How to Get Rid of Hanging Belly Skin
BodyTite is one of the signature cosmetic procedures at The Rae Clinic. Prof. Ali Ghanem, Clinical Director at The Rae Clinic, was the first plastic surgeon to perform the procedure in the UK. BodyTite is a minimally invasive body contouring procedure that is widely recognised to be the most effective cosmetic treatment for achieving a sculpted body. Its benefits are many and versatile, but below we'll dive into how BodyTite can help eliminate a hanging belly as a result of a C-section.
Why Does the Belly Hang After C-Section
A hanging belly, also referred to as a c-section 'shelf' or 'pooch', is the visible layer of excess skin and fat that hangs over the scar from a cesarean section. A hanging belly is a result of the following changes that your body undergoes during pregnancy: an increase in the surface area of the skin as the abdomen expands; the stretching of muscles; the skin becoming thinner due to hormonal changes. These changes lead to an increased laxity in the abdominal skin and the muscles of the abdominal wall.
While this laxity is common among all pregnant women, those who have had a c-section delivery are likely to be left with a noticeable hanging belly following the birth. This is because a c-section scar creates an effect akin to a tight band being placed at the bottom of the abdomen. This forces the lax abdominal skin and muscles to hang over the tightness of the scar.
How Long Does It Take to Lose Postpartum Belly Naturally?
Following a pregnancy, your body's natural healing process will kick in and you will begin to regain your original form with time. However, the rate at which this process occurs varies with each individual. While some women are able to get rid of their postpartum belly in a matter of months, for others it can take several years. The process is influenced by factors such as your age and the extent of your 'hang'.
While a healthy diet and exercise routine can help you revert back to your original appearance quicker, unlike cosmetic treatments, they aren't able to help you target the excess fat deposits in your hanging belly.
BodyTite for Post-Pregnancy Tummy
What is BodyTite?
BodyTite is a minimally invasive body contouring procedure that uses an advanced technology known as radio frequency-assisted lipolysis (RFAL). The radio-frequency (RF) energy from the BodyTite device can remove excess fat and tighten the skin in a specified area of the body, including the abdomen. Due to its dual benefits as well as its relatively short recovery period, it is considered the most convenient and efficient body contouring procedure in cosmetic surgery.
How BodyTite helps with a Hanging Belly
The BodyTite technology can be applied directly onto the abdomen to target and eliminate a hanging belly. Given that a hanging belly consists of excess fat and loose skin, BodyTite is the perfect procedure to get rid of it as it is designed to simultaneously eliminate both problems. BodyTite will restore your pre-pregnancy belly by shrinking the fat cells in the hanging belly and contracting the skin around the abdomen by as much as 47%.
BodyTite Cost
The cost of the BodyTite procedure will depend on the size of the area that needs to be treated to get rid of the hanging belly. You will have the opportunity to discuss the specifics of your treatment with our plastic surgeon. However, prices for treating one area of the body start from £3900.
BodyTite Procedure
Once a local anesthetic is administered, the BodyTite device by Inmode which consists of an internal electrode with a suction cannula and a round external electrode is used to carry out the procedure. The cannula is inserted into the targeted area where it emits RF heat that dissolves and suctions out the fat cells. Simultaneously, the RF heat from the internal electrode is transmitted to the external electrode which is smoothed across the surface of the skin in order to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, which in turn tightens the skin.
BodyTite Recovery
The speed of recovery following a BodyTite procedure will depend on the size of the area being treated. In general, relatively large areas such as the abdomen usually require around 7-10 days of downtime after which most patients feel comfortable resuming normal activities.
BodyTite Before and After
Surgery for removing a hanging belly
BodyTite is often combined with liposuction surgery in order to achieve optimal results. While the BodyTite device delivers significant skin-tightening effects, it only allows for the removal of a small amount of excess fat. In contrast, liposuction techniques such as PAL (Power Assisted Liposuction) can extract large amounts of excess fat, while often leaving behind saggy skin in the treated area.
Therefore, if a patient has a large amount of excess fat in the c-section area, a combination of liposuction and BodyTite will deliver the best results. For more information on the differences between the two procedures and how they are combined read our BodyTite vs Liposuction blog.
In extreme cases, where the patient has a significant amount of excess skin following a c-section, an abdominoplasty, commonly called a 'tummy tuck', may be recommended. This procedure surgically removes the excess skin, tightens the weakened abdominal muscles, and uses liposuction in order to remove excess fat.
BodyTite FAQ
Can BodyTite treat other parts of the body?
BodyTite can be used to treat several other areas of the body other than the abdomen. These include 'love handles' and bra bulges on the back; 'man boobs' or Gynecomastia on the chest; 'saddlebags' on the inner and outer thighs; 'bingo arms' on the upper arms; the buttocks.
How many BodyTite treatments will I need?
The BodyTite treatment is performed in one session which usually takes between 1 to 2 hours depending on the size of the area being treated. However, the procedure can be repeated after 12 months if needed.
Is BodyTite permanent?
The results of BodyTite are permanent in the sense that it permanently removes excess fat cells from your body. Thus, you will be able to permanently get rid of your hanging belly. However, a healthy diet and regular exercise are essential to maintaining the results of the procedure. In addition, since saggy skin is a natural part of aging, the overall results from the procedure are expected to last between 2-4 years.
Is BodyTite worth it?
A hanging belly can make many women feel self-conscious about their bodies. In which case, BodyTite is an effective and worthwhile solution for getting rid of a hanging belly. In particular, due to its minimally invasive methods that require minimal downtime while providing the dual benefits of fat removal and skin tightening, it is a more attractive option compared to other contouring procedures such as a tummy tuck.
Where can I get BodyTite?
If you choose to have your BodyTite procedure at Rae Clinic London, you will be treated by Prof. Ali Ghanem, a world-renowned plastic surgeon who specialises in body contouring procedures using the latest technologies, and was the first surgeon in the UK to perform the procedure.
How to Get Rid of Hanging Belly Skin
Source: https://raeclinic.co.uk/blog/remove-hanging-belly-c-section/