Do I have excess skin or excess fat on my lower abdomen? (Photo)

Question

Hello, I went in for a cryolipolysis treatment for my lower abdomen and they said I didn't have enough fat for the handles to suction and also that my abdomen pooch consisted mainly of loose skin. I wanted to ask a professional here if that was indeed the case. I have had this my entire life, even when I was under 10% body fat.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

An examination of you would really provide the most information to give you the best answer in regards to having fat versus excess skin on your abdomen, but just based on your photos, I would say that it looks more like fat than excess skin to me.  I think that you appear to be a good candidate for cryolipolysis of the abdomen.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for reaching out with your concerns about the nature of your lower abdominal issue and for sharing your history and photos.
Assessment: Your photos indicate the presence of both excess skin and fat in the lower abdomen, with a predominant component of fat. The lack of significant wrinkles and absence of a substantial weight loss history (like 100 pounds or more) typically associated with excess skin alone, suggests that fat is the key factor.
Treatment Recommendation: Given this assessment, VASER liposuction seems to be the most suitable treatment. This technique effectively targets fat while also promoting skin tightening due to its thermal properties. It can sculpt the abdominal area, enhancing the definition of the rectus abdominis muscle, often referred to as a "six-pack."
Procedure Details:
Duration: The VASER abdominal etching procedure usually takes about 2 to 3 hours under general anesthesia.
Recovery: You should anticipate a recovery period of approximately 7 to 10 days.
Based on the information provided, VASER liposuction appears to be a promising solution for achieving a more defined and sculpted abdominal profile.
I hope this guidance is helpful as you consider your options for addressing the excess fat in your lower abdomen. Wishing you the best in your journey towards your desired results.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Jerimiah Mason, MD · Answer

It's never easy to tell from photographs, but you probably have some fat and some mildly loose skin in your lower abdomen. If you wanted to look as slim and cut as possible you would be a good candidate for high definition liposuction. This is where we can do ab etching and really enhance the appearance of your six pack abs. I also don't think you would have enough loose skin to require a big incision.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear RealSelfMember03022,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. 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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Arif Eroglu, MD · Answer

For cryolipolysis treatment, you must have 5cm thick fat in the abdomen. Otherwise, the cold applied during the procedure may also affect the muscles. If there is less fat in the arms, the device cannot vacuum anyway. Anyway, cryolipolysis is an application for fat reduction and not an application for body shaping. The results are different for everyone. It also does not tighten the skin.You do not have excess fat. If you want body shaping to show the muscles, vaserlipo, if you want to tighten your skin at the same time, I recommend Renuvion Helium plasma.

Do I have excess skin or excess fat on my lower abdomen? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Excess skin or excess fat

Answer: Excess skin or excess fat

Answer: Renuvion Helium plasma

Answer: Renuvion Helium plasma

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Do I have excess skin or excess fat on my lower abdomen? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Excess skin or excess fat

Answer: Excess skin or excess fat

Answer: Renuvion Helium plasma

Answer: Renuvion Helium plasma

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.