As a cosmetic surgeon, women ask all the time how to get an hourglass figure. Sometimes the perfect shape come naturally. Other times, we give mother nature a hand.
The hourglass figure has been popularized by celebrities from Rita Hayworth and Marilyn Monroe to JLo and Kim Kardashian. In fact, you might say, these women shape history!
This feminine shape shows little sign of going out of fashion. It should be no surprise that men routinely find women with a “low waist-to-hip ratio” — to be the most attractive. Our brains are hard-wired to be attracted to certain characteristics that comprise sexual attractiveness linked to our natural drive to procreate. At the deepest levels, the hourglass shape is just such a characteristic.
What Is the Attraction Of The Hourglass Figure Shape?
There is no denying that physical attraction plays a role in our relationships, especially at first. Whether that’s right or wrong, there’s no avoiding it.
Most studies show that men and women place great importance on physical attractiveness. That is different from saying that physical attractiveness is all that matters, but it is undeniably one of several factors that can impact your life.
There is a reason why models, bikini models, and lingerie models that have hourglass figure proportions are more popular over time than the stick-thin body type that lacks curves. Thin catwalk models draw little attention to themselves, letting the clothes take center stage, often adding minimalistic elegance. But models with more hourglass shaping are the ones that are remembered over time for both their beauty and the knockout effect of the clothes they wear.
The fact that models are selected with hourglass figure proportions, whether slim or lusher, are likely the consequence of finding out that so many people admire that body type and men find it irresistible. So, if not born with an hourglass figure type, how do we get there?
Importance Of A Waistline
To Your Health
Your waist size is the best indicator of your ideal figure but also of health. The importance of a waistline in achieving an hourglass figure cannot be overstated. In addition to desirable aesthetics, a low waist circumference is associated with a lower risk for:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes and pre-diabetes
- Cancer, including colorectal, pancreatic, breast (after menopause), and uterine in particular
To Your Appearance
In addition to being healthy, a slim waistline is also more comfortable. It is easier to breathe because the abdomen is less obstructed by fat. In general, a woman with a smaller waist will be able to wear looser clothes, thus allowing better movement, which is important for comfort and confidence.
The bottom line is the human eye automatically registers physical proportions as part of our response to attractiveness. For women, think about how broad shoulders and upper chest in proportion to a smaller waistline signal strong attraction to men. These reactions in men and women are nature working to keep our species going!
What Cosmetic Procedures To Consider
Cosmetic surgery is never a substitute for a healthy lifestyle and a Body Mass Index (BMI) that is considered right for your genetics and height. If you carry too much fat, especially visceral fat, your cosmetic surgeon may want you to lose some of that unhealthy fat before undergoing elective surgery. Visceral fat cannot be removed with liposuction as it collects under the abdominal muscles around the organs leading to the health issues like those mentioned in the last section.
Having said all of that, if you are within a reasonable range of your ideal body weight, around 20%, you may be a candidate to get a curvy hourglass figure consultation.
We can now discuss how to get an hourglass figure! There are five steps to consider. You may not need all five, but you will know what to expect when you have your consultation.
Step 1 – Liposuction
The most fundamental procedure when we discuss how to get an hourglass figure is liposuction. In fact, think of this procedure as sculpting. A patient’s body contour is improved by liposuction when performed as a thorough 360-degree procedure. Liposuction permanently removes extra fat cells, usually from the belly, hips, waist, back, and thighs. We use state-of-the-art VASER liposuction to deliver high-definition results that aren’t accessible anywhere else:
- Compared to other methods, VASER high-definition lipo can remove as much as 40% more fat
- VASER lipo is the best technology for removing healthy fat for transplantation from undesired to sculpted areas
- Subcutaneous and close-to-the-surface fat can both be harvested, allowing for muscle etching
All extra fat around the belly, love handles, and lower back must be eliminated to reduce waist size as much as possible. A skilled surgeon will sculpt the proportions to give you the desired hourglass form by ensuring that your waist flows into your hip and buttock region.
Step 2 – Tummy Tucks
If you have loose skin, sagging muscles, or excess fat on your abdomen, you may need a tummy tuck to achieve your figure goals. If you are very fortunate, you’ll only need liposuction. More likely, you will need one or more of the steps below so, this is an important part of your discussion with your surgeon. The most common procedures are:
Full – When the upper and lower abdomen has excess fat and skin that require surgical removal, a full tummy tuck is necessary. Often, this procedure is done to repair overstretched or separated muscles as well, but not in every case. The belly button is detached and reattached in a full tuck. The incision is generally hip to hip and below the bikini line.
Mini – When only the lower abdomen below the navel has excess skin that does not respond to exercise or skin tightening, a mini tuck is needed. This procedure rarely involves muscle tightening, and the scar is usually more modest.Reverse – When abdominal fat and excess skin accumulate primarily above the navel, a reverse tummy tuck may be needed. The incision is made under the breast crease, and the skin pulled upward.
Extended – The extended tuck is a version of the full tuck with the incision extended around the hips to the edges of the back. This tuck is necessary when the patient has excessive fat and skin in the hip area as in the case of love handles or a “muffin top”.
With all types of tummy tucks your cosmetic surgeon will ensure that the resulting scar is as discreet as possible as it heals over time.
Step 3 – Fat Transfer
Creating the hourglass figure may require removing fat from the waistline, back, abdomen, thighs, and other areas. The healthy fat is collected in an air-tight canister, cleaned, and re-injected to enhance to sculpt the curves of the hips, the roundness of the buttocks, and can be used to add to the fullness of the breasts.
Step 4 – The Brazilian Butt Lift
The Brazilian Butt Lift, sometimes referred to as a BBL fat removed by VASER liposuction, is used to contour your butt, add projection, and give your hips the appropriate curves below the waist. Fat is transferred to the center and lateral buttocks to achieve the desired hourglass buttocks projection and hip fullness. Fat will be used to fill in those pockets if you are genetically predisposed to “hip dips” to create the ideal curves.
Step 5 – Breast Size
When you look at How To Get An Hourglass Figure, breast size should be considered if the goal is to achieve perfect proportions from bust to hip ratio.
There are choices available depending on your figure objectives. Consider a fat transfer if you only want a slight boost in breast size. A modest cup size of breast volume can be added naturally with a fat transfer. However, if you want a more noticeable improvement or need a full cup size or more, implants are required to get your perfect shape.
Are You Ready To Find Out How To Get An Hourglass Figure?
The key for all successful cosmetic procedures is to candidly discuss your goals, desired results, and body type with your surgeon. The ideal surgical plan for you is just a phone call away! To schedule a consultation with Dr. Ahmed, call 702 447-1257 or fill out our contact form here.
For more about this beautiful, curvy shape, see our page, The Classic Hourglass Figure.