A muffin top, spare tire, and belly pooch—there are endless slang terms for stubborn fat in the abdomen, likely because so many of us deal with this condition. Often, a “tummy pooch” won’t budge despite your commitment to regular exercise and a healthy diet, and it can worsen post-pregnancy or after significant weight loss.
Below, we delve into the many causes of a persistent tummy, as well as options that Philadelphia board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brannon Claytor offers to create a firmer, tighter, and more shapely abdominal wall.
Causes of a belly pooch
The abdominal pooch, often referred to as the “mommy tummy,” can develop for a few reasons. Weight gain is an obvious culprit, yet even after significant weight loss, excess skin may be left behind, creating a “stomach” that will never respond to diet or exercise. Pregnancy can stretch abdominal muscles and skin, leading to a noticeable pooch that may include sagging skin post-childbirth.
Dr. R. Brannon Claytor
Dr. Claytor is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and holds over 15 years of experience as a cosmetic plastic surgeon. An innovator and teacher in the field of plastic surgery, he uses advanced techniques like the drain-free tummy tuck and deep plane facelift to streamline recovery and provide natural-looking, durable results.
Related concerns to tummy pooch
Diastasis recti
Diastasis recti, a common condition in women post-pregnancy, refers to the separation of abdominal muscles down the centerline of the stomach. Abdominal separation can contribute significantly to a mommy pooch while also weakening the core ab muscles, impacting physical activity, and leading to lower back pain and pelvic floor dysfunction.
Stretched abdominal skin
Significant weight fluctuations or pregnancy stretch the abdominal skin. This excess skin may not “bounce back,” and can hang over the abdomen. Even with a healthy diet plan and regular exercise, it’s often challenging to tighten loose skin without medical intervention.
“I highly recommend Dr. Claytor to anyone considering plastic surgery. From my first consultation to my post op visits, I was treated by him and his staff with such kindness and true care. Dr. Claytor has so much enthusiasm and obviously loves his profession.”
Surgical options
Even the most consistent cardio workouts can fall short in addressing a stubborn tummy pooch — and exercise definitely can’t remove excess skin. These surgical options can contour the abdominal muscle and skin, making your body contouring goals solidly reach.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a surgical procedure used to remove excess fat deposits in various parts of the body, including the tummy. It can help you achieve a flatter stomach and improve your body contour, making it a popular choice for dealing with the tummy pooch.
SmartLipo
SmartLipo is an alternative to traditional liposuction that uses laser technology to melt away fat, making it easier and less traumatic to remove—and speeding up recovery. This technique can also stimulate collagen production, resulting in tighter skin and excellent skin contraction post-procedure.
SmartLipo
A 28-year-old patient of Dr. Claytor’s is shown 1 month post-op from SmartLipo of the abdomen and flanks (love handles).
*Individual results may vary.
Mini tummy tuck
A mini tummy tuck, also known as partial abdominoplasty, is ideal for people who have a small amount of excess skin and fat below the belly button, but who do not have diastasis recti and therefore do not require abdominal muscle repair. A “mini” results in a slightly shorter scar and recovery time than a full tummy tuck.
Tummy tuck
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a more extensive surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens the abdominal muscles. This leads to a noteworthy transformation, and Dr. Claytor recommends it for those with severe diastasis recti and/or a significant amount of excess skin. A tummy tuck can provide a flat stomach and well-toned abdomen.
“He is a true master of plastic surgery. From day one, Dr. Claytor made me feel comfortable and like I was his only patient. His personal phone calls to check on me before and after surgery is just one example of his true dedication to his patients. He has the best bedside manner of any doctor I have ever met. I am so pleased with my results and that I choose Dr. Claytor”.
Dr. Claytor’s drain-free tummy tuck technique
Patients’ #1 question when it comes to abdominoplasty surgery is, “Will I have a drain in recovery?” Philadelphia plastic surgeon Dr. Brannon Claytor uses a specialized progressive suturing technique in the operating room so that most patients can experience the transformation of a tummy tuck without the need to wear cumbersome drains during recovery. This is not simply a regular tummy tuck without the drains; this technique utilizes the body’s natural lymphatic drainage system (sparing Scarpa’s fascia) to achieve gorgeous slimming results that tighten abdominal muscles and skin with significantly easier after-care.
- Learn more: 4 Reasons to Choose a Drainless Tummy Tuck »
Choosing a surgeon who is right for you is crucial in your journey towards achieving a flatter abdominal wall. Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon who has extensive experience in tummy tucks and liposuction—and who spends time listening to your concerns in the consultation. Check for stellar patient reviews, a commitment to patient education, and active engagement in the medical community.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Brannon Claytor today by calling (610) 527-4833 or contacting us online.
Medically reviewed by Dr. R. Brannon Claytor — Updated on Feb 20, 2024
