You work out, but your stomach is still flabby. Why is that? Have you gained weight? Lost weight? Had babies? Have no idea what gives? You don’t have to be unhappy with how your belly looks.
Let’s talk about three options for men and women to help fix whatever the reason your abdomen isn’t as tight and flat as you want it to be.
CoolSculpting
CoolSculpting is the effective FDA approved nonsurgical way to eliminate stubborn fat. The procedure safely delivers precisely controlled cooling that gently and effectively targets fat cells underneath the skin. Treated fat cells are crystallized (frozen), then die. Over time, your body naturally processes and eliminates these dead cells, leaving a more sculpted you. Best of all, there is no surgery, no anesthesia, no invasive techniques, and little to no downtime.
It’s important to remember that CoolSculpting is not a weight-loss solution. Good candidates are patients who have noticeable bulges they’d like to make go away. Many of my patients choose CoolSculpting when they want a nonsurgical alternative to liposuction or a tummy tuck.
Most patients achieve an average of up to a 20% fat reduction per treatment. You can expect to see really good results within 3–4 weeks, with continuing improvements over the next couple of months. The number of CoolSculpting cycles you’ll need depends on the results you want to achieve.
But, if you want more fat reduction in less time, think Lipo!
Liposculpture/Liposuction
If you work out regularly but still have fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise, and have either tried or need more than CoolSculpting, Lipo might be the right option for you.
Call it what you will, liposculpture and liposuction refer to a body sculpture technique that removes superficial fat deposits to improve body contour and reduce size. In refining your shape, it can help you look thinner and more fit. It is definitely not a treatment for obesity nor a substitute for proper diet and exercise.
Typically, lipo is an outpatient procedure that, depending on the nature of the procedure, can be safely performed using local anesthesia, intravenous sedation or, when necessary, general anesthesia. Most patients usually need only one treatment to reshape their tummy and have predictable results.
Keep in mind that it’s not an effective treatment for loose saggy skin. If that’s your issue, consider a tummy tuck.
Tummy Tuck
Even if you now have normal body weight and proportions, there are several reasons for a protruding or loose, sagging belly. The most common causes include pregnancy, age, heredity, prior surgeries, and weight fluctuations. That’s why tummy tucks are so popular for men and women.
Sometimes there is an increase in fat of the abdominal wall, and you didn’t have to go through pregnancies for this to be the case. Usually, if you have some degree of excess skin or laxity and a separation of the abdominal muscles, it may be time to consider a tummy tuck.
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, removes excess fat and skin and, in many cases, repairs the weakened or separated muscles. The surgery helps create an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer. I often combine it with lipo to fine tune the procedure and give patients better results.
Pain? I believe in preventing it before, during and after surgery using our non-opioid protocol, so you’ll have a much better experience.
Remember that this is surgery, performed under general anesthesia, and requires a week or so to recover following the procedure. A tummy tuck cannot correct stretch marks, though these may be removed if the stretch marks were on the excised skin.
The bottom line
None of these procedures is a substitute for weight loss or an appropriate exercise program. We recommend your coming in for a consultation, so we can help you identify what would give you the best results. Call and schedule a consultation 312.757.4505 or send us an email at info@driteld.com.
Have questions you want answered anonymously?
I am a frequent contributor to RealSelf.com. You’re welcome to post questions there for general responses. Obviously, I can’t give specific answers; for that, you’ll want to come in for a private and completely confidential appointment to address your particular issues.
Located in Chicago’s Lincoln Park, our offices are a warm, friendly and comfortable place to share your wants, needs and concerns.