Nashauna Drummond, Staff Reporter
THE BATTLE of the bulge is a never ending problem for many. Some after numerous unsuccessful exercise and diet regimes, resign themselves to cosmetic surgery.
Plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Guyan Arscott, notes that the problem of abdominal fat is as old as mankind and with the recent fitness craze it has become more topical. However, liposuction and other forms of abdominal procedures are not strictly a cosmetic procedure. Research has shown that an excessive abdominal bulge increases the effects of heart diseases, diabetes and hypertension. Thus, cosmetic procedures, such as liposuction, reduce the effects of these diseases and therefore have medical benefits.
There are areas of the body where fat is easily deposited and much harder to get rid of. The lower abdomen is one of those areas. The upper tummy responds better to exercise but the lower tummy is much more stubborn.
The doctor highlighted that some persons are more predisposed to excessive fat deposits in the abdominal area because of:
Genetics: Different ethnic groups are predisposed to naturally develop folds around the abdominal area as they get older.
The bulge and cosmetic surgery. Abuse of diet and lifestyle.
Genetic disposition is exacerbated by pregnancy which can distort the abdomen. These persons need to take extra dietary precautions during pregnancy.
Liposuction would benefit persons who are genetically predisposed to abdominal bulge and, not being able to address the problem naturally, have become frustrated.
However Dr. Arscott again asserts that the natural approach and exercise should not be eliminated.
COSMETIC PROCEDURE
All abdominal cosmetic procedures involves liposuction but liposuction does not incorporate other abdominal procedures.
Liposuction reduces the bulge. It removes as much fatty tissue as possible thus reducing the number of fat cells. However, while liposuction permanently removes the fat cell, if proper diet is not maintained the remaining cells can get larger.
Formal abdominal lipectomy (tummy tuck):
This includes recontouring the abdominal walls and tissue. Candidates would include those who have have been pregnant and might have excessively loose skin.
Abdominoplasty is not a procedure related to excessive fat. This procedure is used to address distorted abdominal - loose skin and muscles in the abdomen.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
Liposuction deals with extra fat but not distortion of the skin. Scarring from this procedure is minimal.
Tummy tuck involves more scarring as it involves removal of fatty tissue and skin.
Abdominoplasty is also predisposed to more scarring.
Dr. Arscott advises that some natural approach is mandatory for all groups and that should be maintained. Dieting and exercise make the cells smaller.
He notes that as you get older, fat deposits accumulate and it takes fewer calories to gain more weight.
(Excerpts from a popular DJ song)
TITLE: TUCK IN YUH BELLY
ARTISTE: LEFTSIDE & ESCO,
LABEL: YOUNG LEGEND
RHYTHM: THROW BACK GIGGY
Intro:
My girl tuck in yuh belly,
A beg yuh tuck in yuh belly,
A weh yuh a go wid dat man,
Tuck in yuh side Ha ha
Chorus
From yuh know yuh belly nuh bang
And yuh know say yuh look good inna yuh thong
Gyal bruk out, yuh belly look clean
And yuh know say fit in inna magazine, yuh zeen.
Verse 1
Some gyal belly bag ova like shirt
One bagga flab dem need some ab work
Big gut and big butt
Gyal dat nuh work
And mi nah even smile or smirk
Yuh fi tek care a yuhself
Gyal know what yuh worth
