Options to remove belly fat and excess skin without tummy tuck?

Question

I'm 39 years old and have three children. I'm in very good shape, but have a stubborn lower belly pooch along with loose skin in that area. I'd love to get lipo/tummy tuck, but I am scared about the tummy tuck scar and having a weird looking belly button afterward. Can anyone tell me about alternative methods to remove fat/tighten skin and the pros and cons vs doing lipo/tummy tuck?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question! Based on your concerns, I understand that you’d like to address the stubborn lower belly pooch and loose skin without committing to a tummy tuck. While there are some non-surgical or minimally invasive options, it’s important to set realistic expectations regarding their effectiveness compared to a tummy tuck.

There are very limited body tightening procedures available without an incision. Two options you might consider are BodyTite and Emsculpt:

BodyTite is a minimally invasive treatment that uses radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis to reduce fat and tighten skin. It requires small incisions but doesn’t leave a large scar like a tummy tuck. While it’s effective for mild to moderate skin laxity, it may not achieve the level of tightening you’re seeking if the loose skin is more significant.

Emsculpt is a non-invasive device that uses high-intensity electromagnetic energy to build muscle and burn fat. It can help create a firmer, more toned appearance in the abdomen. However, it primarily targets muscle tone and fat reduction rather than skin tightening, so it may not fully address loose skin.

If these options don’t provide the results you desire, a tummy tuck may be the best solution. While a tummy tuck involves a scar, the incision is placed low enough to be hidden under most underwear or swimwear. Additionally, a skilled surgeon can create a natural-looking belly button. Tummy tuck results are typically far superior in addressing both fat and loose skin.

If you’re still unsure, I’d recommend consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon to explore your options. With an in-person evaluation, they can provide tailored advice and discuss all available procedures, including the pros and cons of minimally invasive options.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. It is tough to give you a proper answer without a photo because the answer will depend on the amount of skin laxity and whether you have a rectus diastasis. Liposuction can correct a bulge if these other issues are limited.

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

If you're looking to address belly fat and excess skin without undergoing a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), there are several alternative options that may be considered. It's important to note that the effectiveness of these alternatives can vary, and the choice of the most suitable option depends on factors such as the amount of excess skin and fat, your overall health, and your specific goals. Here are some non-surgical or less invasive options:

Liposuction:

Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure that removes localized fat deposits using a suction device. While it doesn't address excess skin to the same extent as a tummy tuck, it can be effective for contouring and reducing stubborn fat pockets.
Non-Surgical Fat Reduction Treatments:

There are various non-surgical fat reduction treatments that use technologies such as laser, radiofrequency, or ultrasound to target and reduce fat cells. These treatments may provide some improvement in body contouring without surgery.
CoolSculpting (Cryolipolysis):

CoolSculpting is a non-invasive fat reduction treatment that freezes and eliminates fat cells. It is often used for targeted fat reduction in specific areas, but it does not address excess skin.
Radiofrequency Skin Tightening:

Radiofrequency (RF) treatments stimulate collagen production and tighten the skin. While they can improve mild skin laxity, they may not be as effective as surgery for significant excess skin.
Ultrasound Skin Tightening:

Ultrasound treatments can be used to tighten loose skin by stimulating collagen production. Like RF treatments, they are most effective for mild to moderate skin laxity.
Body Contouring Garments:

Compression garments can help provide temporary improvement in the appearance of loose skin by providing support and compression. However, this is not a permanent solution.
It's important to have a realistic expectation of the results that these non-surgical options can achieve. While they may provide some improvement in contour and skin appearance, they are generally more suitable for individuals with mild to moderate concerns. For significant excess skin, a tummy tuck may be the most effective and long-lasting solution.

Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your specific goals and receive personalized recommendations based on your individual case. They can provide guidance on the most appropriate treatment or combination of treatments to achieve the results you desire.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear mara77777,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Based on your description, it sounds like you would need tummy tuck. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.

Based what you are describing, you appear to be a good candidate for a full tummy tuck which would allow to remove the excess skin below the belly button and to tighten the recuts (abs) muscle in order to achieve a flat abdominal contour.  This can be done through a low and short incision, all completely below the bikini line.  The belly button can be designed to look natural and have no scars on the exterior.

In some cases, aggressive liposuction using J-plasma or VASER can help tighten the skin, but it will NOT address or remove the excess pooch (excess skin below belly button).

I would recommend to obtain an in person consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to further discuss your options and expectations.

Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.

I hope this helps.
Best, Dr. Karanetz

Dr. Irena Karanetz
Fellowship-Trained
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, you have not provided photographs. However, if there is excess skin then the skin has to be resected otherwise it will hang. If the excess skin of the lower abdomen only then you can undergo a mini tummy tuck where the scar is hidden very low, near the pubic bone. Liposuction only removes fat, not excess skin. Depending on what your desires are, you may benefit from liposuction, mini tummy tuck or full tummy tuck. I would need photographs to give a more accurate answer.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Felix Omar Márquez, MD · Answer

Hi, thanks for your question. It's not easy to comment without a photo. Anyway, the TT scar will be hidden under your underwear or bikini, and the belly button will look normal. Consult a board-certified plastic surgeon and ask to see the before and after photos, to have an idea about the results. TT is the most effective procedure to eliminate saggy skin, but you have other options for skin tightening such as Lipo with J-Plasma. The results depend on your condition. Good luck!

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You can have liposuction to remove the excess skin and skin tightening with minimally invasive radiofrequency like Renuvion.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Thanks for your question! The short answer is no, there really is no good substitute for a tummy tuck. If its mild skin laxity, you may consider something like BodyTite or SmartLipo. I would suggest a consultation with a plastic surgeon to get better advice. Good luck!

John A. Perrotti, MD · Answer

The abdomen can be treated with full or limited tummy-tucks. Limited surgery can have a smaller scar or be confined to just the lower abdomen. These terms can mean different things. They may relate to the size of the incision and/or the areas of the abdomen that will be treated.  Liposuction is often added to tummy tuck, but also can performed alone to treat the abdomen. Best to see a surgeon board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) that has experience in treating the abdomen with different abdominoplasty techniques and liposuction.

Options to remove belly fat and excess skin without tummy tuck?

Answers (12)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (12)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

Can belly button scarring be improved 6 years post tummy tuck? (Photos)

Tummy tuck to remove fat and tighten the abdominal area? (Photo)

Low cholinesterase. Should I be concerned about anesthesia?

Is tummy tuck very much painful? How many days major pain will be there after post op? Considering to do it in Pune (Photo)

Numbness and full body orgasm after tummy tuck

3 years post tummy tuck and I still swell badly around the scar. I can see the stitches inside my body. Is this normal? (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS