Targeting Problem Areas: Are Body Contouring Treatments Better Than Exercise?
Cosmetic treatments for body contouring, as NJ-based board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Carlos Burnett explains, are often the most effective methods for enhancing the shape of the body—especially for patients who want a slimmer waist and more rounded butt.
Considering this, many patients wonder: Wouldn’t traditional exercise be just as effective for gaining a desired body shape? Dr. Burnett elaborates, “In the quest for achieving a fit and healthy body, many people encounter stubborn areas that seem resistant to exercise and diet. These areas—commonly referred to as ‘problem areas’—are specific regions of the body where fat tends to accumulate and is difficult to eliminate through traditional means. Despite putting in dedicated efforts through exercise, people often find that these problem areas persist, leading to frustration and a sense of hopelessness. Luckily, body contouring can help.”
In this article, we will explore the concept of problem areas, explain their underlying causes, and shed light on why exercise might not be entirely effective for addressing them.
What Are Problem Areas?
“Problem areas” on the body are places where fat is stored first—and is often highly difficult to dislodge. In other words, stubborn fat tends to linger in these areas. For some people, it may be the stomach, while others may have difficulty reducing resistant fat from the thighs, the backs of the arms, or another area. Males and females are also predisposed to store fat differently on their frame. Women are likely to carry more fat on the lower body areas (such as the hips, bottom, and legs), while men have a higher tendency to store fat on the midsection. In fact, when men gain weight, the default storage area is the stomach. Where fat comes off when you lose weight is highly individualized and can’t be controlled. Factors such as genetics, sex, and weight all play a role in how fat is distributed on your body.
Are Body Contouring Treatments Effective?
We all have some area of the body we’d like to change. Unfortunately, it isn’t possible to target a specific spot on the body to lose weight from—even if your exercise routine is focused on that area. Furthermore, exercise won’t be very effective if you are experiencing severe sagging skin from pregnancy or weight loss or want to dramatically increase the volume of certain areas. Body contouring or body sculpting procedures reduce fat, alter the shape of or contour certain areas, or tighten skin. Examples include lifts, tucks, and liposuction. Here are some of the benefits of surgical body contouring options such as liposuction, tummy tuck surgery, and Brazilian butt lift surgery.
Targeted Fat Removal
Although they are not weight loss treatments, body contouring surgeries allow you to target and remove localized pockets of fat in a way that wouldn’t be possible with exercise on its own. With a tummy tuck, patients can sculpt a slimmer, more toned waistline.
Addressing Loose or Sagging Skin
Body contouring can also address problems associated with loose and sagging skin after significant weight loss or pregnancy. For example, a tummy tuck can remove excess skin on the stomach, which wouldn’t be touched by exercise.
Fast and Dramatic Results
Getting the body you want often takes time and effort. Body contouring can provide comprehensive results and significantly improve the overall body shape with results that are visible as soon as the procedure is over—though post-surgical swelling and other side effects will need to resolve before the final look is enjoyed.
The Takeaway
While exercise is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle and can contribute to overall weight loss and muscle toning, it may not be entirely effective for addressing specific problem areas. The concept of spot reduction remains a myth, and factors like genetics, hormones, and lifestyle choices heavily influence where the body stores and releases fat. Sometimes traditional methods of losing weight such as exercise and a healthy diet won’t be enough to achieve the appearance you want.
For more advice on body contouring, contact NJ’s Dr. Carlos Burnett of Burnett Plastic Surgery so that he can explain more about how treatments like liposuction, tummy tucks, and Brazilian butt lifts can give you the body shape you desire. Call 908.233.0200 or fill out a contact form to request a consultation if you would like to discuss body contouring procedures.