Belly and Stomach Fat Removal Procedures

Belly fat can be a frustrating and persistent issue for many of us. Despite our best efforts to look great in that new bikini, putting in the work with diet and exercise, often the fat around our midsection simply won’t budge. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. But, there is good news! There are now several options available for removing belly fat. These procedures fall into two categories: invasive and non-invasive. In this article, we will explore both types of procedures and discuss what you need to know to make an informed decision about your stubborn lower belly fat removal. From liposuction to CoolSculpting, we will cover the most popular methods of belly fat removal and choices for how to remove abdominal fat from the stomach, their pros and cons, and what you can expect from each.

Who is Belly Fat Removal For?

There are several reasons why someone might think about getting rid of abdominal fat. Maybe they’ve gotten to a healthy weight, but there are still some stubborn fat deposits that won’t go away. Or perhaps they’ve lost a lot of weight, and their skin is now loose and saggy. Whatever the motivation, it’s critical to realize that removing lower belly fat does not replace healthy practices like a balanced diet and regular exercise. One who maintains a stable weight, leads a healthy lifestyle, has reasonable expectations and goals, and is non-smoking is a perfect candidate for this surgery. This guarantees the greatest outcomes and lowers the chance of complications. It’s crucial to get a full consultation with a licensed and experienced practitioner to decide whether removal of stubborn abdominal fat is the best option for you.

Non-Invasive Stomach Fat Removal Procedures

Let’s explore some of the non-invasive stomach fat removal options. Below, we’ll look at Emsculpt vs. CoolSculpting, cryolipolysis, radiofrequency lipolysis, laser lipolysis, and injection lipolysis. These procedures can be done in your practitioner’s office, take very little time and require very little downtime. Let’s take a closer look.

Cryolipolysis

Cryolipolysis works by cooling fat cells to the point of destruction, which are then naturally eliminated from our bodies over time. Cryolipolysis is offered under the brand name CoolSculpting, as well as SculpSure and Kybella, which work through similar principles but use different technology.

The main advantage of cryolipolysis is that it is non-surgical, which means minimal downtime. The results are also typically permanent as long as the patient maintains a healthy diet and lifestyle. The side effects for cryolipolysis are generally mild and include temporary numbness, swelling, and redness at the treatment site.

Cryolipolysis can cost anywhere from ranges from $600 to more than $1,000 depending on the areas being treated. It’s important to note that the results of cryolipolysis are not as dramatic as those of liposuction, and multiple treatments may be required to achieve desired results.

Radiofrequency Lipolysis

Radiofrequency Lipolysis uses radiofrequency energy to heat the unwanted tissue, which causes the fat cells to break down to be naturally eliminated from our bodies.

Radiofrequency Lipolysis is offered under several brand names, including Thermage, BodyTite, EmSculpt and AccuTite. 

The biggest benefit of radiofrequency lipolysis is that you’ll drop pounds, but it can also tighten the skin, making it a popular choice for people who want to address both abdominal fat and skin laxity. Additionally, radiofrequency lipolysis is minimally invasive, meaning there is no need for incisions or general anesthesia, and recovery is typically quick.

Patients who underwent this procedure saw an average of 2 inches lost at the site of the treatment. Side effects are generally mild and include temporary redness, swelling, and tenderness at the treatment site.

Radiofrequency lipolysis is an investment into your own well-being, with prices beginning $2500.

Laser Lipolysis

Laser lipolysis makes use of laser energy to heat the abdominal fat tissue, which has a similar effect as radiofrequency lipolysis, seeing the destroyed fat cells eliminated by the body. 

You may recognize some Laser lipolysis brand names, including SlimLipo, SmartLipo, and ProLipo. 

Laser lipolysis has the added benefit of being able to tighten the skin, just like radiofrequency lipolysis. Recovery time is quick with minimal discomfort.

The results of laser lipolysis can be quite dramatic, but multiple treatments may be required to achieve desired results. Side effects are generally mild and include temporary redness, swelling, and tenderness at the treatment site.

Laser lipolysis treatment can range from between $2,500 to $4,500 for your treatment.

Injection Lipolysis

Injection lipolysis uses injections to dissolve and remove unwanted belly fat deposits. It is often used on the face, neck, and body to contour and shape specific areas.

The procedure works by injecting solutions into the fat tissue that breaks down the fat cells, which are then gradually eliminated by the body’s natural processes. The solutions used in Injection Lipolysis can vary, with some of the common active ingredients being phosphatidylcholine and deoxycholate.

Pros of Injection Lipolysis include minimal downtime, less discomfort compared to surgical procedures, and the ability to target specific areas for fat reduction. However, some cons include the need for multiple treatments to see significant results and a risk of side effects such as swelling, pain, and bruising which often subside in a day or two.

Results from Injection Lipolysis can be seen within several weeks after the procedure and continue to improve over several months. Recovery is typically quick and involves minimal discomfort, although swelling, bruising, and redness may occur.

The cost of Injection Lipolysis is relatively affordable, with injections often starting at just  a couple hundred dollars. However, for larger treatment areas it can cost upwards of $5000 to reach your beauty goals. 

Some of the well-known brands of Injection Lipolysis include Aqualyx, Lipostabil, and Belkyra.

Invasive Stomach Fat Removal Procedures

Invasive stomach fat removal procedures often come with more discomfort, downtime and recovery time than non-invasive procedures. Some of the most common treatments of this kind are liposuction and abdominoplasty. Let’s take a closer look at these fat removal procedures.

Liposuction

Liposuction is a type of cosmetic surgery that eliminates stubborn fat from targeted areas of the body, including the arms, thighs, hips, as well as the abdomen. It’s a popular procedure that can shape and contour problem areas of the body to achieve the patient’s aesthetic goals.

A cannula, which is a small hollow tube, is inserted into the fat layer. The unwanted abdominal fat is then suctioned out. Depending on the size of the treatment area and the patient’s overall health, abdominal liposuction may require general anesthesia.

The advantages of tummy liposuction include the capacity to target particular locations for fat removal and the capacity to produce results that are more significant and long-lasting than those of non-surgical fat reduction techniques. The invasiveness of the treatment, the possibility of consequences like infection, scarring, and asymmetry, as well as the requirement for a lengthier recovery period, are some drawbacks, though.

Liposuction usually produces results that are noticeable right away and get better as the swelling goes down. Depending on the degree of the treatment and the patient’s general condition, recovery from abdominal liposuction might take a few days to a few weeks. The patient may endure swelling, bruising, and discomfort during the healing process. Compression clothing may also be required.

The average cost to undergo stomach liposuction surgery in the USA is $3,637, however actual costs will vary depending on the treatment region, the scope of the process, and the doctor doing it. Usually, it is more expensive than non-surgical fat reduction procedures but can offer more significant and lasting results.

Abdominoplasty

Another type of popular surgery that removes extra skin and fat from the abdomen is called an abdominoplasty. Additionally, by tightening the muscles, patients experience a more toned look. Also known as a “tummy tuck”, this procedure is an effective treatment for loose skin, stretch marks, and the results of pregnancy, ageing, or weight loss.

Making an incision along the lower abdomen, removing extra skin and fat, and tightening the abdominal muscles underneath are all part of this type of operation. The excess skin is then redraped to provide the appearance of a smoother, tighter appearance once the incision has been closed. Depending on the degree of the treatment, an abdominoplasty is often carried out under general anaesthesia and may take several hours.

A more toned stomach, a reduction in waistline circumference, less excess skin, fewer stretch marks, and significant results are just a few of the abdominoplasty’s undeniable benefits. However, each patient should take the time to carefully weigh the drawbacks as well. There are always risks associated with intrusive procedures, and possible side effects, including infections and scars, and the prolonged recovery period.

Results are noticeable immediately. If the patient maintains a steady weight and leads a healthy lifestyle, those results will last a long time. This treatment can have recovery period that lasts from weeks to several months. The patient may feel pain, swelling, and bruising during the healing phase. Compression clothing may also be required to promote the healing process.

The cost to undergo Abdominoplasty can begin at around $5000 and will depend on where you live, who your practitioner is and the size of the area you’re treating.

How to Choose the Right Procedure For You

Now it’s time to decide which of these methods is right for you. While invasive, surgical procedures specializing in removing lower belly fat may produce more profound results faster, the downtime is a significant consideration. Can you afford time away from work or your family? These types of procedures also come with risks that are far more serious than those associated with non-invasive procedures. 

The results from non-invasive procedures may not be as significant as surgery right away, but with several treatments, a similar look can be achieved and you’ll still lose a few pounds. The upside, of course, is that there is little to no downtime, less discomfort and significantly less risk of side effects.

If you’re looking for methods with rapid and powerful results, surgery might be your best choice. If you want something that isn’t going to get in the way of your day-to-day life and won’t cause discomfort, non-invasive may be the best choice.

Conclusion

Non-invasive abdomen fat removal procedures attract patients who don’t want significant recovery times or pain, while invasive procedures like liposuction appeal more to people who need more considerable results in a shorter period of time. The number one thing we can take away from all of this is that we are lucky enough to have so many more choices than people did in the past, and that means you can easily achieve the look you desire with very little interruption to your everyday life. 

None of these belly fat treatments, however, can replace the immense benefits of a healthy lifestyle. 

If you’re considering any of these procedures, we would like to invite you to book a consultation with one of Refine Aesthetics Austin body contouring experts so you can come up with a plan that will suit your needs and deliver the precise results you’re looking for. Don’t wait to find out what goals you can achieve, book your consultation at our Austin Med Spa today!