidence, and acceptance. Below are some common reasons why patients seek this type of cosmetic procedure.

•  Improve Body Image: Some individuals dissatisfied with their waist look experience low self-esteem and body image issues. Waist surgery can be a way to boost confidence and feel more comfortable in your skin.
• Remove Excess Fat or Skin: Waist surgery can benefit patients who have recently undergone a weight loss journey or struggle with fat deposits in the waist area that are resistant to diet and exercise. For example, waist lipo can address pesky fat, and a tummy tuck helps tighten sagging skin.
• Post-Pregnancy: Dr. Ditesheim sees many women who have experienced pregnancy and want to help address the changes in their body’s appearance. Waist surgery can help restore your pre-pregnancy appearance.

The decision to undergo cosmetic surgery is personal and should be made with the advice of experienced medical professionals. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jeffery A. Ditesheim will help you determine if you’re a good candidate for waist surgery while offering all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Book Your Waist Reduction Surgery Consultation in Charlotte, NC

Your journey to a more sculpted and defined waist starts at Ditesheim Cosmetic Surgery. We’re here to help you feel confident, beautiful, and more comfortable in your skin.

 Book your initial consultation with us today.