The problem you are facing is not uncommon, as fat response to weight loss/gain and exercise differs amongst different anatomical parts of the body, even in the same individual.
Tummy bulges may be due to a number of causes, with the most common cause being excess fat and skin. This can be treated very effectively with either liposuction or a mini-tummy tuck, depending on the amount of excess skin.
The bulge may not only be due to fat excess; many of my post-pregnancy patients also have a bulge due to recti diastasis (widening of the tummy muscles). This can be determined in a clinic consultation, and has to be repaired surgically as it is akin to a hernia.
Often, these ladies are slim and have returned to pre-pregnancy weight, but are left with an unsightly bulge in the middle that is worse with strain, or after a full meal. This is not due to fat or excess skin, but rather due to a diastasis (moving apart) of the abdominal muscles.
Risk factors include:
- Multiple pregnancies
- Heavy birth weight of more than 3.5kg
- Caesarean section delivery
In these cases, surgery is required to repair the muscle diastasis. Many also have concurrent umbilical hernias, resulting in an “outie”, which can also be repaired at the same time. This is a medical issue, rather than simply a cosmetic problem.
Although non-surgical methods exist for fat reduction, the response by patients is extremely variable. Furthermore, repeated treatment is often required as the results are not sustained.
Liposuction is the only sure method of removing the excess fat. Results are almost guaranteed and are sustained in the long term, particularly with a healthy diet and exercise.
It is a simple surgery and very safe when performed by a qualified surgeon. It is a day surgery procedure, and patients are able to return to office-based work in a couple of days.
The surgery is done under general anaesthesia or deep intravenous sedation. My patients all go home on the same day with minimal assistance. Post-surgical pain is very manageable with oral painkillers.
There will be a need to wear a compression garment or binder for the first 3-4 weeks, which can be easily hidden under regular clothing. Return to active exercise and gym work is recommended only after 6 weeks.
