Many Americans develop a tummy bulge. Lack of exercise and eating too many calories contribute to excess weight and piling on abdominal fat. Health experts say the best way to lose that extra weight is through a healthy diet and regular exercise. Abdominal exercises may help tone the muscles and reduce the flabby appearance of a belly “pouch.”

The American Council on Exercise says some of the best abdominal exercises are the bicycle maneuver and crunches. For those who have access to a fitness facility, the Captain’s chair (a device that looks like a long-legged chair without a seat) provides a good abdominal muscle workout.

Some people turn to cosmetic surgery to trim away excess bulk in the tummy area. The procedure is called an abdominoplasty, or more commonly, a tummy tuck. Generally, an incision is made into the stomach area. The skin is separated from the wall of the abdomen. The underlying tissues and muscles are tightened by pulling them together and securing them with sutures. This provides a “firmer” look to the stomach. The skin is pulled downward. Excess skin is removed and the incisions are closed.

After the procedure, patients may experience pain, swelling, bruising, numbness and fatigue. Most patients are back to work within two to four weeks. It may take six weeks or more until patients are ready to begin strenuous activity.

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 169,314 tummy tucks were performed last year in the U.S. Women account for nearly 97 percent of all patients.

Ab Etching

Many people work out to achieve the “six-pack” ab look. But sometimes even a good exercise program fails to provide that “perfectly toned” tummy. Now, some doctors are helping patients get the six-pack look through cosmetic surgery. The procedure is called ab etching.

An etching is done using liposuction. A long, hollow tube with a cutting edge (a cannula) and attached vacuum is placed through tiny incisions made in the abdomen. The surgeon moves the cannula under the skin, suctioning out enough fat to create “grooves” in target areas. Other areas of fat are left in place. (In some cases, a little extra fat may be moved into the untouched areas to emphasize the appearance of the fat pads.) When the procedure is completed, the abdominal area will have the six-pack look.

After the procedure, patients wear a support garment to control swelling. Pain medication may also be needed. Some patients may see changes as soon as the next day. However, it can take up to three months to obtain ultimate results. Patients are permitted to exercise again in about ten days to two weeks. For those who maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly, the results will be long-lasting. Complications of ab etching are uncommon and can include infection, bleeding and scarring.

For general information on exercise to tone the abdominal area:

American Council on Exercise

For information on cosmetic surgery procedures:

American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

American Society of Plastic Surgeons