I am thin, but there is this layer of fat on my stomach that has been there for as long as I can remember. Is it normal? (Photo)

Thank you for your questions and pictures. Based on the pictures, you look fantastic.The fat cells are distributed on body differently in different people. When person works out, they work out the muscles and NOT the fat. Muscles can be toned but the fat can not.The ways to remove unwanted fat that is not responsive to diet and exercise is either through localized micro-liposuction or less involved methods such as UltraShape. In any case, I would recommend seeing a doctor that is experienced with both micro-liposuction and less involved methods of fat removal prior to proceeding with the treatments.I hope that helps and best regards, Dr. Sapijaszko.

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your
photograph, you are a great candidate for aliposuction.  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.  The
most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I
recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic
surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

As far as non surgical treatments for this fat, I would recommend Ultrashape.   It is a way of killing your unwanted fat cells using ultrasound.  It works for everyone, which is unlike our experience with Coolsculpting.  We had Coolsculpting for about 1.5 years and had so many unhappy patients that we got rid of it.  If you are willing to consider surgical options, Liposuction will still give you the best result.  

You might be a good candidate for liposuction of the abdomen to get rid of that stubborn fat.  Best of luck.

Based on the pictures alone, you appear to have lipodystrophy with a little more fat deposit around your lower abdomen. Fat cells are distributed throughout the body at an early age based on genes, sex, and hormones. Fat cells get larger and smaller based on weight gain or weight loss. Women tend to have more external fat, while men tend to have more internal fat.Bottom line: Liposuction will remove those unwanted fat cells and significantly modify the lower abdominal "bump". Once the fat cells are removed, they will never be asymmetrical in this area again. Of course, fat cells in other regions of the body may enlarge with future weight gain. Diet and exercise are always important to maintain body shape. Best wishes!