How to lose belly fat

26th, Jan 2016

It’s a new year and like most people, we will make resolutions to either exercise, lose weight or improve our appearance in 2016.

One of the most searched questions in Google at this time of year is “How to lose belly fat”

Pregnancy, weight loss and the natural aging process can leave behind excess sagging skin around the stomach area. In extreme cases the muscles are stretched and there can be over-hanging folds of skin that won’t spring back into shape.

Belly fat can be one of the hardest types of fat to loose, regardless of your weight, body shape and size. Men and women both struggle with losing that layer of fat over the abdomen. This is why in 2015, the tummy tuck was one of our most popular procedures, helping patients achieve a flatter, firmer abdomen.

An abdominoplasty removes excess fat and skin from the abdomen area in order to tighten the muscles and tissues of that area. There are commonly two types of tummy tucks and the one you choose will depend on how much skin and fat you have. Your surgeon will explain which type is most suitable for you.

Full abdominoplasty – required when patient has excessive fat deposit plus a drop in the underlying muscle and skin layer.

Modified (mini) abdominoplasty – required when patient has good muscle tone but there is too much skin and the stomach appears crinkly.

Due to its growing popularity, many people believe that a tummy tuck surgery is an easy procedure. However, it’s important for patients to realise that it is still a major operation, requiring one to five hours in the operating room, under general anaesthesia. It is also worth chatting to a patient adviser, as well as friends and family before undergoing the operation.

Tummy tucks should not be thought of as a substitute for weight loss or an exercise programme. The procedure cannot correct stretch marks, although these may be removed or somewhat improved if they are located on the areas of excess skin that will be treated.

After a tummy tuck, our surgeons recommend at least four weeks off work and exercise, with another 2 weeks off for a full recovery. This can vary between individuals and the techniques they use, so it is important to always follow your surgeon’s advice.

Support garments will help to ease any pain, discomfort and swelling around your abdomen. These can be worn for the full 6 weeks after your surgery.

As for pain relief, over the counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen are suitable. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine and if you have any questions, ask your pharmacist for advice.

As with any major cosmetic surgery there are many factors to consider, a one to one consultation will give you answers that will apply to your personal situation. No amount of searching on the web will give you the personal answers that a professional consultant can deliver.

Want to know more, call our ONE2ONE service on 08450 60 06 352.