What are the causes for belly sagging?
Sagging belly is a common aesthetic concern, especially for people who have experienced significant weight changes, pregnancy or aging.
Sagging occurs when the skin and abdominal muscles lose their natural elasticity, resulting in a loose, wrinkled and unfirm appearance.
Postpartum belly sagging
Belly sagging after childbirth is common and can occur for a number of reasons, including:
- Skin Stretching: During pregnancy, the skin on the abdomen stretches to accommodate the growing baby. After giving birth, the skin may not contract fully, resulting in sagging.
- Loss of Elasticity: Hormonal changes during pregnancy affect the elasticity of the skin, making it more prone to sagging.
- Weight Gain and Loss: Weight fluctuations during pregnancy and after childbirth can contribute to a sagging belly.
In addition to exercises aimed at strengthening abdominal muscles and reducing sagging, there are safe and effective treatments to reduce postpartum abdominal sagging. Find out about the treatments on the Postpartum Recovery page.
Non-surgical treatments for the sagging belly
At Living Clinic, we understand the impact that a sagging belly can have on your self-esteem and confidence. That’s why we offer advanced treatments to help you regain firmness and define your abdomen.
Morpheus 8
Using fractional radiofrequency and microneedling, Morpheus 8 stimulates collagen production and improves skin texture, providing a firmer appearance.
EMSculpt NEO
EMSculpt NEO uses technology that combines radiofrequency and high-intensity electromagnetic waves to tone muscles and reduce localized fat, promoting a more sculpted and firmer appearance.
EMTone
EMTone uses a combination of radiofrequency and shock waves to stimulate collagen production, improve skin texture and reduce sagging.
Body radiofrequency (Plus)
Body radiofrequency is a body remodeling treatment that also stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, resulting in firmer, more toned skin.
Bodytite
Bodytite is an innovative treatment that allows body remodeling through RFAL (Radio-Frequency Assisted Lipolysis) technology. It is a treatment carried out in a single session and is often combined with liposuction (in the operating room).
Collagen Biostimulators
Collagen biostimulators are injectable substances that, as the name suggests, stimulate collagen production. Some of the most popular are Poly-L-lactic Acid (commercially known as Sculptra), Calcium Hydroxyapatite (commercially known as Radiesse) and Profhilo.
Surgery for the sagging belly (Abdominoplasty)
In more severe cases of sagging, invasive treatments may be considered. These treatments involve cosmetic surgery performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. This is the case of abdominoplasty, a surgery that removes excess skin and abdominal fat, in addition to repositioning the abdominal muscles, resulting in a firmer and more toned belly.
“Apron belly” treatment
“Apron belly” is a common term used to describe a condition in which the skin and fatty tissue of the abdominal region accumulates in excess and hangs over the pelvis area, creating an apron-like overlay. This results in a loose, sagging bulge in the lower abdomen, which can be a cosmetic and, in some cases, functional concern.
The causes of an apron belly can vary, and often involve a combination of factors, such as significant weight gain or drastic weight loss, pregnancy, aging, genetic or hormonal factors.
An apron belly can not only cause aesthetic discomfort, but also lead to functional problems, such as skin rashes, fungal infections, difficulty with personal hygiene and back pain.
For many people, surgical correction, such as a tummy tuck, can be an option to remove excess skin and fat, resulting in a firmer, taut belly. However, the decision to have surgery should be discussed with your Living Clinic plastic surgeon after careful assessment of individual needs and goals.
Depending on the level of fat and sagging, the non-invasive Coolsculpting treatment may also be an interesting option. Discover the clinical case of Coolsculpting in Sagging Abdomen: Before and After.
Schedule a consultation to hear our professionals’ recommendations for your particular case and clarify all your doubts.
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