Waist Tuck
The waist tuck procedure extends the tummy tuck incision to remove excess fat and skin from the waist and hips area. Women often refer to the excess skin and fat along the waist as the “muffin top” that hangs over the top of pants and jeans. The incision is extended around the waist ending above the buttocks. Due to the length of the incision Dr. Nakamura is able to slightly lift the buttocks at the same time.

Who is a Candidate
Patients who are bothered by the “muffin top” when wearing the lower cut style pants are great candidates for this procedure. In most cases patient who have this procedure have already had a tummy tuck. Patients who have loose skin on their waist area and buttocks following substantial weight loss are also good candidates.

Your consultation visit
During your consultation visit, we will talk about your experiences, evaluate your health history and any previous surgeries, discuss the steps of abdominoplasty procedure and possible risks, and answer any specific questions you may have about the procedure. After the evaluation, your individual likely outcomes and any options or recommended treatments will also be discussed. You will have the opportunity to ask any additional questions or concerns that you may have. You are also welcome to tour our accredited surgery center so that you can be comfortable with where your surgery and recovery will be performed. Our patient care coordinator will give you pricing information for the procedures you have chosen and financing options, if you are interested.

The Procedure
This surgery requires an incision, which is an extension of a previous tummy tuck scar, that extends around your waist to above your buttock, but does not connect in the back. A wedge of skin is removed that includes excess fat and skin then the incision is closed.

Anesthesia
General anesthesia is used for your comfort and safety. The procedure is very individualized and surgery will normally last 2-3 hours.

Recovery
After surgery you will be placed in a compression garment that supports your waist as you heal. Patients feel their side to side movement is restricted for a few weeks. Although you movement feels restricted you will need to get up and move following surgery. This discomfort is minimal following this surgery, but you may need assistance getting up to ambulate following surgery. Patients are usually able to return to work within 7-10 days.