An hourglass tummy tuck is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to achieve a more defined waistline and hourglass figure. It involves removing excess fat and skin from the abdomen, tightening the abdominal muscles, and shaping the hips and waist with fat transfer to create an hourglass shape. The procedure is usually performed under general anaesthesia and takes several hours to complete. Recovery time can vary, but patients are typically able to return to work and light activities within a few weeks. As with any surgery, there are risks and benefits to consider before undergoing an hourglass tummy tuck.

It is important to discuss these with a qualified plastic surgeon at Centre for Surgery to determine if this procedure is right for you. An hourglass tummy tuck is similar to a Brazilian tummy tuck which involves 360 liposuction and a full tummy tuck. An hourglass tummy tuck goes one step further with the addition of fat transfer to the hips to achieve bigger hips and a smaller waist.

Benefits of hourglass tummy tuck

The benefits of an hourglass tummy tuck include:

Improved abdominal appearance: The procedure removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen, tightens the abdominal muscles, and shapes the waistline, resulting in a flatter, more toned appearance.
Enhanced hourglass figure: The hourglass tummy tuck specifically shapes the hips and waist to create a more defined hourglass figure, which can enhance the patient’s overall body shape and proportion.
Improved self-esteem: Many patients report increased self-esteem and confidence after undergoing an hourglass tummy tuck, as they feel more comfortable in their own skin and with their body image.
Reduced abdominal bulges and skin laxity: The procedure can improve the appearance of abdominal bulges and skin laxity, which can be caused by weight loss, pregnancy, or ageing.
Long-lasting results: With proper care and maintenance, the results of an hourglass tummy tuck can be long-lasting, helping patients maintain their improved appearance for years to come.

It is important to note that every patient is unique and that results can vary.

Compared with a traditional tummy tuck, an hourglass tummy tuck is a three-step procedure. The first step involves 360 liposuction to reduce the circumference of the waist and torso with the elimination of excess fat affecting the flanks. After 360 liposuction, the tummy tuck step of the procedure will be performed. The fat that has been collected with liposuction is processed and purified to remove oil and water. The processed fat is there reinjected into the hips during the third step of the procedure.

Hourglass tummy tuck procedure

The hourglass tummy tuck is a multi-step procedure, typically performed under general anaesthesia. The following is a general outline of the surgical steps involved in an hourglass tummy tuck:

Anaesthesia: Before the procedure begins, the patient will receive general anaesthesia to ensure they are comfortable and pain-free during the surgery.
360 liposuction – The surgeon may perform circumferential liposuction around the torso using PAL lipo to remove excess fat from the waist to create the hourglass shape.
Tummy tuck incision: The surgeon will make an incision near the pubic area, just above the pubic bone. The incision is usually made in a way that can be concealed by underwear or a swimsuit.
Abdominal muscle tightening: The surgeon will then tighten the abdominal muscles, which can help improve the appearance of the abdominal area.
Excision of excess skin: The surgeon will remove any excess skin and fat from the abdomen.
Repositioning of the belly button: The belly button may need to be repositioned to match the new shape of the abdominal area.
Closure of the tummy tuck incisions: The incisions will then be closed using sutures or staples,
Fat transfer to the hips – the fat that has been removed with liposuction is injected into the hips to achieve enhanced hip volume with a better waist-to-hip ratio. Women can achieve the hourglass silhouette with this procedure. Hip dips can be corrected with fat transfer.
The sterile dressings are applied, and the patient will be wrapped in a compression garment to help reduce swelling and support the surgical area.

The duration of the procedure will vary depending on the extent of the surgery and the specific goals of the patient.

RELATED: What is hip dip surgery?

Recovery after hourglass tummy tuck

Recovery after an hourglass tummy tuck can vary but typically involves a period of rest and limited activity. The following are some general guidelines for recovering after the procedure:

Pain and discomfort: Patients can expect some pain and discomfort in the surgical area, which can be managed with pain medication prescribed by the surgeon.
Swelling: Swelling is normal after surgery and can be reduced by wearing a compression garment and elevating the surgical area when possible.
Rest: Patients should plan to rest for the first few days after the procedure, avoiding strenuous activities and heavy lifting.
Follow-up appointments: The patient will need to attend follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor their progress and address any concerns.
Resuming normal activities: Most patients are able to return to work and light activities within a few weeks, but should avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for several weeks after the procedure.
Wearing a compression garment: The patient will need to wear a compression garment for several weeks after the procedure to help reduce swelling and support the surgical area.

It is important to follow the surgeon’s instructions carefully to ensure the best possible recovery and results. Patients should also inform their surgeon of any concerns or complications that arise during the recovery process.

Hourglass Tummy Tuck at Centre for Surgery

Centre for Surgery is regarded as one of the top plastic surgery clinics in the UK and is home to some of the best plastic surgeons in London. Our surgeons have spent many years perfecting their tummy tuck techniques. The hourglass tummy tuck is considered the most advanced form of tummy tuck surgery. The procedure involves 360 liposuction, a full tummy tuck and fat transfer to the hips to achieve that beautiful hourglass silhouette you have always desired. Call us today on 0207 993 4849 to learn more about the benefits of an hourglass tummy tuck at our state-of-the-art Baker Street clinic in Marylebone.

Centre for Surgery (Baker Street)

Based on 135 reviews

Zara Khan

19/11/2021

Amazing from start to finish, the communication was the main thing was fully informed and looked after, on the day of my breast augmentation, the staff were fab and made me feel at ease through out the whole process. Thank you so much.

Mohammed Farid

18/11/2021

I’ve had such a great experience with excellent advice, care and attention and surgical treatment (gynaecomastia) - I can fully endorse the treatment I have received from Centre for Surgery with absolutely no qualms at all. Brilliant in every way - thank you all so much.

Caroline Thorpe

14/11/2021

Very pleased with my whole experience of having a procedure. Was so nervous about getting treatment and i was reassured and felt so comfortable throughout thanks to the amazing nurses. I definitely made the right decision to have breast augmentation at centre for surgery with dr erel.

Melissa Briggs

08/11/2021

So glad I went with centre for surgery, the whole process went very smoothly from the consultations down to the actual day of the procedure. I was so nervous on the day but the whole team put me at ease and I’m happy with my results as I feel a lot more comfortable wearing certain clothes now. My surgeon was Alberto Di Giuseppe who performed a breast Augmentation on me, and I would definitely recommend as he was very clear on what the outcome of the surgery would be and which size would look the best for my frame.

Raphinha kiki

08/11/2021

Couldn’t be happier with Dr Tillo work,i had my breast surgery one week ago and so happy with the results so far,all the staff are extremely nice and very supportive,i would definitely recommend their services,thank so much

Grace Olafemi

15/10/2021

From start to the finish everything was perfect for tummy tuck surgery. All staff is very friendly and the aftercare has been good. The Doctor and the nurse team was fantastic. I'm so happy...result is amazing. Thank you!!!

Ranjit Singh

14/10/2021

This was overall a great experience, all the staff at Centre for Surgery were friendly and put me at ease. It is a nerve wracking thing to go through an op but the staff were so nice. Mr Ertan has got a great team around him. On the day of the operation everything went smoothly to plan, there was no delay or holdups, I had another consultation with Mr Ertan who confirmed what was going to be done and that I was still happy to proceed. I was prepped for the procedure, I met with the anaesthetist who again was really nice and put me at ease explaining his role. After the procedure I woke up with the nurse by my side making sure I was OK and checking on me, I was able to stay in the clinic until I was ready to leave and was not rushed at all. I was well looked after from the start to the point when I was discharged. Post operation I was staying at a local hotel it was so close there was no point in even getting a taxi and I was able to walk back where my partner was waiting for me. I was expecting a lot of bruising to both my eyes but there was very little if any by the time the cast came off after 7 days, I am now at the two week post operation point and it is healing well with no outwardly visible bruising or scaring. The next milestone is a checkup at the 6 week point with my surgeon. If you're thinking of having something like this done I would highly recommend getting in touch with Centre for Surgery.

Layla Karami

13/10/2021

The staff at Centre for Surgery were very kind and accommodating. They answered any questions I had about the procedure and were constantly checking up on me. A special thank you to Christina for all her support throughout.

Gemma Small

08/10/2021

I would just like to state the quality of care received from the nurses at Centre for Surgery was beyond the highest level. Sophie takes her patient care to another level beyond words. She always puts me at ease. She is there for me even at awkward hours just when I mostly needed reassurance and she is one of the most compassionate nurses I have come across and demonstrates her passion naturally for caring for others. She totally deserves recognition at its finest and thank you for always being there for me. 😍

Lisa Davies

16:29 06 Mar 23

I have had excellent results from Dr Tillo. They results have exceeded my expectations, additionally Dr Tillo is very professional and put me at ease, even when I was awake for one treatment :-)

Alex Loveridge

18:13 24 Jan 23

The treatment, consultation and friendliness of Centre for Surgery is outstanding. I had to travel a very long way but the support staff helped in every way to accommodate me. I would definitely recommend the Surgery to anyone and my experience is one of satisfaction. Also I am totally happy with the result of my surgery and recovery. Others have recommended, Centre for Surgery...and now I am one of them.

Justine Farrell

18:11 29 Nov 22

I had Umbilicoplasty done by DR M Sarwar. I have never had cosmetic surgery before so I was very worried and reluctant but finally took the plunge. I didn’t choose my surgeon it was just done at random but I’m glad I had him anyways because I am SO SO SO happy with my results. He is extremely honest and transparent to make sure your expectations are not too high or unrealistic. This scared me off initially but the fact he did this made me feel like my results were 10x better than what I was expecting them to look like. The aftercare was very good. I cannot fault anything. Thank you so much to everyone I met at the surgery 😊

Julie Dyson

11:05 23 Jun 22

Everyone at the Centre for Surgery has exceeded my expectations by miles! From the moment I made contact and enquired about the procedures offered, all the way through to my post-operative aftercare, I have been blown away by the levels of customer service and empathy shown to me on my journey.At 62 years of age, some might question whether I was a bit old for a “mummy makeover” wanting both a bi-lateral breast reduction and an abdominoplasty. However, I was treated so kindly and with such respect that these thoughts were soon left behind. Lidia the Patient Coordinator allocated to me was great – she sent me loads of information to read and arranged a consultation with Mr Ertan Erel, the surgeon.When I met Mr Erel, he immediately made me feel at ease. We discussed performing the procedures in a staged format, to allow my body to recover in between surgeries. He also encouraged me to lose a few kilos before my surgery saying it would be of benefit health-wise and give better results. He walked me through both of the procedures, what to expect and likely outcomes. We agreed that I would have the breast reduction first, followed by the tummy-tuck 4 to 6 months after that. I was offered a follow-up consultation, but didn’t need one, I was so happy with the first.Lidia then helped me choose a date for the first op based on my personal commitment to lose the weight. The encouragement helped tremendously and in January 2022, I had my first surgery. On the day, the whole team were amazing, from the receptionist who greeted me, the entire theatre team – Mr Erel, the anaesthetist and all the theatre nurses couldn’t have looked after me any better. What was truly wonderful for me – I was able to go home the same day once Mr Erel and the nurses were happy for me to leave, no stay in hospital where you can’t sleep etc. – absolute bliss.The support team telephoned me the next day to ensure all was well and organised an appointment to see a perioperative nurse to check my wounds and re-dress. How lucky am I – Sophie Ship is just the best! Knowing that support team was always available together with regular check-ups in Sophie's very capable hands I was very soon on the mend.AT 6 weeks post-op, I had a review with both Mr Erel and Sophie. We were all delighted with the results and my recovery, it was agreed that the second operation could take place in May/June.Lidia, then sent me loads more information about the procedure, answering all my questions swiftly and booked the date. To ensure I was fit for surgery, Mr Erel saw me again two weeks before my surgery. All was agreed and the abdominoplasty performed on 25th May. Once again, everything went like clockwork and every member of the team were outstanding.I’m now 4 weeks post-op 2 and already delighted with the results. Mr Erel is a genius! I feel so privileged to have had both my surgeries performed by him. The swelling is already going down and I can’t wait to see how I look in a couple of months.I have given Centre for Surgery and Mr Erel permission to show my photographs to anyone considering the procedure(s) and am more than happy to provide more details/chat to anyone about any concerns they have. Please just ask Centre for Surgery/Mr Erel to arrange.

Rita W. Eversole

10:18 28 May 22

Highly recommend this clinic for anyone wanting a friendly, welcoming, professional and non judgmental approach to all your surgical and non surgical needs. I wouldn’t consider going anywhere else.