Many people are concerned about the exercise-resistant fat found in different parts of the body, which often prompts them to opt for cosmetic surgery. Talking about resistant fat, belly fat is usually stubborn and difficult to lose even after following a healthy diet and regular exercise! But all is not lost! Cosmetic surgeons can help you get a flatter tummy. Which one is right for you? Let’s deep dive to learn more!
What Causes Belly Fat?
Several reasons can cause people to put on fat around their belly. The most common culprits include:
Consuming more calories than you can expend over a period of time leads to increased fat storage in places like the abdomen (belly) and causes weight gain.
The lack of regular workouts and physical activity is a primary risk factor for obesity. Increased weight and inactivity make it difficult for individuals to lose weight
Stress releases cortisol, a hormone that impacts metabolism and increases the fat around the belly. When an individual is chronically stressed, cortisol levels are high in the body, resulting in greater belly fat accumulation.
Consuming alcohol in excess may increase visceral fat.
Some research states that a person’s genes can influence their tendency for obesity, as the genes can influence behaviour and metabolism.
Shorter average sleep durations have been associated with increased belly fat and obesity. Not getting enough sleep has been associated with increased emotional eating, which may cause weight gain.
Smoking tends to lower BMI. People who smoke usually have higher levels of visceral abdominal fat than non-smokers.
Types of Belly Fat and Why It’s So Stubborn
Belly fat is of two types– subcutaneous and visceral.
Subcutaneous fat is found under the skin. Women have more subcutaneous fat than men. Subcutaneous fat is relatively harmless and is not strongly linked to any disease risk. However, it can contribute to overall body and belly fat, increasing the risk for chronic diseases.
Visceral fat surrounds the internal organs, such as the kidneys, liver, stomach, and pancreas, in the abdomen. It is located deeper than subcutaneous fat and is often called harmful belly fat as it is strongly associated with a risk for chronic diseases. Men accumulate more visceral fat than women, giving them an ‘apple-shaped’ belly as the fat grows.
Benefits of Non-Surgical Tummy Fat Reduction Approaches
Unsure about non-surgical tummy fat reduction? Here are a few of its benefits:
- There is no downtime, so that you can resume your daily routine immediately.
- There is no need for anaesthesia.
- Long-term results if you maintain a healthy lifestyle
- Lower risk of adverse effects compared to surgical options.
- No need for incisions and stitches
Popular Non-Surgical Techniques for Belly Fat Reduction
One of the most popular non-surgical and non-invasive treatments for a flatter tummy is laser fat reduction or laser lipolysis. During this procedure, the surgeon removes small fat deposits, very similar to surgical lipolysis, but with little or no pain and discomfort.
Laser lipolysis is performed in the clinic without anaesthesia and takes around 30 minutes. Since the procedure is non-invasive, downtime after it is minimal, and recovery is quick.
This procedure, also called radiofrequency lipolysis, uses radiofrequency to heat the fat in the abdominal region without any instrument coming into contact with the patient. Fat cells are preferentially heated without impacting other skin layers.
Radiofrequency therapy is used in patients who wish to reduce a localised fat bulge in the tummy region that has remained despite a healthy diet and exercise.
Ultrasound tummy fat reduction is preferred for stubborn belly fat. During this procedure, highly focussed ultrasonic waves are aimed at the target area to break down the cell wall of fat cells. This releases the fat in these cells, allowing the body to metabolise it. Most people require atleast three sessions of ultrasound fat reduction to reduce belly fat.
Surgical Tummy Fat Reduction Solutions
Liposuction is a surgical procedure used to remove excess fat from the abdomen, legs, thighs, arms, face and neck. During this procedure, a certified cosmetic surgeon places a small incision in the target area and precisely removes excess fat through a cannula. It effectively removes fat and provides dramatic results compared to non-invasive fat reduction procedures. It has a long recovery period (up to 6 weeks).
Depending upon the extent of the surgery, there are two types of tummy tuck procedures: mini tummy tuck and full tummy tuck.
- Mini tummy tuck: This procedure involves a smaller incision along the bikini line. The conservative incision does not allow the surgeon to manage loose skin and separated muscles in the upper and middle parts of the abdomen. This tummy tuck procedure is an excellent option if excess skin and fat are below the navel.
- Full tummy tuck: This tummy tuck involves a hip-to-hip incision along the bikini line, enabling the surgeon to remove excess skin and repair the entire abdominal wall above and below the belly button.
A tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical treatment that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen to enhance the shape, contour and appearance of the abdomen. During this procedure, excess fat is removed from the abdominal area and the excess skin is repositioned to give you a more toned look.
Comparing Surgical and Non-Surgical Methods: Pros and Cons
When comparing surgical and non-surgical methods for belly fat reduction, each comes with unique pros and cons.
Surgical options like liposuction tend are slightly more expensive than non-surgical treatments such as laser lipolysis or ultrasound therapy.
Surgery often requires weeks of healing, while non-surgical methods typically allow a quick return to normal activities.
Surgery may provide faster, more dramatic changes, but non-surgical options offer gradual, natural-looking outcomes.
Choosing the Right Approach for You
Choosing the right treatment option to achieve a flatter tummy and get rid of belly fat depends on your budget, recovery preferences, and personal goals. Consulting with a professional for tailored advice ensures you get the best option. Interested to know more about the best way to get a flatter tummy? Book a consultation with a cosmetic surgeon at Hortman Clinics, Dubai, to start your journey.
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