Three Ways to Contour Your Waist

From targeted fat removal to full waist reshaping, today’s body contouring procedures give patients more ways than ever to achieve a slimmer, more balanced figure.

Liposuction

Liposuction is one of the most versatile procedures for waist contouring. By selectively removing stubborn fat deposits, it can refine the shape of the midsection and create smoother, more balanced proportions. This makes it an effective solution for patients who are already close to their goal weight but want to target specific areas that do not respond to diet and exercise.

How Liposuction Works

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes unwanted fat deposits through small incisions using a thin tube called a cannula. Dr. Plant offers multiple liposuction techniques for targeted sculpting including ultrasound assisted, SAFELipo, awake liposuction. For a more comprehensive result there is 360 lipo, which contours the entire midsection for a more balanced result. In some cases, the fat removed can be purified and transferred to enhance another area of the body, such as the breasts or the buttocks/hip dips (as in a Brazilian butt lift (BBL)).

Ideal Candidates For Liposuction

Liposuction is best suited for individuals who are close to their ideal weight but struggle with localized fat that does not respond to diet or exercise. Candidates should have good skin elasticity, as the procedure does not address loose or excess skin. It can be an effective option on its own, or it can be combined with procedures such as a tummy tuck or Mommy Makeover for more comprehensive results.

Lipo Recovery and Expected Results

Recovery timelines do vary from patient to patient, however, most patients return to light activities within a few days and can resume more strenuous exercise after several weeks. Swelling gradually subsides over the course of a few months, revealing smoother contours and a more defined waistline. With a stable weight and healthy lifestyle, the results of liposuction are long-lasting. Patients often find that their clothes fit better and their overall silhouette appears more proportionate.

Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, focuses on tightening and flattening the abdominal area by removing excess skin and repairing weakened or separated muscles. This procedure is especially beneficial for patients who have experienced pregnancy or significant weight changes that have left the midsection stretched or sagging.

Addressing Loose Skin and Muscle Separation

During a tummy tuck, your plastic surgeon removes stretched skin and repairs a condition called rectus diastasis, where the abdominal muscles have separated. This not only improves the appearance of the waistline but can also restore core strength and stability.

Who Benefits Most From a Tummy Tuck

Patients who have loose skin, muscle laxity, or a “pooch” that does not improve with exercise are typically strong candidates for a tummy tuck. Lawrence Park Plastic Surgery offers both full and mini tummy tucks, tailoring the approach depending on the amount of excess skin and whether muscle repair is needed. A mini tummy tuck focuses on the area below the belly button, while a full tummy tuck addresses the entire abdomen.

Tummy Tuck Recovery Timeline and Outcomes

Initial recovery usually requires one to two weeks of downtime, with most patients resuming normal routines within a month. Swelling diminishes gradually over several weeks, and the results continue to refine as healing progresses. When combined with liposuction, a tummy tuck can create a more sculpted waistline and a firmer, flatter abdomen.

Body Lift

A body lift is a more extensive procedure that improves the shape and tone of the lower body by addressing excess skin and tissue that remain after major weight loss or aging. It is often chosen by patients who want to restore smoother contours not only around the waist, but also in the buttocks and thighs.

What A Body Lift Can Address

Unlike procedures that focus only on the abdomen, a body lift treats multiple areas at once. Your plastic surgeon removes excess skin and repositions tissue to create a firmer, more balanced silhouette. This customizable procedure can target the waist, hips, buttocks, and thighs, making it especially effective for patients who want comprehensive body contouring.

Best Candidates For A Body Lift

Patients who have achieved significant weight loss often experience loose skin that does not contract on its own. A body lift is well-suited for those who are close to a healthy weight and wish to improve skin laxity and tissue sagging in multiple areas at once. A lower body lift targets the buttocks and outer thighs. It can also benefit patients who want to enhance the results of a previous tummy tuck or liposuction by refining surrounding areas. A circumferential body lift (a.k.a belt lipectomy, 360 lift) targets the lower body as well as the abdomen and flanks. Combined with liposuction it is the ultimate waist contouring procedure.

Healing And Long-term Results

Because a body lift addresses multiple areas, the recovery process is more involved than with smaller contouring procedures. Patients typically require several weeks of downtime, with gradual improvement over the following months. The results are long-lasting, especially when combined with a healthy lifestyle, and many patients find the procedure has a significant positive impact after major weight loss.

Why Choose Dr. Plant at Lawrence Park Plastic Surgery

Choosing the right surgeon is just as important as choosing the right procedure. With Dr. Mathew Plant, patients benefit from advanced surgical expertise combined with a compassionate, patient-centered approach. At Lawrence Park Plastic Surgery, every treatment plan is designed to deliver safe, natural-looking results that align with each patient’s goals.

Specialized Expertise In Waist Contouring

Dr. Mathew Plant is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive training and experience in body contouring procedures. He offers a full range of surgical options, including liposuction, tummy tuck, and body lift, allowing him to recommend the approach that best matches each patient’s goals and anatomy.

Personalized Treatment Planning

No two patients are alike, which is why Dr. Plant takes time to create individualized treatment plans. During your consultation, he will listen to your concerns, evaluate your body’s unique characteristics, and guide you toward the procedure or combination of procedures that can achieve the most natural-looking results.

Patient-Centered Care and Results

At Lawrence Park Plastic Surgery, patient safety, comfort, and satisfaction are the highest priorities. From the first consultation through recovery, Dr. Plant and his team provide compassionate care and ongoing support. The goal is not only a slimmer waistline but also renewed confidence and improved body balance.

If you are considering ways to contour your waist, scheduling a consultation with Dr. Plant is the best way to learn which procedure is right for you. Together, you can explore your options and create a personalized plan to achieve a slimmer, more balanced figure.