How to get rid of belly fat due to menopause?

Question

I am 44 years old. I started early menopause when I was 38. I don't have my period for 2 years already. I have two kids 12 & 10 years old, but I always was in shape & my clothes size was 6. After being in menopause my body started changing now I have 20 extra pounds.The extra weight in my belly area, the hips, thighs, and buttocks.I don't like how my body is now. I am considering a tummy tuck with lipo, but I don't want the smile scar on my belly. What do you suggest? thanks

David L. Kaufman, MD FACS · Answer

Hormonal changes can alter the way the body stores and distributes
fat. Understand that liposuction and tummy tucks are body contouring
procedures, not weight loss procedures. They are intended to fine tune your
figure and address specific problem areas. My advice would be to work on losing
weight and reassess how you feel about your body once you are at or very near
your target weight. If you still feel there are problem areas that aren’t
responding to diet and exercise or there’s excess skin that bothers you, then
visiting a qualified surgeon to discuss lipo and/or a tummy tuck can help you
reach your goals.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Menopause can really turn your world upside down! Metabolism slows down and hormones rule. Unfortunately hormones can increase belly fat which can be addressed by diet and exercise. I suggest you contact a board certified plastic surgeon in your area and have an evaluation. The PS will give you his/her recommendations and point you in the best direction for your best health. #menopause  #weightgain  #PSevaluation

Steven J. Rottman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. It has been well documented that menopause is associated with a slower metabolism and weight gain. If a strict diet and exercise do not help you lose this weight, there are several surgical options. If you do not have significant excess skin, liposuction alone could be performed. If you have excess skin along with the abdominal fat, a tummy tuck would be the appropriate procedure. I often combine liposuction with a tummy tuck to achieve the best results.Without seeing your photos, it is hard to say which option is best for you. I always recommend seeing a board certified plastic surgeon who commonly performs these procedures for proper advice. Good luck.

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

It's not fair that menopause contributes to slower metabolism and slow weight gain with loss of shapely curves.  And in spite of diet and exercise, these areas are extremely difficult to lose.While not for weight loss, but to remove problem areas of fat, Vaser ultrasound liposuction is ideal and offers skin tightening. Other skin tightening modalities such as smart lipo, thermi tight may be necessary.An an exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon who performs these procedures is recommended to discuss your options and expectations.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

Photos or physical exam preferable, but it sounds like liposuction alone may be all you need. Be sure to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Good Luck!

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

The right procedure is going to depend on a lot of factors such as your skin condition, amount of excess skin and amount of fat, all of which require an in person exam. However, for starters, I would suggest that you take off the extra weight before pursuing any cosmetic option. A reasonable eating plan such as Weight Watcher combined with a simple exercise regime of walking can do wonders. Best, Dr. Nazarian

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,Thank you for the question. The best approach to transform your shape will depend on factors such as excess skin, abdominal muscle separation, intra-abdominal fat and overall body fat. The best, first step is often to lose any excess weight that you can through diet and exercise and then maintain that stable weight for a few months before planning surgery. This is the only way to lose fat which is intra-abdominal-surrounding your internal organs and causing a round, protruding upper belly.If you have excess skin, the only way to remove it is will a Tummy Tuck procedure which does leave a scar, but this can usually be hidden well below the underwear line. I recommend that you book an in-person consultation with a board certified Plastic Surgeon so that they can examine you in person and talk about your aesthetic goals with you. They will then be able to advise the best approach to get you where you want to be.All the best

Shain A. Cuber, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Hormones can cause array of problems in women including stubborn belly fat that can be a nuisance.  A tummy tuck is a fantastic way to flatten your stomach and tighten the muscles.  The procedure works best for someone who has loose skin that can be removed.  Liposuction can be a good option with minimal scarring and little down time.  Your best bet would be to consult a board certified plastic surgeon who can examine you and determine what procedure would benefit you the most.

Deborah Ekstrom, MD · Answer

If you are not the same weight as before menopause, a weight loss diet may be the answer if you want to avoid all scars.If you are the same weight but the fat has shifted to new locations, find a doctor who can supervise the hCG diet protocol for you. This diet burns off storage body fat from around the abdominal organs and from thighs, hip rolls and other storage fat areas of accumulation. It is very strict, lasts 6 weeks, and requires committment, dedication, and a decision for healthy eating to maintain your new shape. Weight loss with good attention to the rules varies between 20 and 40 pounds for women typically.  Of course if you cheat the weight loss does not materialize and the body contours don't improve.All other solutions are surgical and involve at least some scars of some kind.  But surgery cannot get rid of fatty tissue on the inside of your abdomen.

George C. Peck, Jr, MD · Answer

Liposuction will remove excess fat with minimal scars but liposuction alone will not tighten the skin. If you are more concerned about the excess fat than the tightness of the skin, you may be a candidate for liposuction.Best wishes!

How to get rid of belly fat due to menopause?

Answers (12)

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