Once the excess skin and fat is removed, the waist is examined to determine if additional reshaping can be done. Most patients benefit from liposuction of the waist area to improve the shape of the waistline. Liposuction, therefore, is almost always performed with a tummy tuck to enhance the result. This step removes excess fat from the waist that would otherwise not be removed with a tummy tuck alone.

Sometimes, additional tightening of the muscles is needed to further improve the waistline. Stitches, similar to the ones used to repair the diastasis, are used to tighten the mucles on the sides of the abdomen, not just the center. This draws in the waistline further and creates a more aesthetically pleasing shape in this area.