Are there any cosmetic procedures to get rid of fat UNDER the muscle?

Question

I know that liposuction gets rid of fat on top of the muscle, but are there any procedures that will remove fat under the muscle? Or is the only solution diet and exercise?

Richard G. Schwartz, MD · Answer

Patients seeking liposuction or even non-surgical fat reduction for contouring of their trunk occasionally present with a suprisingly large amount of visceral (or internal) fat, which sits behind the abdominal muscles within your abdominal cavity and around your internal organs.  This fat is different from the subcutaneous fat that sits between the skin and abdominal muscle layer.  Although subcutaneous fat can be reduced with liposuction or even in some cases with non-surgical freezing or ultrasound techniques, visceral fat can not.  You must either diet and exercise, or if you are vastly overweight then consider  weight-loss (bariatric) surgery.  As you lose weight, the visceral fat should decrease and your belly contour will improve.

Shayne Webb, MD · Answer

There is no safe way to alleviate fat under the abdominal musculature other than diet and exercise.  Genetic components come into play as well.

Jose Perez-Gurri, MD, FACS · Answer

Intra-abdominal or visceral fat is that which exists between the internal organs of the abdomen. This fat is subject to weight fluctuations and the only surgical way to deal with this fat surgically is to perform bariatric surgery. To qualify for this type of surgery there are certain strict pre-requisites that must be met. This surgery is reserved for morbidly obese individuals. Most of us will recommend diet and exercise before surgical intervention. Good luck, Dr PG

Mark D. Wigod, MD · Answer

We carry weight in two planes or levels on or abdomen - above the rectus muscles and below.  Fat (and additional skin) above the muscle may be removed by the surgeon.  Fat below the muscle is known as visceral fat and can only be decreased with diet and exercise.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Visceral fat is around abdominal organs so ONLY diet and exercise would help... But you stated your own response to your question...

Megan Jack, MD · Answer

There is definitely a way and you are correct - diet and exercise.  The fat underneath the muscle is actually inside the belly, sitting around the intestines and other organs.  There can be a genetic component but it comes down to basic math--too many calories in, not enough out. The excess is stored as fat.  If you need help with the diet/exercise part seek out the assistance of a fitness trainer and/or nutritionist.  You can do it if you put your mind to it! Plus, not only will you look better but your confidence will increase and you will feel better too. Good luck!!

Are there any cosmetic procedures to get rid of fat UNDER the muscle?

Answers (6)

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