Getting rid of stubborn fat can be tricky, even with the help of a healthy diet and regular exercise. In some cases, such as after pregnancy or massive weight loss, loose skin and separated muscle tissue might also be issues that could keep you from reaching your fitness goals. Plastic surgery for belly fat and excess skin could be the most effective solution.
Wherever your trouble spots are, there are a number of plastic surgery and nonsurgical treatments that can help you to look and feel your best.
1. Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, may be the best treatment option if you’re concerned with loose skin and/or separated abdominal muscle tissue. While this procedure technically does not address stubborn belly fat on its own, it is very commonly combined with liposuction to achieve more comprehensive results.
Most people plan to take around two weeks off work and other obligations to recover from their tummy tuck. You might consider working with a board-certified plastic surgeon who offers a drainless tummy tuck option, which can help to make your healing process even smoother by eliminating the need for post-surgical drains.
2. Mini Tummy Tuck
The C.L.A.S.S.® tummy tuck uses a drain-free surgical technique and includes liposculpture for optimal results.
While the vast majority of tummy tuck candidates are better suited for a full tummy tuck, a mini tummy tuck can be effective in certain situations. This may be a viable option for you if you have only a small amount of loose skin situated below your belly button that you’d like to get rid of. This procedure can also be combined with liposuction to address both loose skin and stubborn fat at the same time.
During your consultation, your plastic surgeon will perform a physical evaluation and carefully listen to your goals to help you decide if you could be a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck.
3. Liposuction
Liposuction is a very popular body contouring tool that removes pockets of stubborn fat that aren’t responding to diet and exercise alone. Keep in mind that this procedure isn’t an effective weight loss tool, so the ideal candidate will already be at or very close to his or her target weight prior to treatment.
While the hips, waist and belly are some of the most common areas to get liposuction, this treatment can also be very effective in other areas, such as the upper arms, thighs, lower legs and buttocks.
4. Mommy Makeover
If you’re torn between two or more procedures to help you get your pre-baby body back or achieve your fitness goals, a mommy makeover could be right for you. This is a customized procedure that can include multiple procedures in one surgery. Some of the most common treatments to include in a mommy makeover are a tummy tuck, liposuction and breast enhancement. However, you can pick and choose which procedures you’d like to include in yours.
5. Nonsurgical Body Contouring
Not quite sure if a surgical procedure is right for you? There are a number of nonsurgical body contouring treatments available as well, such as VelaShape™ III and UltraShape® Power. VelaShape is an advanced handheld device that emits a combination of infrared and radiofrequency waves to eliminate stubborn fat and help to smooth away cellulite and tighten skin.
UltraShape is a similar fat reduction treatment that works by using ultrasonic waves to destroy unwanted fat cells. This treatment is usually completed within 30 to 90 minutes and doesn’t require any downtime.
Dr. Francesco Campanile is a board-certified plastic surgeon who is also fellowship trained in hand and microsurgery. Dr. Campanile knows that making a lasting change to your appearance is a big decision. His calm, professional approach and deep caring for his patients set a tone that will help you feel confident and relaxed while reviewing your options and learning all about the procedures that can benefit you. Request a consultation today to meet with Dr. Campanile in person.
