Treatment for Pot Belly in Tampa Bay

What Is a Pot Belly?

Do you have a pot belly? Don’t worry – you’re not alone! In fact, a pot belly is quite common. But what is it exactly? And more importantly, what can you do about it? 

A pot belly is troublesome excess fat around the stomach area. When combined with excess fat around the stomach area, weak stomach muscles create an appearance known as a “potbelly.” Generally speaking, more than one inch of fat in this area will manifest as a potbelly.

The fat located in and around our midsections is made up of two types, subcutaneous and visceral.

Subcutaneous: means “under the skin,” is the layer of fat we can see and pinch. 

Visceral: which means “of the soft organs in the abdomen,” is fat accumulated deep in the abdomen around the intestines, kidneys, pancreas, and liver – this is the type of fat that makes stomachs protrude.

What Causes a Pot Belly?

What causes a pot belly? The answer is complicated. A person’s genetics, food choices, stress levels, and hormones can impact their weight around their midsection and result in a potbelly. 

Genetics: We all have different genetic dispositions that make us more or less susceptible to developing certain conditions. Some people are born with a predisposition for heart disease, while others are more likely to develop diabetes. It turns out that there may even be a genetic component to weight gain and/or pot bellies. Researchers have found that specific genes are associated with an increased risk of developing abdominal obesity. 

Stress: High cortisol levels, a stress hormone produced when we feel threatened or intimidated, can trigger our bodies to feel stressed. It gives us an intense appetite and causes weight gain, most notably in the belly area. 

Hormones: Declining sex hormones is another crucial reason both men and women start to develop a belly as they age, especially women undergoing menopause. 

Foods That Cause Pot Belly

Think again if you thought that only beer and sugary drinks could give you a pot belly. Many other foods and beverages can cause your stomach to bulge. The amount of abdominal fat that we produce depends on how many calories there are in our diet.

Our bodies were never designed for this easy access to calorie-dense foods like processed snacks or fast food, which contain high sugar and savory fats with low nutritional value compared to those found naturally occurring within whole grains.

Common Treatments for Pot Belly

Many adults struggle with this issue, and several common treatments can help. From diet and exercise to surgery, options are available for those who want to get rid of their pot belly.

Surgical Treatment Options

If you are a candidate for surgical treatment, the team at Egozi Plastic Surgery can help you banish your pot belly for good. Surgical treatment for this area of concern is fast, safe, and effective.

Liposuction Surgery

Liposuction is a surgical procedure used to remove excess fat deposits from areas difficult with diet and exercise. These procedures provide an appealing ability to target specific parts of the body while providing quick relief for problem zones that have seen little improvement through weight loss efforts alone. 

Dr. Egozi will talk through all the different liposuction techniques at your consultation and determine which one is best for you based on various factors. Typical forms of liposuction for pot bellies include Tumescent Liposuction, Ultrasonic Liposuction, Radio Frequency and Laser Liposuction.

Body FX

BodyFX is a long-lasting, non-invasive cosmetic procedure that helps diminish cellulite’s appearance. The procedure can also target subdermal fat on the body, including the stomach area. BodyFX is the first and only non-invasive body contouring and cellulite technology proven in peer-reviewed studies to destroy fat cells and tighten the skin.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Naturally, there are also non-surgical treatments that can help you with your weight loss journey, but they take time and commitment. 

Exercise

Combining aerobic and anaerobic workouts into your routine is the best exercise to get rid of a pot belly stomach. Aerobic exercise helps with fat burning, while anaerobic helps tone muscle. Some workouts are better for your abs than others. Pilates is a total body activity that concentrates on the core. Another way to get rid of a pot belly is through sweat-inducing, heart-pumping workouts like swimming or running. These exercises will help you burn calories and fat while toning your body.

Lifestyle

When you’re experiencing chronic stress, your body produces excess cortisol. This hormone can cause fat storage in the stomach and can be reduced by engaging with lifestyle changes that reduce anxiety, such as yoga or meditation.

Diet

Practicing a healthy diet is always a good idea, but it becomes even more crucial when you have excess belly fat. The first step in addressing your potbelly would be to restrict or eliminate foods high in calories and low in nutrients, such as red meat or cheese with high amounts of saturated fats and processed foods like candy or chips. Reach for more fiber-rich foods and whole grains and high-protein and low-fat foods. Drink plenty of water and steer clear of drinks with empty calories like spirits or soda.

Why Choose Dr. Egozi for Your Pot Belly Treatments?

With over 15 years of cosmetic surgery experience, Dr. Egozi has become one of the most in-demand cosmetic surgeons in the Tampa Bay area. In addition to being a skilled, competent, professional surgeon, Dr. Egozi is a perfectionist with a keen eye for detail who will work closely with you to discuss and deliver the best results possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Get Rid of a Pot Belly Fast?

If you want to get rid of a pot belly fast, the solution is liposuction. Liposuction is performed using a hollow surgical instrument known as a cannula. The cannula is inserted under the skin, and a high-pressure vacuum is applied to break up and remove pockets of fat. Within 3-6 months, the body contouring procedure results become incredibly visible.

How Do I Get Rid of My Pot Belly Naturally?

While a brow lift and an eyelid lift are both highly effective ways to eliminate signs of aging in the upper half of the face, they are each designed to target unique concerns. A brow lift addresses everything from the eyebrows on up, eliminating lines and wrinkles. On the other hand, an eyelid lift, or blepharoplasty, solely addresses eyelid concerns (i.e. hooded upper lids or undereye bags). Depending on the range of your concerns, you may need to combine an eyelid lift with a brow lift for best results.