SAN ANTONIO – Most women strive for an hourglass figure, and many will go to great lengths to get it. Thanks to many celebrities like Jessica Alba, corset- or waist-training has been one method used to achieve that goal.
However, corsets may not be as user friendly as some may think.
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Yolanda Amaya said she's always been known for having a small waist. But after two kids, her waist began to expand. That's why she bought a corset.
"I basically wear it everyday, five to six hours a day," she said.
She's been doing so every day for the past eight months, her goal being to get back to her size 24 waist.
"But I do workout, and when I'm not working out I do wear it," Amaya said. "I would say corset training is the biggest thing going on right now."
For nearly 14 years, Norma Jean Hartman has been custom making each corset for her clients. She said waist-training not only reduces a waistline, it boosts confidence.
"While you're wearing, in time you will see that it will start reducing your waist line by 2 to 3 inches at the most," Hartman said.
While results may vary, and be desirable, a local surgeon said corset training could be dangerous to your health.
"You're putting a semi-rigid structure around the body," said Dr. Michael Baumholtz. "You are physically restricting the breathing motion, you're physically restricting the bodies internal organs from being able to occupy the space they're supposed to occupy."
Baumholtz, of San Antonio Cosmetic Surgery said waist-training should not take the place of proper diet and exercise when wanting to lose serious pounds or inches. He warns women to think twice before strapping on a corset.
"You might wear a corset like you might think of high heels or a fashion accessory," Baumholtz said. "If it makes you feel good to wear it for that period of time, fine, but to use it as a medical device frankly doesn't make sense to me in the modern era."
While Amaya said she may consider taking the doctor's advice, she can't deny the results she's seen so far. She said the corset makes her look and feel great.
"I get a lot of compliments from a lot of women. They say, 'Hey Amaya, you're getting smaller from your waist,' so yes, those are the benefits for me."
As the doctor mentioned, wearing corsets can cause internal organs to move out of their original positions, breathlessness and discomfort while moving. It can also cause redness and chafing of the skin.