June 04, 2025 | 5 minute read

The corset tummy tuck is the newest technique for cinching the waist and creating a perfect hourglass shape. This blog discusses the difference between the corset tummy tuck and a regular tummy tuck, as well as the benefits, procedure steps, and results of this procedure.
Achieve Your Barbie Waist Dreams
Many women dream of having a tiny waist with tapered hips, popularized as the Barbie waistline. But this look is hard to accomplish unless your natural frame allows it—until now. Dr. Pasquale Tolomeo is one of the only cosmetic surgeons to offer a revolutionary new take on the tummy tuck, the corset tummy tuck.
What Is the Corset Tummy Tuck?
The best ab workouts target the obliques in order to build that desirable, hourglass figure. Well, the corset tummy tuck does that for you! Rather than treating the front of the abdomen (the rectus muscle) alone, a corset tummy tuck, also known as internal corset surgery, surgically cinches the waist from the front and sides, tightening the oblique muscles to contour a more tapered result.
How Is the Corset Tummy Tuck Different from a Regular Tummy Tuck?
A regular tummy tuck gives the patient a more taut, flattened abdomen. It’s typically performed on patients who have diastasis recti (separated abdominal muscles) due to pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or hormonal changes.
Tummy tucks are essential body contouring procedures, as these procedures are the only type that combats loose, sagging skin and tissue—issues that cannot be fully resolved with diet and exercise alone. And while fat removal is not the main priority, some surgeons will remove fat as well via excision or liposuction. Dr. Tolomeo almost always performs traditional tummy tucks with the use of Lipo 360, an advanced technique that allows him to sculpt the body to create divots and spaces in the abdomen for a chiseled look.
But even in the hands of an expert body contouring artist like Dr. Tolomeo, a traditional tummy tuck only treats the front of the abdomen, so the results will not quite reach the desired, Barbie hip-to-waist ratio. A corset tummy tuck takes it to the next level.
How Is the Corset Tummy Tuck Performed?
The mechanics of the corset tummy tuck reflect the garment the procedure is named after; Essentially, Dr. Tolomeo creates an internal girdle, which cinches in the waist at the sides, just like a corset. In a similar manner to the traditional tummy tuck, Dr. Tolomeo will also treat the front of the abdomen, tightening the muscles for a flat, taut surface.
Dr. Pasquale Tolomeo’s Signature Corset Tummy Tuck Procedure
Your corset tummy tuck will be performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. Dr. Tolomeo’s corset tummy tuck steps are as follows:
- Lipo 360: Dr. Tolomeo always starts the procedure with high-definition contouring of the upper and lower back, as well as the abdomen. Since the corset procedure brings in the sides of the waist, preparing the body with contouring liposuction lets Dr. Tolomeo create a seamless transition between the upper body and the midsection.
- Small Incision: Next, he makes a small incision low on the abdomen, near the bikini line (or cesarean scar). Through this incision, he surgically tightens the rectus muscle and the oblique muscles using internal sutures.
- Recontour the Skin: Once the internal sutures are in place and the muscles are in a good position, Dr. Tolomeo redrapes the skin, removing any excess. He can also relocate the belly button if necessary. Once he is satisfied with the look, he closes the sutures.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Corset Tummy Tuck
Is the corset tummy tuck more painful than a traditional tummy tuck?
No. Tummy tucks and corset tummy tucks have a similar recovery period and pain level. The corset tummy tuck is no more painful than a traditional tummy tuck.
Will my corset tummy tuck results be permanent?
No cosmetic procedure can stop the aging process, but as long as you maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle, your corset tummy tuck results should last for years.
What if I get pregnant after my corset tummy tuck?
Pregnancy can cause the abdomen and ribs to stretch, and in most cases, this is hard to remedy without surgery. Dr. Tolomeo recommends that you only undergo a corset tummy tuck once you are confident you are done having children, as pregnancy is likely to reverse the results.
What is the best procedure to combine with my corset tummy tuck?
This really comes down to your body type, your ideal look, and your personal preference. Dr. Tolomeo is a master of creating beautiful body contouring results and can recommend a procedure that complements your figure and helps you reach your goals.
For example, if you’re looking for a real “WOW” hourglass result, then pairing your corset tummy tuck with a breast augmentation or breast augmentation with a lift will definitely do the trick.
If excess fat is detracting from your body goals, Dr. Tolomeo can use Lipo360 to sculpt and chisel your back, thighs, or hips for a comprehensive result.
Want to Learn More About the Corset Tummy Tuck in Fall River, MA?
Dr. Tolomeo is a triple board-certified cosmetic surgeon specializing in body contouring, breast enhancement, and the corset tummy tuck. If you’d like to see how he can help you transform your figure, call Dr. Tolomeo today at (516) 350-8186 or fill out the contact form to request a consultation.