What is an apron belly?
Pregnancy, weight loss, and weight gain can cause you to have an excessive amount of fat, tissue, and skin hanging down from your abdomen. Called “apron belly” because it looks like you’re wearing an apron around your waist, it can also be referred to as a pannus stomach. While you might feel like you should hide your belly with baggy clothing or that your apron belly will never go away, you have several options available for restoring your body confidence and achieving your ideal shape.
Apron belly is an internal issue
You cannot always exercise or diet your apron belly away because the problem occurs when the belly and fat around your internal organs expand to accommodate weight gain or pregnancy. This creates extra fat deposits in the apron-like flap under your abdominal muscles but in front of your intestines. However, an apron belly can also happen in people who have lost a lot of weight and have an excess of sagging skin.
Other than the unwanted aesthetic issues associated with an apron belly, there are some severe health issues to consider. Some examples of these issues include:
- Increased risk of certain cancers, such as ovarian cancer
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Skin infections and rashes
- Constant irritation
- Increased sweating
- Emotional and physical discomfort
Reducing or removing your apron belly is possible and can help you feel better about your health and appearance.
You can reduce or remove your apron belly
If you want to reduce or remove your apron belly, improving your self-image and physical comfort, you have several options. Losing weight with a healthy diet and regular exercise is an option because overall weight loss can sometimes reduce fat deposits. However, it is impossible to spot-treat an apron belly because there are two layers of fat in your stomach. The only ways to reduce or remove your apron belly are through overall weight reduction and surgical and non-surgical options that include the following:
- Laser to remove some belly fat
- Panniculectomy, which contours the stomach walls by eliminating the pannus (the apron of excess skin and fat) and can be combined with a tummy tuck
- Plus size tummy tuck, which tightens the abdominal muscles
How to get rid of your apron belly with a plus-size tummy tuck
If you are considered “plus-size,” meaning that you have a high BMI, you might have heard that you must lose weight to be eligible for a tummy tuck. That is no longer the case! Dr. Repta performs the Plus Size Tummy Tuck®, a groundbreaking surgery that allows higher BMI patients to finally rid themselves of excess fat and tissue on the abdomen. The result is that they can enjoy having a flatter, firmer, sculpted tummy.
Some examples of what makes a plus-size tummy tuck different from a traditional tummy tuck are:
- The design of the tummy tuck
- How liposuction is performed
- The anesthesia that is provided during the surgery
All components of the plus-size tummy tuck, from the patient's education before surgery to how the patient is taken care of after the surgery, have been modified to allow us to safely and effectively achieve the best possible results safely and effectively. All of these changes combined are why a tummy tuck can be safely and effectively performed for patients with a high BMI, getting rid of your apron belly and giving back your body confidence.
Recovery from a plus-size tummy tuck takes 2-3 weeks and requires significant downtime from work, exercise, and other physical activities. You should also avoid strenuous activities for at least 4-6 weeks. A continued focus on rest and healing is essential. Surgical drains will be installed to help prevent the buildup of blood or fluids, ultimately ensuring proper recovery and optimal results.
If your abdomen is loose and flabby, and you’re ready to transform your apron belly, Dr. Repta is the ideal choice. With his extensive experience performing this specialized surgery, Dr. Repta completely understands how it is different from a traditional tummy tuck and is recognized as one of the most talented plastic surgeons in the nation for developing innovative surgical techniques. In addition to being a board-certified plastic surgeon in Scottsdale, AZ, Dr. Repta has a warm, caring personality and provides dedicated attention and care to all of his patients. You can be confident that your body transformation will be comfortable, safe, and produce a life-changing result.