Let’s face it: Belly fat is hard to get rid of and can be damaging to our self-confidence.
Maybe you’ve noticed an increase in fat around your waistline as you’ve gotten older. Or maybe you’ve achieved significant weight loss but just can’t seem to shed those stubborn pounds around your abdomen.
Regardless of the reason, when frustrating belly fat keeps you from feeling your best, you need surgical options. Fortunately, you can target this subcutaneous fat with an abdominoplasty.
OKC is home to Cosmetic Surgery Affiliates, where our highly trained surgeons are experts on all things stomach fat removal.
Keep reading our blog to learn more about belly fat, how it forms, and the abdominoplasty process. When you’re ready to speak with one of our surgeons, visit our website and schedule your consultation to learn more.
What is subcutaneous fat?
Subcutaneous fat is a type of fat that is stored in the deepest layer of your skin. This is the type of fat that can be grabbed and pinched in between your fingers.
In most people, about 90% of body fat is subcutaneous. This type of fat is most commonly found in the following:
- Abdomen
- Hips
- Thighs
- Butt
Though too much body fat can lead to health concerns like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke, it isn’t entirely bad. Subcutaneous fat can be used to pad bones and muscles, control your body temperature, and support blood vessels and nerves.
Causes Behind Belly Fat
There are a variety of reasons why you may have noticed an increase in subcutaneous fat around your abdomen. These causes include everything from aged-related body changes to your lifestyle and habits.
Genetics
Body fat distribution is largely influenced by genetics. Though everyone is born with subcutaneous fat, genetics often dictate how much fat you have and where it’s located.
If your closely related family members have a large amount of subcutaneous belly fat, you are more likely to have it as well.
Aging Bodies
An increase in subcutaneous belly fat is also common among aging individuals, more specifically in women. This increase is caused by menopause, which is a stage in a woman’s life when her menstrual periods stop permanently.
Estrogen production decreases during menopause, which is a hormone that can influence where fat is located in the body. This marks a shift in fat storage, generally favoring the waist instead of the hips or thighs.
As a result, many middle-aged women experience a waistline increase, even when they haven’t actually gained weight.
Unhealthy Diet
A poor diet with large amounts of fatty food is one of the main causes of an increase in subcutaneous belly fat.
When a person regularly consumes more calories than they burn, it can cause an increase in fat storage. As a result, diets that consist of high-calorie and non-nutritious foods can increase weight gain and belly fat levels.
Lack of Exercise
Low physical activity levels are another major indicator of a person’s increase in body fat levels.
To lose weight, a person needs to burn more calories than they consume in a day. If not, you run the risk of storing excess fat.
Additionally, an increase in weight and physical inactivity can make it harder for a person to start exercising.This can create a weight gain cycle and become a difficult habit to break.
What is an abdominoplasty?
An abdominoplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure that creates a smoother, firmer stomach area. Also referred to as a tummy tuck, this procedure is your best surgical option for removing subcutaneous belly fat.
An abdominoplasty addresses a protruding stomach by making an incision in the lower abdomen and tightening the stomach muscles.
If you’ve worked hard to achieve your weight loss goals but can’t reduce your stomach size, we recommend an abdominoplasty. OKC’s Cosmetic Surgery Affiliates tummy tuck experts are here to help you eliminate frustrating stomach fat for good.
Types of Abdominoplasty Procedures
There are a variety of abdominoplasty procedure types, including the following:
Full
A full tummy tuck is the most commonly performed version of this procedure.
During surgery, your provider will make an incision between your belly button and pubic region. The length of this incision will depend on the amount of extra skin around your abdomen.
Extended
This version of an abdominoplasty targets excess skin and fat around the stomach, love handles, waist, and hips. It involves a longer incision that reaches from the front of the abdomen to the back by the love handles.
Mini
A mini tummy tuck is the least commonly performed version of this procedure, as very few patients qualify for it. It involves a small incision in the groin region as well as liposuction in the upper and lower flanks. This procedure focuses on loose skin below the belly button only.
Who is a good candidate for an abdominoplasty?
The ideal candidate for a tummy tuck procedure is in good health and at least 18 years of age. This also includes patients with excess fat and skin around the abdomen who are otherwise at a stable weight.
The best candidates for an abdominoplasty are those who have realistic expectations of the procedure. It’s important to note that an abdominoplasty is not a “quick fix” weight loss solution.
This procedure is best used as a tool in creating a more defined figure after significant weight loss.
We do not recommend this procedure for patients who are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant in the future. We recommend waiting to have your procedure until you’re finished adding to your family to avoid compromising your results.
We also do not recommend this procedure for individuals who would be unable to stop smoking before and after the procedure. Quitting smoking before a planned surgery can significantly lower the risk of complications and poor wound healing.
The CSA Abdominoplasty Process
When it comes to eliminating stubborn belly fat, we’re proud to serve as your experts for all things abdominoplasty. OKC is home to Cosmetic Surgery Affiliates and a team that’s dedicated to helping you achieve results you’ll feel confident in.
Here is what you can expect when you choose CSA for your tummy tuck procedure.
An In-Depth Consultation
Your Cosmetic Surgery Affiliates experience will begin with a comprehensive consultation with one of our expert surgeons. Here, you will have the opportunity to meet your provider and share your ideal outcomes from your tummy tuck.
From there, your surgeon will describe the abdominoplasty procedure process in detail. We recommend bringing a pen and paper to take notes and look back on for future reference.
During this time, you will also have the chance to ask questions and share your concerns about your procedure. Surgery can have a significant impact on your life, so be sure to ask for clarification whenever necessary.
Your doctor may ask you about your medical history, previous surgeries, and any current medications you’re taking. This is to minimize the risk of running into unforeseen complications during your procedure.
If a tummy tuck is your best option, your surgeon will then get to work creating your personalized procedure plan.
A Comprehensive Procedure
Though it can be overwhelming to undergo major procedures like an abdominoplasty, OKC’s team at Cosmetic Surgery Affiliates is here to support you through every step.
A tummy tuck is an outpatient procedure, which means you will be able to go home after surgery. You may need to stay the night at the hospital if you undergo another cosmetic procedure at the same time.
On the day of surgery, your provider will administer general anesthesia to put you to sleep and minimize pain.
For your procedure, your surgeon will first make an incision in your abdominal area. The size and location of this incision will depend on the type of abdominoplasty you choose to have done.
From there, your surgeon will pull down and remove any excess abdominal skin. They will also make an opening to move your navel into position and insert drainage tubes if necessary.
To complete your procedure, your surgeon will suture the incision site closed and bandage the area.
Your abdominoplasty will take approximately 90 minutes to complete, but could take longer if you’re having another procedure done as well.
A Full Recovery
Immediately after your abdominoplasty in OKC, you may feel sore, tired, and disoriented. You will be under observation until your anesthetic wears off and we clear you to go home.
During this time, your surgeon will also advise you on which pain relievers to take and comfortable positions for resting.
After your tummy tuck, you will need to have someone pick you up from the hospital and drive you home. We recommend having a friend or family member stay over to assist you throughout the first day of recovery.
You can typically expect 2 to 4 days of downtime and 1 to 2 weeks of recovery following your abdominoplasty. It’s of utmost importance that you take it easy and relax during this time. You should limit strenuous physical activities as much as possible and let your body heal.
Your surgeon will give you a detailed post-operative care guide immediately after your procedure. Be sure to follow these instructions and attend all follow-up appointments to promote optimal healing and recovery.
Schedule Your Abdominoplasty
OKC’s team of highly trained surgeons, nurses, and support staff want to help you achieve your best body.
Regardless of whether your stubborn belly fat is caused by genetics or the hands of time, an abdominoplasty could be the solution you’ve been searching for.
The new year is quickly approaching, so don’t wait to start creating your most confident self. Visit our website to schedule your consultation and kick-start your abdominoplasty journey.
Interested in learning about other cosmetic procedures for the body like an abdominoplasty? OKC’s latest blog posts feature information on butt lifts, stomach fat removal, fat transfers, and more. Head on over to our website to learn more.
