Which Belly Type Do You Have? Understanding Belly Shapes Before Liposuction

At Rattinan Clinic, we believe that every person’s body is unique—and so are their concerns about belly fat. If you’re thinking about liposuction to achieve a flatter, more sculpted abdomen, one of the first steps is understanding your belly type. This knowledge is essential for setting realistic expectations, choosing the right treatment, and achieving satisfying, long-lasting results.

Many patients come to us looking for a solution to stubborn belly fat. However, not all belly fat is the same. There are two key types:

• Subcutaneous fat: Fat just beneath the skin, typically soft and pinchable. Liposuction effectively removes this type.
• Visceral fat: Fat stored deeper inside the abdomen, surrounding the organs. This type is firm and cannot be treated with liposuction. Lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise are essential for reducing visceral fat.

Additionally, factors like skin laxity and muscle separation (diastasis recti) can affect the outcome. At Rattinan Clinic, our surgeons perform a thorough individualized assessment to recommend the most suitable treatment for your body type.

Let’s explore the most common belly types we see at Rattinan Clinic, and how each relates to liposuction.

• Causes: Hormonal imbalances, stress (high cortisol levels).
• Appearance: Fat accumulation mainly in the lower belly.

Can Liposuction Help?
Yes, if the fat is subcutaneous. However, it’s important to manage hormone levels for long-term success. Our team often works with specialists to address underlying issues.

• Causes: Pregnancy can stretch the skin and abdominal muscles, leading to excess skin and fat.
• Appearance: A pouch-like belly, often accompanied by loose skin.

Can Liposuction Help?
Liposuction can remove stubborn fat, but if you have significant skin laxity or muscle separation, we may recommend BodyTite for skin tightening or a tummy tuck. Rattinan’s surgical techniques focus on minimizing scarring and downtime.

• Causes: Digestive issues, food intolerances, and water retention.
• Appearance: Belly size fluctuates, often feeling firm or tight.

Can Liposuction Help?
No. Liposuction is not suitable for bloating. Our doctors may recommend a digestive health consultation before considering aesthetic treatments.

• Causes: Poor diet, lack of exercise, genetics.
• Appearance: Hard, firm belly that protrudes.

Can Liposuction Help?
Unfortunately, no. Visceral fat lies deep within the abdomen. We recommend focusing on weight loss and lifestyle changes first. Once visceral fat is reduced, we can assess if liposuction can further enhance your body contour.

• Causes: Genetics, localized fat deposits.
• Appearance: Soft, pinchable fat around the belly, resistant to diet and exercise.

Can Liposuction Help?
Absolutely. This is the ideal candidate for liposuction. Our advanced techniques—such as VASER Lipo, BodyTite, or Renuvion (J-Plasma)—help remove fat precisely and tighten the skin for a smooth, natural look.

• Try the pinch test: Soft, pinchable fat suggests subcutaneous fat. Hard, un-pinchable fat often indicates visceral fat.
• Look for loose skin or muscle separation: These may need additional procedures alongside liposuction.

The best way to know for sure? Book a consultation at Rattinan Clinic. Our experienced surgeons will assess your belly type using advanced diagnostic tools.

We offer a variety of minimally invasive techniques, ensuring personalized care and natural-looking results:

• VASER Liposuction: Targets and breaks down fat while preserving surrounding tissues.
• BodyTite & NeckTite: Combine fat removal with skin tightening through radiofrequency technology.
• Renuvion (J-Plasma): Advanced skin tightening for patients with mild to moderate skin laxity.
• Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty): Ideal for those with severe skin sagging or muscle separation.

Each technique is chosen based on your unique anatomy and aesthetic goals, ensuring optimal outcomes.

Recovery and results vary depending on your belly type and chosen procedure:

• Swelling and bruising are normal in the first few weeks.
• Skin tightening treatments like BodyTite and Renuvion can enhance results for those with looser skin.
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle post-procedure is crucial, especially for hormonal or visceral belly types.