In the recent past, a well-proportioned lady came for a consultation, as soon as she entered the consultation room, she went straight to the point about her concerns——
“My this belly, stretch marks all over, and still bulging, no matter how I try, I can’t get rid of it… For my situation, is it possible to do ‘CoolSculpting’ to get rid of the fat?”
Ms. Li (pseudonym) is 35 years old, and before she lifted her clothes, it was impossible to tell that she would be troubled by weight loss. She said that she has been swimming regularly and eating in moderation, but only the protruding belly is particularly conspicuous and impossible to reduce.
A few days ago, she met a long-lost “swimming buddy” whose waist was noticeably smaller, and learned that the other person had undergone a treatment called “CoolSculpting”(crystallization of fat) treatment, specifically to address local fat issues in the waist and abdomen, so she came for a consultation immediately.
However, the “fat” she is eager to remove is actually a body “trap” that is easily overlooked.
At that time, I did not immediately respond to her desire to have CoolSculpting, but conducted a systematic assessment——
-
Skin Condition:
The abdominal skin is noticeably loose and lacks elasticity, slow to rebound after pinching (>2 seconds), with obvious stretch marks.
-
Palpation and Measurement:
The thickness of the subcutaneous fat on the abdomen is only about 1cm (below the ideal indication standard for cryolipolysis). This means that, even if CoolSculpting is done, the effect will be minimal. Fat, this time, really took the “black pot”.
-
Posture Analysis:
Observing a noticeable pelvic anterior tilt and increased lumbar lordosis in the standing position, resulting in a visual protrusion of the abdomen even when there is little fat. This mechanical imbalance, like an invisible hand, continuously “pushes” the lower abdomen forward.
Therefore, the “protruding belly” that Ms. Li is particularly concerned about is not caused by fat accumulation, but by severe skin laxity and pelvic anterior tilt together leading to “pseudo-protrusion”.
If she blindly undergoes cryolipolysis at this time, the outcome is almost predetermined – disappointing results, and a waste of money and time.
Why does the belly become loose after childbirth?
During pregnancy, as the baby grows, the mother’s belly gradually enlarges, and the abdominal skin is also stretched, even beyond its normal elasticity limit.
However, when the skin is stretched to its limit, the elastic fibers inside the skin can be damaged or even broken, resulting in stretch marks.
At this time, the body secretes hormones to help the skin adapt to the physiological needs of stretching.
After the baby is born, this over-stretched skin is difficult to fully return to its original state, and the abdominal skin may become loose.
Why does pelvic anterior tilt occur?
During pregnancy, as the baby grows day by day, the mother’s center of gravity gradually shifts forward, to maintain balance and not fall backward, the body unconsciously arches the waist and pushes the belly forward, which is to increase lumbar lordosis and pelvic anterior tilt.
However, this posture may persist for some time after childbirth. In addition,
Radiofrequency Microneedling: Improve skin laxity
This is a treatment that uses microneedles to penetrate into the deep dermis to deliver radiofrequency energy. The principle is that, through needle effect and thermal effect
Perhaps many friends are aware that it can improve enlarged pores, fine lines, and laxity on the face. In fact, it also works for the decreased elasticity of abdominal skin. Swipe left and right to see more A single session of radiofrequency microneedling treatment takes about 30-45 minutes (depending on the area), and the treatment frequency is approximately once every 2-3 months. The treatment area may scab within 1-2 weeks, and it takes 1-3 months to see the treatment effect.
On the first day of consultation, Ms. Li underwent her first radiofrequency microneedling treatment.
Referral to Physical Rehabilitation: Improve Pelvic Anterior Tilt
I suggested that Ms. Li consult a physiotherapist to assess postural issues and improve pelvic misalignment through professional training.
After all, lumbar lordosis and pelvic anterior tilt not only cause a “small belly,” but Ms. Li’s long-term lower back pain and poor sleep quality may also be related.
The image content is for reference only, and the specific training plan should be based on the professional guidance of the physiotherapist.
About 1 month later, Ms. Li came for a follow-up visit, and at this time, there were very noticeable changes:
Actually, the “small belly” problem is often caused by multiple factors. And the fat that everyone is most concerned about may just be one of the superficial reasons.
The table below lists three common treatment methods for improving abdominal issues in dermatological aesthetics clinics for your reference:
References
prolonged sitting, and poor sitting postures (such as “slouching” or “slumping,” see figure below)
, as well as wearing high heels, are also common causes of pelvic misalignment.
My treatment suggestions for Ms. Li
, it initiates the “skin repair mechanism”, thereby promoting the regeneration and remodeling of collagen, ultimately achieving the effects of tightening the skin, improving skin texture, enhancing skin elasticity, and reducing the appearance of stretch marks.
Stretch marks have faded, and the skin color has become more even. The skin’s rebound speed has increased, and the feeling of laxity has improved.
