For many people living in Perth, concerns about the abdominal area are common. Weight changes, pregnancy and ageing can all lead to stubborn belly fat that does not shift easily. Abdominal fullness can affect comfort, confidence and in some cases overall health.
What matters most is understanding that not all belly fat is the same. The type of fat you carry influences both the risks to your health and the treatment options available. Some fat can be improved through surgery, while other types respond best to lifestyle or medical strategies.
The Two Types of Belly Fat
Subcutaneous Fat
Subcutaneous fat lies directly under the skin and is the type you can pinch between your fingers. It often creates a soft or bulging appearance in the lower stomach. While less harmful to health than deeper fat, it can still cause challenges such as:
A persistent “pouch” in the lower abdomen after pregnancy or weight loss
Extra folds of skin that may rub and cause irritation
Clothing that does not fit comfortably at the waist
A heavy feeling in the midsection
In Perth, procedures such as abdominoplasty may be recommended for suitable patients to remove excess subcutaneous fat and redundant skin. These procedures refine shape and contour, but they are not a treatment for weight loss. They are best suited to people who are already at a stable and healthy weight.
Visceral Fat
Visceral fat sits deeper inside the abdomen and surrounds the organs. Unlike subcutaneous fat, it is firm rather than pinchable. This type of fat is linked to a higher risk of health problems, including:
Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance
Increased risk of heart disease
Chronic inflammation and liver disease
Higher chance of metabolic disorders
Visceral fat cannot be removed through plastic surgery. The most effective ways to reduce it are through diet, exercise and sometimes medically supervised weight-management programs.
Why It Matters for Perth Patients
Knowing the difference between subcutaneous and visceral fat helps set realistic expectations. Subcutaneous fat may be addressed surgically by qualified plastic surgeons in Perth, while visceral fat must be managed through lifestyle changes. Attempting to remove visceral fat with surgery is not possible or safe.
At consultation, your surgeon will assess the abdominal wall, skin quality and fat distribution to determine which type of fat is present. This ensures that any advice or recommendations are tailored to your individual needs.
Can Surgery Help
Plastic surgery may be an option if you:
Are in good overall health with a stable weight
Have excess subcutaneous fat or stretched skin that has not improved with lifestyle measures
Understand that surgery is for contouring and not for weight loss
Have realistic expectations about the results
For patients with higher amounts of visceral fat, lifestyle improvements are the most effective step before any surgery is considered.
When to Seek Specialist Advice in Perth
It may be time to see a plastic surgeon if:
You have lost significant weight and are left with loose skin or abdominal fullness
Pregnancy has caused stretched skin or separated abdominal muscles
Overhanging skin is causing irritation, rashes or difficulty with hygiene
You maintain a healthy lifestyle but the abdominal area has not improved
You want clear, medically accurate advice about what is achievable and safe
Key Takeaway
The term “belly fat” is broad, but not all fat is the same. Subcutaneous fat can sometimes be treated with procedures such as abdominoplasty, while visceral fat is best addressed through lifestyle and medical support.
For people in Perth considering options for abdominal contouring, the safest approach is an individual consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. This ensures you receive advice based on your health, anatomy and goals.
Disclaimer: This information is general and does not replace personalised medical advice. A consultation with a Specialist Plastic Surgeon is required to determine suitability for any treatment.