Skinrepublic

Dear Dr. Jen,

What can I do to lose my big tummy or "bilbil"? Dieting doesn't seem to have helped. I am slim all over except for the tummy area. What options do I have?

Gemma

Dear Gemma,

It seems that everyone has that problem. The abdominal area is one of the most challenging part of the body to tone. For people who've already tried everything like diet and exercise, there are other options that remain.

Non-invasive procedures using technology such as RF (radiofrequency like apollo, velashape, thermage) or IR (infrared like Titan) are the most popular. Depending on the machine, it can take up to 1 to 6 sessions to get adequate tightening. However, this is not a solution for losing weight. Neither will it get rid of fats. Both RF and IR will only go so far as to tighten the skin above the fatty layer.

My colleague, Dr. Alain Senerpida, who is a wonderful plastic surgeon, will shed some light on the other available treatments you can do. The rest of the response is based on his answers to your "tummy problem".

According to Dr. Senerpida, Cool Scuplting is another noninvasive machine that claims to freeze fats and then break it down. The more invasive procedures are as follows: liposuction, laser liposuction, Body Tite, and vibroliposuction.

Liposuction is used for sculpting one's body. Again, it is not for losing weight. It is a good way to taking out the bulges. Laser liposuction claims to work by melting the fat via laser which will eventually be excreted in your body fluids. Body Tite is a liposuction plus an RF function, giving you fat suctioning and skin tightening.

As for Vibroliposuction, the vibration helps break down fats while suctioning it out at the same time. All of the above-mentioned invasive procedures only require a one-time treatment. There is some down-time involved, as with all invasive treatments. Dr. Senerpida, swears by these treatments but stresses the importance of diet and exercise. The fats will come back if a healthier lifestyle change will not be implemented.

You can visit your favorite PDS dermatologist or plastic surgeon (make sure they are certified and boarded!) for a full evaluation and to discuss the best option that will work for you. 

If you have any questions or concerns please text 0922 845 5556or call 232 5929 or email [email protected]

Dr Tan is a diplomate of Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS). She is affiliated with Perpetual Succour Hospital. For other information on PDS, check http://www.pds.org.ph/

Dr. Alain Senerpida is affiliated with Perpetual Succour Hospital.