Abdominal Liposuction and Hip Fat Grafting for a Curvier S-Line
Can Abdominal Liposuction and Hip Fat Grafting Create a More Defined S-Line?
Yes. Combining abdominal liposuction with hip fat grafting can
slim the waist while enhancing hip volume, creating a more balanced and naturally defined S-line.
The best results are achieved through a personalized surgical plan based on
each patient’s anatomy, fat distribution, and body proportions.
[ Learn More About Liposcution at Lesarts Plastic Surgery ]
[ Learn More About Fat Grafting at Lesarts Plastic Surgery ]
Written by Dr. Yongseung Seo, Lesarts Plastic Surgery
This article was written directly by the attending surgeon.
※ Unauthorized reproduction, editing, or redistribution is prohibited. ※
Hello, this is Dr. Yongseung Seo
from Lesarts Plastic Surgery.
Many people dream of more than simply losing weight.
They want a beautifully defined S-line,
with a slim waist
and naturally contoured hips.
However, diet and exercise alone
cannot selectively reduce fat in specific areas
or add volume where it is needed.
Because of each person’s natural body structure,
achieving these changes through weight loss alone
is often difficult.
Even after successful weight loss,
many people still notice fullness
in the lower abdomen or flat hips,
leaving the overall body silhouette
less balanced than they would like.
To address these concerns,
a personalized combination of abdominal liposuction
and fat grafting
can be an effective solution.
Excess abdominal fat
can be carefully removed
to create a slimmer waist,
while the harvested fat
is strategically transferred to the hips
to enhance volume and improve body proportions.
Rather than simply removing fat,
this customized body contouring approach
focuses on achieving harmony, balance,
and natural-looking curves,
helping patients feel more confident
in their appearance.
The case featured in this article
involves a patient who visited Lesarts Plastic Surgery
with two primary goals:
improving the abdominal contour
and creating a rounder, fuller hip line.
Preoperative Evaluation of the Flanks and Hip Contour – Dr. Yongseung Seo, Lesarts Plastic Surgery
[Patient Information]
Age: Late 30s
Height: 165 cm
Weight: 66.3 kg
BMI: 24.4 kg/m²
Body Fat Percentage: 24.2%
Individual surgical outcomes may vary, even among patients with similar body measurements.
[Preoperative Assessment for Abdominal Liposuction and Hip Fat Grafting]
Earlier this year, the patient underwent
arm and thigh liposuction at our clinic
and was pleased with the results.
She returned to Lesarts Plastic Surgery
to further improve her abdominal contour
and enhance hip volume.
Although she had previously undergone
laparoscopic surgery for uterine fibroids,
there were no significant skin adhesions,
and the condition of the overlying skin was good.
Assessment of Abdominal Shape and Fat Distribution – Dr. Yongseung Seo, Lesarts Plastic Surgery
On physical examination,
a horizontal crease was present across the navel,
with significant subcutaneous fat
accumulated both above and below it.
This not only made the abdomen appear more prominent,
but also created an uneven, “3-shaped” contour
when viewed from the side.
Because the crease in the lower abdomen
can become more pronounced
as swelling subsides and the skin contracts after liposuction,
the patient was advised in advance
to avoid certain postures and clothing choices
for approximately one month after surgery.
Preoperative Condition Before Abdominal Liposuction and Hip Fat Grafting – Dr. Yongseung Seo, Lesarts Plastic Surgery
Although the patient had
a slightly wider rib cage,
the proportion between the rib cage and pelvis
was well balanced.
However, the waistline appeared
flat and relatively wide,
without a well-defined curve.
The hips also lacked volume.
Despite previous contouring
during thigh liposuction,
the overall body silhouette remained flat,
with limited projection from the side.
Instead of the round, curvy appearance
the patient desired,
the hips appeared relatively narrow and elongated.
We explained that achieving
a fuller, rounder hip contour
would depend largely on obtaining
a sufficient volume of fat for grafting.
Ultrasound examination showed
substantial subcutaneous fat throughout the abdomen:
Upper / Lower Abdomen: 17 / 22 mm
Flanks: 10 / 12 mm
Love Handles: 17 / 15 mm
Body composition analysis also revealed
a visceral fat level of 7,
indicating that visceral fat
was contributing to the abdominal fullness
and loss of waist definition.
The patient was therefore advised
that while liposuction could remove subcutaneous fat,
continued weight management and dieting
would be essential to achieve
the slimmer abdominal contour she desired.
[Surgical Design for Abdominal Contouring and Rounder Hip Enhancement]
The patient’s primary goals
were to achieve a smoother abdominal contour
and create a fuller, rounder hip shape
that would enhance her overall body proportions.
Surgical Planning for Visceral Fat–Related Abdominal Fullness – Lesarts Plastic Surgery
Because the front of the abdomen
had significant contour irregularities,
fat around the rib cage, upper abdomen,
and lower abdomen was removed
as thoroughly as possible within a safe range.
At the same time,
the existing horizontal crease across the navel
was carefully considered,
so the abdominal contour could be flattened naturally
without creating an over-resected appearance.
However, because the horizontal crease
already existed before surgery,
there was a risk that it could become deeper
as the skin contracted during healing.
For this reason,
the patient was instructed to avoid
a hunched posture for approximately one month
and to wear clothing and compression garments
in a way that would prevent excessive folding
along the crease.
Body composition analysis also showed
a visceral fat level of 7.
We explained that although liposuction
could significantly improve the body contour,
reducing visceral fat through diet and weight management
would still be essential
to achieve a flatter, slimmer abdomen.
The patient’s rib cage and pelvic proportions
were favorable for waistline improvement.
However, we also explained
that mild waist asymmetry,
which was partially hidden by subcutaneous fat before surgery,
could become more noticeable
after fat removal.
For the hip fat grafting,
our goal was not only
to fill the volume-deficient areas,
but also to create a fuller, rounder hip contour
with a more defined pelvic silhouette.
We explained that achieving this result
would require an adequate amount of graftable fat.
Although the fat harvested
during abdominal liposuction
would be sufficient to improve the hip contour
and enhance the overall body line,
it might not be enough
to produce extremely dramatic volume.
Because there would be
no additional fat available
for a second grafting procedure,
the patient was advised
to carefully follow all postoperative instructions
to maximize fat survival.
[Before and After Abdominal Liposuction and Hip Fat Grafting]
(Photographs were taken under the same lighting and conditions, two months after surgery.)
Before surgery,
the patient had significant subcutaneous fat
throughout the abdomen,
making the waistline appear flat
and less defined.
The hips also lacked volume,
resulting in a relatively flat lower-body silhouette
with limited three-dimensional contour.
Before and After Abdominal Liposuction and Hip Fat Grafting – Dr. Yongseung Seo, Lesarts Plastic Surgery
The surgical plan
focused on creating a smooth, slim abdominal contour
while addressing the patient’s goals
for overall body balance.
To complement the newly defined waistline,
a generous amount of purified fat
was transferred to the hips
to create a rounder, fuller shape
with a natural transition from the waist.
From the front,
the flanks became noticeably slimmer,
creating a smoother,
more naturally defined S-line.
As anticipated before surgery,
a mild degree of asymmetry
became slightly more noticeable
after the surrounding fat was removed.
However, the asymmetry was minimal
and was not significant enough
to affect the overall aesthetic outcome.
From the side,
the previously uneven,
“3-shaped” abdominal contour
became noticeably smoother,
resulting in a flatter abdominal profile.
The horizontal crease
across the front of the abdomen,
which had been a concern before surgery,
also healed favorably.
Because the patient carefully followed
the recommended postoperative instructions
regarding posture and clothing,
the crease did not become more pronounced
and settled into a smooth, natural appearance.
Even when surgery is performed successfully,
a smooth, flat abdominal contour
cannot be fully achieved
if a significant amount of visceral fat remains.
In this case,
the patient’s current results
reflect the dedication shown
to postoperative weight management
following abdominal liposuction.
We commended the patient’s efforts,
encouraged continued healthy habits,
and emphasized that maintaining these lifestyle changes
will help preserve the long-term surgical results.
Changes in the Pelvic and Hip Contour After Hip Fat Grafting – Dr. Yongseung Seo
The transition
from the pelvis to the hips
became smoother and rounder,
creating a more natural curve.
As a result,
the waist appeared slimmer,
while the hips gained
greater projection and definition,
significantly improving the overall body proportions.
Because the patient
had a limited amount of available donor fat,
the posterior hip projection
could not be enhanced
as much as originally desired.
This case demonstrates
how removing fat from areas of excess
while strategically restoring volume
to areas of deficiency
can create a more balanced, harmonious silhouette.
To maintain the improved contour
and long-lasting volume,
we advised the patient
to continue following a healthy diet
and maintain a stable body weight.
See Similar Abdominal Liposuction and Hip Fat Grafting Cases
↓ ↓ ↓
If you are considering abdominal liposuction and hip fat grafting,
reviewing patients with body types similar to yours
can help you better understand
the surgical approach and expected outcomes.
Liposuction and fat grafting
can be highly effective solutions
for stubborn areas that remain resistant
to diet and exercise.
Beautiful body contouring
is not simply about removing fat—
it is about achieving
balanced proportions
and three-dimensional harmony.
By precisely reducing unwanted fat
and restoring volume where needed,
personalized body contouring
can create a refined silhouette
that is difficult to achieve through weight loss alone.
At Lesarts Plastic Surgery,
every treatment plan is tailored
to each patient’s anatomy and goals,
combining meticulous surgical planning
with comprehensive postoperative care.
We look forward to helping you
discover your natural body contours,
enhance your strengths,
and enjoy greater confidence
with a smoother waistline
and fuller, more balanced hips.
FAQ
Q1. Can abdominal liposuction and hip fat grafting create a more defined S-line?
Yes. Abdominal liposuction can slim the waist,
while hip fat grafting adds volume
to create a smoother, more balanced S-line.
Q2. Can abdominal liposuction remove visceral fat?
No. Liposuction removes subcutaneous fat,
but visceral fat must be reduced
through diet, exercise, and weight management.
Q3. Why can abdominal creases become deeper after liposuction?
As swelling subsides and the skin contracts,
an existing abdominal crease may become more pronounced.
Proper posture and compression garment use are important.
Q4. How much hip volume can be achieved with fat grafting?
The achievable volume depends on
the amount of donor fat available
and how much of the transferred fat successfully survives.
Q5. How can the results be maintained after surgery?
Maintaining a stable weight,
following a balanced diet,
and carefully following postoperative instructions
can help preserve the abdominal and hip contours.
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