Will Liposuction Give Me a Flat Belly?

A flat, smooth abdomen is usually considered a sign of youth and fitness. As a result, this aesthetic is often highly sought after by both men and women, particularly patients who have had children and wish to restore a more sculpted profile in the abs. Generally speaking, liposuction — which removes stubborn fat from isolated areas of the body — can only provide a flat abdomen if a patient has good tone and skin elasticity. Unfortunately, loose skin and weakened abdominal muscles often accompany excess fat, meaning other treatments on top of liposuction may be necessary to both flatten the abdomen and achieve natural-looking results. 

There are many factors that can cause the belly to hang, protrude, or lose tone, including: 

• Subcutaneous fat: Known as the stubborn fat underneath the surface of the skin, subcutaneous fat builds up in localized regions of the face and body. Liposuction and CoolSculpting^® Elite can effectively target this type of fat, but treatment is only ideal when patients have little to no skin laxity. 
• Excess skin and stretched musculature: In many cases, the belly is affected by a combination of fat, loose skin, and separated abdominal muscles. A joint tummy tuck and liposuction procedure can be the most effective way to tighten and reshape the belly when these factors are present. 
• Visceral fat: Visceral fat is the “hidden” or internal fat that wraps around the abdominal organs. Since only dieting and exercise can reduce visceral fat, the belly may still appear to bulge or hang even when subcutaneous fat is removed. 

For some patients, the best course of action is to combine different procedures to provide an all-encompassing Mommy Makeover. This surgical plan is developed to address multiple concerns simultaneously, based on your overall goals. Dr. McCormack can only advise you after evaluating your needs and concerns, so don’t hesitate to call our practice for an initial consultation. 

Dr. Tiffany McCormack understands that patients’ needs vary from person to person and she’s committed to identifying the best treatment plan to achieve your goals. Contact McCormack Plastic Surgery at our Reno office to discuss your concerns in a consultation, or to speak with a member of our team.