If you've long avoided two-piece bathing suits, form-fitting dresses, or other articles of clothing that accentuate your belly, you may be wondering whether there's anything you can do to shrink your stomach and regain your confidence. Whether you're looking to reduce loose skin or target stubborn fat deposits in this area, you have options. However, there is no single "right" choice for every person. Read on to learn more about some cosmetic procedures that can provide the results you're looking for. 

Liposuction

This cosmetic procedure can be ideal for those dealing with fat deposits that just don't seem to budge regardless of how much you diet or exercise. By permanently removing the problematic fat cells through a thin cannula that literally "sucks" them out, liposuction can significantly reshape your abdominal region and give you the confidence you need to wear form-fitting clothes or enjoy a day at the beach without self-consciousness. 

Liposuction is usually an outpatient procedure that won't require overnight hospitalization and depending on your personal preferences and the amount of liposuction you're seeking, you may not even need to be put under general anesthesia. While most patients experience some pain and bruising where the cannula has been inserted, these symptoms will quickly subside, and patients can usually get back to their normal work and exercise routine within just a couple of days.  

(Removing these fat cells won't forever prevent you from gaining weight in this area, however. The remaining fat cells can still expand if you take in more calories than you burn off. It's important to maintain a solid diet and exercise regimen to avoid packing the pounds back on.) 

A "Tummy Tuck"

For patients dealing with a significant amount of loose skin or large fat deposits that can't be fully removed through liposuction alone, a tummy tuck might be a viable solution. Through this procedure, which is essentially a facelift for the stomach, excess skin is removed from the lower stomach and the belly button is lifted and reshaped, creating a firmer, flatter appearance. 

A tummy tuck is a more intensive surgery than liposuction and is performed under general anesthesia. Your doctor, like those at The Surgical Clinic, may wish to keep you overnight in the hospital for observation, and you'll then be discharged and placed on lifting and activity restrictions for the next few weeks. Although you may be left with a hip-to-hip scar where the excess skin was removed, this scar is usually placed well below the bikini line so that it won't be visible in clothing, swimsuits, or even underwear.