Will Lipo Fix my Large Protuding Buddha Belly?

Question

I went for a breast aug consult and have also decided and set a date for lipo. I am concerned though, because my belly is somewhat distended (and the physician never really touched my stomach to see if it is hard or soft ect)that lipo may not removed this bloated appearing fat (but i am not bloated.. I have had a belly that makes me look about 6 mos along for about a year now/im 24 yrs old) I am 5'1 and under 120 lbs in realtivley good shape except for my odd stomach. will lipo fix this fat? thanks

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

You have to be examined to determine if your shape is related to a weak stomach muscle envelope called fascia, which could allow the wall to bow forward, vs. an accumulation of fat. If it is fat, determine if it is below the muscle or above the muscle wall. Only the latter situation is responsive to liposuction. A muscle weakness needs to be addressed by a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty).

Brent Moelleken, MD · Answer

Liposuction only treats that fat that can be pinched on the outside of your abdomen. It does not treat the deep layer, the fascia, that is often stretched out from childbirth.
Liposuction also does not treat hanging skin or loose skin.
During your examination, your doctor should palpate where the fat was and where the fascia- the deep layer- was, and what the limitations of liposuction are, what the alternatives are (including tummy tuck), the risks of surgery, etc.  That is part of a basic examination and consultation..

Garrett Jones, DO · Answer

Liposuction can be an effective treatment for reducing excess fat deposits in various areas of the body, including the abdomen. However, it's important to understand that liposuction is not a weight loss procedure or a treatment for obesity. Additionally, liposuction may not be suitable for addressing certain types of abdominal protrusion, such as a large, protuding "Buddha belly" caused by factors like abdominal wall laxity or excess intra-abdominal fat.Here are some considerations regarding liposuction and its potential effectiveness for addressing a large, protruding abdomen:1. Types of Abdominal Protrusion: A "Buddha belly" can have various underlying causes, including excess subcutaneous fat, visceral fat (fat around the organs), abdominal muscle laxity, or a combination of these factors. Liposuction is primarily designed to remove excess subcutaneous fat, so it may be effective for individuals with primarily fatty deposits contributing to abdominal protrusion.2. Skin Elasticity: Liposuction works best in individuals with good skin elasticity, as the skin needs to be able to contract and conform to the new contours of the body after fat removal. If you have poor skin elasticity or significant skin laxity, liposuction alone may not adequately address abdominal protrusion, and additional procedures such as abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) may be necessary to remove excess skin and tighten the abdominal muscles.3. Realistic Expectations: It's important to have realistic expectations about the results of liposuction. While liposuction can remove stubborn pockets of fat and improve body contours, it may not completely eliminate a large, protruding abdomen or achieve a completely flat stomach, particularly if there are other underlying factors contributing to abdominal protrusion.4. Consultation with a Plastic Surgeon: If you're considering liposuction to address a large, protruding abdomen, it's essential to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. During the consultation, the plastic surgeon will assess your abdominal anatomy, discuss your concerns and goals, and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan based on your individual needs and circumstances.In summary, liposuction can be an effective option for reducing excess fat and improving body contours in the abdomen, but its suitability for addressing a large, protruding "Buddha belly" depends on various factors such as the underlying cause of the protrusion, skin elasticity, and individual anatomy. Consulting with a skilled plastic surgeon is the best way to determine the most appropriate treatment approach for achieving your desired results.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well.
It seems like you could benefit from liposuction on your abdomen. Unfortunately, without pictures, it is very difficult to give you a proper answer. l recommend you to make an appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon to talk about your goals and anything you need to know.
Good luck :)

Carl W. "Rick" Lentz III, MD (retired) · Answer

The most likely cause of a large protruding abdomen like Buddha is intra abdominal fat deposition. This excess abdominal fat is sometimes called a beer belly especially in men who seem to put much of their extra fat inside the abdomen and not on the hip, thighs etc. The intra abdominal fat is not able to be removed by liposuction. Only fat on the out side of the abdomen can be addressed by liposuction. If the buddha belly gets bigger when you push out your abdominal muscles and smaller when you suck you abdomen in, then that is intra abdominal fat and the only was to loose this is with dietary modifications.

Will Lipo Fix my Large Protuding Buddha Belly?

Answers (6)

Answer: Will Lipo Fix my Large Protuding Buddha Belly?

Answer: Will Lipo Fix my Large Protuding Buddha Belly?

Answer: Not likely if what you mean is a large protruding abdomen

Answer: Not likely if what you mean is a large protruding abdomen

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Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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Will Lipo Fix my Large Protuding Buddha Belly?

Answers (6)

Answer: Will Lipo Fix my Large Protuding Buddha Belly?

Answer: Will Lipo Fix my Large Protuding Buddha Belly?

Answer: Not likely if what you mean is a large protruding abdomen

Answer: Not likely if what you mean is a large protruding abdomen

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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