A consistent complaint I hear from my Boston area body contouring patients is about too much fat around the midsection. While men tend to refer to this phenomenon as a “spare tire,” and women tend to call it a “muffin top,” the problem is the same — an excess of fat in the abdominal region. While unsightly pockets of fat can crop up almost anywhere on the body, too much volume in the mid-section is particularly discomforting for patients as it may throw off the entire contour of your torso. However, the opposite is also true — reducing your belly fat delivers a lot of value as it may improve the appearance of your entire body, making your waist look smaller and your torso appear longer and leaner. It may even make your butt look more lifted. It will certainly make you feel more vital, energized, and youthful. There are some excellent body contouring procedures, both surgical and non-surgical, for addressing excess volume. The best option to get rid of your belly fat is going to depend on your unique anatomy, needs, and ability to tolerate downtime.
Do You Have Visceral Fat or “Pinchable” Fat in Your Belly?
If you’ve been following this blog, then you know that I am a big proponent of scheduling an in-person consultation. The reason is simple. Your anatomy is crucial for devising the right treatment plan to deliver your desired outcome. Social media and the web have completely changed my practice, as patients today are much more educated on the various aesthetic procedure options. The downside is that there is often a misperception that the same procedure will deliver the same result for every patient. This is not true, and belly fat is a great example.
The right procedure for reducing the extra fat in your belly is going to depend on what type of fat is causing the issue. There are two types of fat in the abdominal area. The first is visceral fat. It is also known as intra-abdominal fat. This is the kind of fat that is located deep in the tissues and around the organs. It is often a component of belly fat, particularly in men. The second type of fat is what I like to call “pinchable” fat, also known as extra-abdominal fat. This is subcutaneous fat, located under the surface of the skin, that can be pulled away from the body. Visceral fat can only be reduced through diet and exercise, while any body contouring procedure can only work on “pinchable” fat. Understanding how these two areas of fat are responsible for your contour is important before starting any body contouring journey.
*Each patient is unique and individual results may vary
Liposuction is the Gold Standard for Reducing Belly Fat
Although most patients prefer the idea of a non-surgical body contouring procedure, liposuction is the gold standard for reducing belly fat. It allows me to truly re-sculpt your mid-section. Something that most patients get wrong about body contouring is that it is always about reducing fat. It is not that simple. Good body contouring is about delivering proper proportion.
Like any sculptor, I am creating a series of peaks and valleys that will produce a sense of harmony throughout your entire body. So, yes, I am removing excess fat, but only in certain areas. Liposuction gives me the kind of precise control that can produce a truly “wow” result. However, it does come with downtime and the need to wear a compression garment. This can be off-putting for some patients, while others simply don’t have the lifestyle to support any time off.
Non-Surgical Fat Reduction Treatment Options
Men, in particular, prefer non-surgical body contouring options as they require less downtime. I offer my Boston patients both:
- SculpSure®
- Coolsculpting®
SculpSure® uses heat to destroy the integrity of the fat cells in the treatment area, while Coolsculpting® uses cold. Both procedures are safe and effective, delivering up to a 20% reduction in the number of fat cells in the area treated. The downside of these non-surgical fat reduction procedures is that it will take more than one treatment, spaced 6-8 weeks apart, to deliver your desired outcome. And, as discussed, they don’t give me the same kind of control as liposuction. However, the benefits include:
- Non-surgical, so no incisions
- No anesthesia
- Less downtime for recovery
While both of these procedures can produce results, I tend to favor SculpSure® as the heat may also have a slight tightening effect on the skin.
Managing Expectations is Critical to a Happy Outcome
Not everyone gets a robust response from these non-surgical procedures compared to liposuction. This is why I take the time during your initial consultation to thoroughly discuss what you are wanting to achieve and whether or not a non-surgical approach can give you what you desire. I am always extremely honest about the pros and cons of any procedure, as I have found that a big part of the happy outcome we both want is for you to have realistic expectations. So, if you are feeling too much like the Michelin tire man this winter, schedule an appointment to come in and discuss the best option for reducing your belly fat. It is always amazing and gratifying to me what a beneficial effect this type of procedure can have on patients physically and emotionally.
To learn more about liposuction, SculpSure®, Coolsculpting®, or any other surgical or non-surgical procedure with Dr. Sean Doherty at his Boston or Brookline office, contact us today or call (617) 450.0070 to schedule a consultation.