Non-Surgical Tummy Tuck
What is possible with non-surgical body contouring treatments
There are a range of non-surgical and non-invasive body sculpting treatments available that can help to tighten skin, tighten fat, reduce cellulite and reduce fat. These treatments can be carried out on numerous areas on the body including the stomach. By combining non-surgical stomach treatments that help to reduce fat, tighten skin and even improve muscle tone we can achieve subtle results comparable to a tummy tuck.
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All body sculpting treatments are available to both men and women.
Non-surgical tummy tuck treatment options
Non-surgical options to achieve results comparable to a tummy tuck include fat reduction, tightening and muscle building treatments. In most cases a combination of treatments spread out over multiple weeks to months will yield the most significant and long term stomach contouring results.
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The non-surgical treatment options are:
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Fat freezing (cryolipolysis):
Fat freezing applicators are placed on the excess fat and reduce the temperature of the area to below minus degrees. This process causes fat cells to crystalise and begin a process called apoptosis. In simple terms, the fat cells begin to self destruct and the bodies natural systems clear the cellular debris from those fat cells without causing damage to any of the other tissue in the treatment area. With premium fat freezing treatment you can achieve up to 40% fat loss in the treatment area with just a single treatment, and often 1 to 3 treatments are enough to reach each clients fat reduction goals.
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Ultrasound cavitation with radiofrequency and vacuum therapy:
This is a combination offered at Fat Freezing Manchester and helps to tighten the skin and underlaying fat, reduce fat from the fat cells and improve the skin structure. This treatment can also improve the appearance of cellulite and improve collagen production in the skin. This combination treatment requires multiple sessions for best results, and a course of 6 treatments is recommended.
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HI-EMT muscle sculpting:
HI-EMT treatment helps to increase muscle tone on the abs and obliques, and in the process this treatment also reduces localised fat at the same time. Our HI-EMT treatment pads emit radiofrequency for further fat reduction and skin tightening results. As with the ultrasound combination treatment a course of 6 treatments is recommended.
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While fat freezing should always be done separately and at least 3 days apart from the other treatments, the ultrasound combination treatment can further be combined with HI-EMT in the same appointments to achieve an even more profound stomach sculpting effect. You can combine fat freezing with the other treatments as long as there are a few days between treatments for best results and to not overwhelm the body's natural systems.
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The surgical tummy tuck
A tummy tuck, medically known as abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of the abdominal area. It typically involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and the tightening of underlying muscles. This surgery aims to create a firmer, smoother abdominal profile by addressing issues such as loose skin and weakened abdominal muscles, often resulting from factors like pregnancy, significant weight loss, or aging. Tummy tucks are not a substitute for weight loss or a healthy lifestyle but can provide a more contoured and aesthetically pleasing abdomen for individuals who meet the criteria for the procedure.
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While tummy tucks (abdominoplasty) are generally considered safe, like any surgical procedure, they do carry some risks. It's essential for individuals considering this surgery to be aware of potential complications. Some of the risks associated with tummy tucks include:
Infection
There is a risk of infection at the incision site, which could lead to complications. Proper post-operative care and antibiotic use can help mitigate this risk.
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Bleeding
Excessive bleeding during or after the surgery is a potential risk. Surgeons take precautions during the procedure to minimize bleeding, but it can still occur.
Seroma or hematoma formation
Fluid accumulation (seroma) or blood collection (hematoma) under the skin may occur after surgery, requiring drainage.
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Poor wound healing
Some individuals may experience delayed or poor wound healing, particularly if they smoke or have certain medical conditions.
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Scarring
While efforts are made to minimize scarring, all surgeries leave scars. The extent and visibility of scars can vary among individuals.
Changes in skin sensation
Numbness or changes in skin sensation, including temporary or permanent loss of sensation in the abdominal area, may occur.
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Skin discoloration
In some cases, the skin around the incision site may become discoloured, though this is usually temporary.
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Blood clots
There is a risk of blood clot formation (deep vein thrombosis) after surgery, especially if the individual remains immobile for extended periods. This can be a serious complication if a clot travels to the lungs (pulmonary embolism).
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Anaesthesia risks
Anaesthesia always carries some risks, such as allergic reactions or adverse effects, though these are generally rare.
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Unsatisfactory cosmetic results
While tummy tucks aim to improve the appearance of the abdomen, individual results can vary, and some may be dissatisfied with the cosmetic outcome.
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Tummy tuck surgery will generally cost between £5,000 and £10,000 in the UK. Options for going to overseas surgical clinics such as clinics in Turkey have become more popular as prices for surgery are often lower. However, many issues have been reported by those that have opted for lower cost tummy tucks and other cosmetic surgery in such clinics and its important to be mindful of the risks involved.
Non-surgical VS surgical stomach tightening
Non-surgical tummy tuck alternatives will always be more subtle than surgical intervention. Depending on the original size of the stomach and the goals, you may require multiple weeks to months to achieve similar results to surgery. However, with non-surgical treatments there are no waiting times prior to treatment nor recovery down time following treatment.
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Surgical stomach tightening will happen in 1 day under full anaesthesia, while no anaesthesia is used with non-surgical treatments. There may be some discomfort during fat freezing specifically, but this usually subsides very quickly at the start of treatment. Other treatments are often considered very relaxing as well as comfortable. Most don't have any discomfort following non-surgical treatments, however some numbness, minor swelling, bruising, tingling and a minor burning sensation may be present for some hours following fat freezing. Bruising can happen as a result of ultrasound and HI-EMT but this is less likely.
How long stomach treatment results last
With both surgical and non-surgical treatment options fat is reduced permanently. However, fat will return where you gain weight. It is important to know that no tummy tuck treatment types could be considered an alternative to a healthy and active lifestyle. When considering any such treatments you must consider whether you are ready to get to a stage where you either maintain weight or lose weight. No treatment will offer long term benefits if you do continue to gain weight.
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Skin tightening treatments help to improve the collagen production and improve the overall strength of the skin. However, skin will continue to age naturally. Non-surgical skin tightening is subtle, and where there is a large excess of skin non-surgical treatments are limited in their power to achieve a tight stomach. In such a case the likely only course of action is a full tummy tuck.
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Muscle sculpting results will last the longest for those who are active and continue to keep up the muscular appearance of the muscles in the area through exercise. For those that do not regularly exercise monthly follow-up treatments are recommended.
How to get started with non-surgical stomach contouring
The exact body contouring treatments that are right for you will depend on your starting point and goals. If you are unsure of which treatment is right for you then you have the option to either book a phone or in-person consultation through the booking page. Consultations are fully optional and are not required, you can book in directly for your treatment.
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In simple overview:
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If you first wish to start with fat reduction on the stomach then fat freezing is the most appropriate treatment option. If the stomach is small (up to medium size) then 1 to 2 applicators are enough. Where a larger stomach is treated often 3 to 4 applicators are required to cover the excess fatty area. You can book for the amount of applicators that you believe are right. The amount of applicators can be adjusted at the time of treatment.
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If you wish to start with tightening of the skin and fat on the stomach area then the ultrasound cavitation with radiofrequency is the most appropriate treatment option. You can start with a singular treatment appointment or book a course of 6 treatments online or by email or phone. You can also opt for a treatment course at the clinic on the day of your appointment. With ultrasound cavitation and radiofrequency treatments a course of treatments is recommended for best results.
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If you wish to start with muscle building and sculpting then we recommend you to book HI-EMT muscle stimulation treatment. For the stomach you can either choose 1 or 2 applicators.
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You can combine multiple treatment options to get the best results for you. As it is best that separate treatments are carried out on separate days (at least 3 days apart from one another) you can book in the treatment that you wish to start with. We can then discuss your further options on the day of your first treatment.