Why Some Fat Is Harder to Remove and What to Do About It

For nearly all of us, body fat accumulates in bothersome areas over time, even if we make great efforts to avoid it. Sometimes, this is because of environmental factors, genetic reasons, behavioral patterns, or simply the process of aging. At NuBody Concepts in Nashville and Memphis, we understand the frustration that comes with stubborn fat that resists even the most dedicated diet and exercise routines. Both men and women face these challenges, and we’re here to provide effective solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs.

Understanding Stubborn Fat and Its Causes

Fat accumulates within our bodies in two primary forms: subcutaneous and visceral. Subcutaneous fat lies just beneath the skin and is often the target of cosmetic concerns. Visceral fat, on the other hand, is stored deep within the abdominal cavity, surrounding vital organs like the liver and intestines.

Subcutaneous fat just beneath the skin often hangs on stubbornly, making it difficult to look and feel one’s best. While this is certainly a concern, it is visceral fat that poses significant health risks, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and fatty liver.

Men are particularly prone to accumulating visceral fat, which builds up within abdominal muscles to produce a “beer belly.” This type of fat is not only harder to detect but also more challenging to lose through traditional methods. Likewise, women often gain visceral fat after childbirth and may experience weakened abdominal muscles, making fat loss in that area more difficult.

Common Areas Resistant to Losing Fat

While body fat can accumulate on any part of your body, certain body areas notoriously hold onto fat despite our best efforts. Which type of fat is harder to lose often changes depending on the person. However, each of us tends to have one or more areas that frustrate us in one way or another. These include:

Abdomen: Both visceral and subcutaneous fat can accumulate here. The abdomen is often the first place that we notice weight gain and may be the most challenging place to lose additional fat.
Face: Excess fat in the cheeks and under the chin can be particularly resistant to diet and exercise. Weight gain brought on by excessive alcohol consumption often accumulates in the face.
Upper Arms: Maintaining definition in our arms becomes more difficult as we age, even for those who regularly lift weights to strengthen their arms. Many women struggle with fat accumulation in their upper arms, particularly as they age.
Thighs and Hips: Especially in women, these areas can retain fat due to hormonal influences and aging factors.

Non-Surgical Fat Reduction Options

Even for individuals who are ready to take some significant steps to remove body fat, the thought of undergoing surgery may feel overwhelming, or they may want to try other options before committing to surgery and the associated recovery period. For those hesitant about surgery, Nubody Concepts offers several non-invasive and minimally invasive treatments:

Weight-Loss Injections: These can aid in overall fat reduction by boosting the metabolism and promoting fat loss. Our providers work with clients over a period of time (typically several months) to administer effective injections to safely reduce overall body fat.
Skin Tightening: Our advanced technologies tighten the skin after suctioning off fat. This procedure uses targeted heat to address the cells just below the skin while leaving the skin itself intact.

Liposuction as an Effective Solution

When it comes to targeted fat removal, liposuction remains one of the most effective methods. This minimally invasive procedure can address fat stored in nearly any area, and our board-certified plastic surgeon has over 25 years of experience providing liposuction services.

Precision: Liposuction allows for precise contouring of common areas like the abdomen, thighs, and face. It can also address areas like the neck, elbows, and knees, where fat accumulation is very difficult to undo.
Face Fat Removal: For those wondering how to remove face fat, liposuction can effectively target and reduce fat in areas such as the cheeks and under the chin.
Belly Fat: If you’ve struggled with how to remove belly fat, liposuction can directly address and eliminate stubborn fat deposits that accumulate around the waist.

At NuBody Concepts, we offer advanced liposuction techniques delivered by our highly experienced team to minimize downtime and enhance results.

Combining Treatments for Optimal Results

Another point to consider when preparing to undergo fat removal surgery is the opportunity to combine treatments for greater overall satisfaction and to avoid multiple recovery periods for each individual procedure. For many clients, combining liposuction with one or more of the following treatments yields the best results:

Skin Tightening: In some instances, the removal of significant fat accumulation in a specific area may result in loose, sagging skin that can no longer retract on its own. Pairing liposuction with skin tightening treatments ensures a smooth and firm appearance.
Tummy Tuck: This procedure both removes excess skin and tightens abdominal muscles, which is ideal after significant weight loss or post-pregnancy changes.
Mommy Makeover: After pregnancy, many mothers struggle to return to their pre-childbirth figure. Our Mommy Makeover combines a tummy tuck and liposuction to firm up the stomach after childbirth, as well as augmentation or fat transfer to restore shape and volume to the breasts.

Post-Treatment Maintenance and Lifestyle Changes

Surgical interventions provide significant improvements, but maintaining results is a marathon, not a sprint. Our team works with our clients to help them understand a proper post-treatment regimen. This may include:

Regular Exercise: Incorporating both cardiovascular and strength-training exercises into a daily or weekly exercise schedule, focusing on consistency to keep fat re-accumulation at bay.
Balanced Diet: Choosing meals and snacks with a focus on portion size and whole foods rich in nutrients to prevent fat re-accumulation.
Hydration and Sleep: Remaining properly hydrated throughout the day and getting consistent, adequate sleep to prevent fat development.

Your Time to Fight Back Against Fat

Stubborn fat doesn’t have to dictate how you feel about your body. At NuBody Concepts, we offer personalized solutions to help you achieve the physique you desire. Our team of experts is dedicated to guiding you through every step, ensuring your comfort and satisfaction.

We invite you to schedule a consultation with us to explore the best options for your needs. Witness the transformative power of our treatments by viewing our before-and-after photos. Let NuBody Concepts be your partner in this journey toward a more confident you.