What is a Waist Tuck?

Posted on by Y. Anthony Nakamura

If you want to put the finishing touches on your weight loss results or simply want to change a feature you’re unhappy with, body contouring is an effective option. The waist tuck is a procedure that can transform your figure with the help of a board-certified plastic surgeon. Here’s what to know about it and what you can expect.

What is a Waist Tuck?

If you’re feeling dissatisfied with the appearance of your waist and are looking for a change, a waist tuck can be a great option to enhance your figure. The surgery is an extension of a tummy tuck procedure that can create a more shapely and defined waist and hip area in addition to the tummy tuck. The waist tuck procedure lengthens the tummy tuck incision and removes excess fat and skin tissue from the back of the waist, an area that some women refer to as the love handles or “muffin top”, resulting in a slimming effect.

Why Get a Waist Tuck?

Those who want to look slimmer in tight or low-rise style jeans may be interested in a waist tuck to further enhance their shape. Candidates who have lost weight and notice excess hanging skin or extending fat tissue around their waist and upper hips may be interested in the procedure to remove extra tissue around the area. Those who have previously had a tummy tuck procedure and enjoyed the tummy-slimming results, and are looking to get similar results for their waist and love-handle area, may be interested in a waist tuck.

See: Waist Tuck Before and Afters

Waist Tuck vs Tummy Tuck

A waist tuck and tummy tuck, while similar, are not the same procedure. A tummy tuck procedure removes excess skin and fat from the tummy area and tightens the muscles of the abdominal wall, resulting in a slimmer and more toned stomach. The incision is horizontal from hipbone to hipbone across the front of the abdomen. The waist tuck is an addition to this procedure that extends the incision around the hips and towards the back of the body, above the buttocks, but will not connect in the back. The procedure consists of extra skin and fat removal from the sides and back of the waist and hip area, resulting in a slimmer figure. Because the incision is positioned above the buttocks, it is also possible to slightly lift the buttocks during the procedure.

How Long is Recovery?

You’ll likely be able to return to work in 7-10 days, though side-to-side movement may be limited. You’ll be given detailed recovery instructions by your plastic surgeon to make sure your recovery goes smoothly and quickly.

Schedule a Consultation

The decision to undergo waist tuck surgery is highly personal. You may desire to complement your tummy tuck procedure with slimmer hips, are looking to shed inches off your waist, or remove excess tissue after losing weight. If you’re interested in seeing a difference in the shape of your figure, a waist tuck may be the change you’re looking for. Feel comfortable and confident in your decision by talking to our team at Accent On You. Contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Nakamura to see if the waist tuck procedure is right for you.

Answering Your Top Questions about Tummy Tucks

Posted on by Dr. Nakamura

If you’re considering a tummy tuck, you probably have several questions about the procedure and recovery process. You’ll have a chance to ask all of these questions during a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon, but most tummy tuck candidates tend to have similar questions about the procedure. Here are answers to some of your top tummy tuck questions.

Can you gain belly fat after a tummy tuck?

Typically, a tummy tuck includes liposuction to permanently remove fat and sculpt the abdominal area. Fat cells do not regenerate, which means that it is not possible for the belly fat removed during a tummy tuck to be regained. However, you can still gain weight after having a tummy tuck. This fat will likely be stored in other areas such as the hips, thighs, arms, or buttocks.

Does a tummy tuck make your waist smaller?

It is possible for a tummy tuck to make the waist smaller as excess fat and loose skin are removed. If shrinking the waist around your hips and through the back is one of your goals, Dr. Nakamura may recommend that you consider a waist tuck.

Can you ruin a tummy tuck?

It’s possible to disrupt or lose the results that you achieved through a tummy tuck by gaining a significant amount of weight. However, fluctuations of about 10-15 pounds should not significantly change the results of a tummy tuck. To maintain your results, it’s best to stick to a healthy diet and exercise routine. If you’re choosing a tummy tuck after pregnancy, it’s recommended to wait until you are no longer having children to have the procedure so your results are long-lasting.

How do I get my stomach flat after a tummy tuck?

Immediately after a tummy tuck, you will experience some swelling. This can be alleviated by wearing a compression garment as directed and following all aftercare instructions carefully. For women in particular, you may see a curve in the abdominal region due to your anatomy, which cannot be reversed even with a tummy tuck. Dr. Nakamura will explain reasonable expectations for your results after a consultation.

Can I get a six-pack after a tummy tuck?

While an abdominoplasty does tighten the abdominal muscles, the surgery alone isn’t designed to give you the appearance of a six pack. However, it is typically possible for the patient to achieve this look through an exercise routine once their recovery process is complete.

What is the fastest way to recover from a tummy tuck?

The tummy tuck recovery period generally lasts about six weeks before you will feel back to your previous energy and endurance level. However, you can encourage a fast and simple recovery period by eating nutritious foods, walking and getting light exercise, sleeping in an inclined position, and following Dr. Nakamura’s directions.

How long does the tightness last after tummy tuck?

A tightening sensation in the abdominal region is a normal part of the healing process. For most patients, this symptom lasts for 6-12 weeks.

How much does a tummy tuck cost in Fort Worth Texas?

The final cost of your tummy tuck will vary depending on the extent of your surgery and other factors, but in general, a tummy tuck costs between $7,000-10,000 in Fort Worth, Texas.

 

Schedule a Consultation

If you still have questions regarding your tummy tuck, schedule a consultation with Dr. Nakamura at Accent On You. Call our Arlington, TX office at (817) 417-7200 or request your appointment through our online form.

How to Achieve a Sculpted Waist

Posted on by Dr. Nakamura

Hoping for a sculpted, toned waist drives many people to the gym or new diet plans. However, sometimes genetics or other factors such as the effects of pregnancy make it difficult to achieve the body contour you’re looking for no matter how much you exercise. For these patients, there are several procedure options available that offer a sculpted waist. Depending on whether you’re dealing with stubborn fat, loose skin, or both, your surgeon may recommend one treatment over another to help contour your waist.

Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a procedure chosen when the midsection has loose skin, damaged tissue, and excess fat. This is commonly caused by the rapid change in size during pregnancy or significant weight loss. During a tummy tuck, a long horizontal incision is made from hip to hip, as well as around the belly button so it can be repositioned and remain natural looking after the procedure is complete. Excess skin throughout the abdomen is removed and the abdominal muscles are tightened to create a smooth, tight, and toned appearance. Excess fat can also be removed during a tummy tuck using liposuction.

Mini Tummy Tuck

For patients with less extreme loose skin or excess tissue through the abdomen, a mini tummy tuck is available. A mini tummy tuck is focused on the lower abdomen alone, and reduces excess skin only below the belly button. The main benefit of this procedure compared to a full tummy tuck is reduced downtime and an easier recovery period overall. Your surgeon will recommend which type of tummy tuck is best for you after a consultation.

Waist Tuck

A waist tuck is similar to a tummy tuck procedure, but the incision extends around the waist and hip area to reduce excess tissue in these parts of the body. Often, patients choose this procedure because they want to reduce the appearance of a “muffin top.” Another benefit of the waist tuck is that the procedure can slightly lift the buttocks in addition to sculpting the abdomen, hips, and waist.

Liposuction

Liposuction has been in use for many years, and updated technology means the procedure is safer and more effective than ever.

Liposuction works by inserting a cannula below the skin through a small incision, which is used to manually break apart fat cells and suction them away. In some cases, Accent on You also uses VASER liposuction, in which an ultrasonic probe is used to “melt” fat before suctioning it away, which can reduce trauma and bleeding through the procedure.

Liposuction can be used strategically to contour the body, creating a balanced contour and the sculpted, curvy waist that you’re looking for.

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re interested in sculpting your waist and unsure of which procedure is ideal for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Nakamura at Accent on You. He will work to understand your goals and recommend a treatment plan that will be most effective in addressing your concerns. To schedule your appointment, call our office at (817) 417-7200 or request your consultation online.

The Best Procedures for a Slim Waist

Posted on by Y. Anthony Nakamura

A slim, contoured waist is a decidedly feminine feature that many women want. This contour can be lost through a variety of factors, from excess fat to loose skin as a result of pregnancy or dramatic weight loss. Dr. Nakamura and the Accent On You team offer a variety of surgical and nonsurgical procedures to enhance or create a slim waist. These include liposuction, waist tuck, tummy tuck, and mini tummy tuck.

Liposuction

Liposuction is one of the most versatile procedures available because it is useful for many areas of the body and can enhance other procedures as well. The procedure manually removes unwanted fat and can use to refine the contour of the waist, creating the slim curve that best meets your aesthetic goals. Liposuction techniques have advanced significantly over the years, and Dr. Nakamura now utilizes the VASER, or suction-assisted, liposuction technique. While this is a surgical procedure and requires some downtime, liposuction may be preferable for some patients over other techniques. For example, if you have more fat to remove or if you wish to undergo a single procedure, Dr. Nakamura may recommend liposuction as the most effective treatment option.

 

Waist Tuck

If loose skin and fat are the reason you’re missing out on the slim waist they want, a waist tuck might be the best procedure for you. A waist tuck removes the excess tissue that can make up a “muffin top” that bulges over the top of lower-rise pants and can create a slight lift to the buttocks as well.

The waist tuck procedure is completed using an incision that begins in the lower abdomen and extends around the waist to above the buttocks. Through this incision, excess skin and fat can be removed. As a more comprehensive procedure, the waist tuck is preferable especially for patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and are left with loose skin. If loose skin is not present, liposuction alone may be preferable to contour the waist.

Tummy Tuck and Mini Tummy Tuck

Tummy tucks and mini tummy tuck procedures are designed to tighten and tone the abdomen and are a common choice among patients dealing with loose skin and stretch marks after pregnancy. Similar to a waist tuck, a tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat through an incision made from hipbone-to-hipbone. Additionally, the abdominal muscles are tightened to create a firm and toned look. A mini tummy tuck, unlike a standard tummy tuck, only addresses loose skin and excess tissue in the lower abdomen below the belly button for those who have less severe skin laxity.

Schedule a Consultation

To see which procedure might be preferable for creating the slim waist you want, schedule a consultation with Dr. Nakamura. Call Accent On You at (817) 417-7200 or fill out our online form to set up your first appointment.

4 Reasons That You May be Thinking Of Having a Tummy Tuck

Posted on by Y. Anthony Nakamura

At Accent On You, we tailor each patient’s procedures to their unique needs, and the tummy tuck – also known as an abdominoplasty – is a particularly customizable procedure. These are some of the most common reasons for talking about tummy tucks. Even with exercise and a good diet, many women are unable to achieve the flat tummy they desire. This is a very common scenario and the one or more of the following factors may contribute to this challenge:

  1. The aging process itself. A slowing metabolism and the decreased ability to burn off fat may lead to accumulation in the abdominal area. In addition, there’s a loss of skin elasticity that comes with aging.
  2. Genetic distribution of fat. Some men and women are prone to storing fat in the abdominal area.
  3. Pregnancy. Because of the stretching and separation of the abdominal muscles, many women cannot regain a tight abdomen after childbirth. Many women also have stretch marks that are a result of pregnancy.
  4. Weight loss. Even after people have lost a significant amount of weight, they still may have loose and draping skin.

Schedule a Consultation

These are all common factors that may lead patients to a tummy tuck procedure, but it’s important to remember that every patient’s body is different and unique. During a consultation with Dr. Nakamura , you’ll get an accurate idea of your customized tummy tuck, because no two surgeries are alike. To get started, contact us by calling our filling out our online form!

Tummy Tucks Get You On Board With The Skinny Jeans Trend

Posted on by Y. Anthony Nakamura

The skinny jeans trend is showing no signs of stopping, and for those who may have a little extra where it’s not wanted, this can lead to a great deal of anxiety. There is nothing that takes the style element of a sleek pair of skinnies down like the dreaded “muffin top” look, and we at Accent on You want to provide you with a solution that will allow you to look chic in your new fall wardrobe! Our tummy tuck procedures will not only help you to get rid of that pouch of unwanted excess skin and fat, it can help to tighten your abdominal muscles as well, giving you the silhouette you’ve always dreamed of no matter what you may be wearing! Continue reading “Tummy Tucks Get You On Board With The Skinny Jeans Trend” →