Christopher Chung, M.D.
American Board of Plastic Surgery
Chief Medical Officer
Sono Bello

People retain body fat in different ways areas based on genetics, body chemistry, and lifestyle habits. For many, the fat that accumulates around the belly and midsection can be especially hard to burn off naturally due to the fact that it is considered “active fat.”

These fat cells don’t simply sit dormant under the skin; they produce hormones, proteins, and other chemicals that make them especially resilient. However, too much belly fat can be damaging to an individual’s self-confidence.

Fortunately, modern medicine has made it safe and effective to permanently eliminate this unwanted belly fat through a variety of methods, including surgery, dieting, and healthy lifestyle choices.

Permanently remove stubborn belly fat with body contouring procedures

Today, there is a wide range of body contouring treatments that can be tailored to patients’ unique goals and problem areas to help reduce and even eliminate belly fat permanently.

These treatment options include liposuction, abdominal skin tightening, sculpting, and cellulite reduction. Under the care of an experienced surgeon, patients who opt for these procedures can reduce their belly fat and achieve their dream body.

Using micro-laser liposuction to remove stubborn belly fat

Micro-laser liposuction is one of the most advanced fat removal treatments available and can be one of the most effective at getting rid of belly fat quickly and permanently.

During the procedure, the surgeon uses power-assisted technologies to remove belly fat through minimally invasive microcannulas. Micro-lasers are used to heat and melt this fat for extraction and can also help to shape and contour the patient’s remaining fat to help achieve a smoother, more ideal look.

Micro-laser liposuction procedures like Sono Bello’s TriSculpt® allow surgeons to remove stubborn belly fat effectively and accurately in just one visit. And because the procedure is considered permanent, the fat removed cannot come back or re-grow after the procedure is complete.

Cosmetically, this procedure requires only small incisions, and the heat generated by the lasers can also help to stimulate collagen production. This helps to rejuvenate the skin, leading to smoother, more natural-looking results during and after recovery.

Remove belly fat with abdominal contouring and excess skin removal

Tummy tuck alternatives such as AbEX™ may also help patients achieve a flatter, tighter tummy. This procedure may be the ideal surgical option for people who struggle with both stubborn belly fat and excess skin on the abdomen.

The goal of a procedure like AbEX™ is to help patients achieve a more toned and sculpted look after fat is removed. Although AbEX is considered an alternative to a more traditional tummy tuck, it offers several advantages that make it a more desirable option for many patients:

• AbEX may be able to remove a larger amount of belly fat. Average tummy tucks are entirely focused on tightening the abdominal skin and include only marginal fat removal.
• AbEX is available to people with higher BMIs. Because ABEX is a viable option for people with a body mass index between 18 and 42, it may be a more inviting option for individuals compared to a traditional tummy tuck (usually only available to people with a BMI under 35.
• AbEX is minimally invasive and does not require muscle repair as part of the procedure, helping to speed recovery time and provide a smoother result for many patients.
• AbEX requires only localized anesthesia, which lowers the chances of surgical complications. Traditional tummy tucks use general anesthesia, which is riskier.

Whether someone elects to go with the liposuction procedure or liposuction plus excess skin removal, it’s critical to choose a surgeon with the expertise and tools to achieve the patient’s belly fat loss goals safely and successfully.

Dietary habits to help keep belly fat off after liposuction

Alongside these liposuction procedures, there are many ways patients can keep their belly fat low naturally, including their diet.

The big picture goal when it comes to eating for reduced belly fat is to achieve a healthy caloric balance. This means that the amount of food that someone consumes should be equal to or less than the energy that they expend during daily activities.

The key for patients is eating healthy foods that make them feel full and suppress cravings. These include:

• Fiber rich foods such as whole grains, fruits, berries, and vegetables.
• Lean proteins like chicken, fish, and beans.
• Foods containing “good fats” such as nuts, seeds, avocados, and olive oil.

There are also foods that can boost metabolism and stimulate the body’s natural fat-burning mechanisms. These include:

• Yogurt and other probiotic-rich foods improve gut health and decrease inflammation.
• Green tea, which is high in antioxidants and has been shown to decrease belly fat.
• Anti-inflammatory spices such as cinnamon, turmeric, and ginger can improve metabolism and insulin sensitivity.

To keep belly fat off, it’s important for liposuction patients to focus on eating a diet that consists of moderate portion sizes and is rich in whole, unprocessed foods.

Exercises for keeping belly fat off after liposuction

Cardiovascular exercises, such as running, biking, and swimming, are effective in burning calories and reducing belly fat. But there are other workouts people can do to keep belly fat off.

Strength training and weightlifting are also effective at helping to burn belly fat since they build muscle and boost metabolism. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) that incorporates short bursts of activity followed by rest can also help burn belly fat, and may even be more effective than steady-state cardio for reducing belly fat.

Low-impact exercises such as yoga can also help patients burn belly fat while improving flexibility and balance. Yoga may also help reduce stress levels, and high stress has been associated with weight gain. For the more physically active crowd, some styles of yoga such as vinyasa or power yoga can be especially effective for burning belly fat.

Lifestyle habits to keep belly fat off

Leading a healthy lifestyle means more than eating the right foods and working out every day. It also means getting enough sleep, trying to reduce stress, staying hydrated, and limiting alcohol consumption.

Whether a person is trying to lose belly fat or keep it off, it’s important to have discipline and focus. Being stressed out or sleep deprived can disrupt your progress and make a person more likely to give in to their unhealthy impulses.

There are a lot of ways to lose belly fat fast

When someone feels like they’re doing everything they can to burn off belly fat but seeing less-than-ideal results, a procedure like liposuction may be the best answer.

For anyone feeling like their outward appearance doesn’t reflect their lifestyle or who they are on the inside, stubborn belly fat can be discouraging—but it can be removed for good. Sono Bello offers cost-friendly options to fit every budget and treatment plans to match every patient’s body and goals.

The best way to know if liposuction is the right choice for a patient is to schedule a free consultation with a Sono Bello Patient Care Consultant today. They can help an individual determine whether they are eligible for a liposuction procedure, and which Sono Bello procedure might be right for them.