Muffin Top Removal Surgery in Temecula, Murrieta, & Menifee
Muffin top surgery refers to liposuction or body contouring procedures aimed at removing excess fat around the waistline that spills over the waistband, often called a “muffin top.” This cosmetic procedure helps create a slimmer, more contoured silhouette.
Liposuction Muffin Top Removal Surgery in Temecula, Murrieta, and Menifee
You are going out for a night on the town. You put your best jeans on… and then you notice this skin blob falling over the top of your jeans on each side. You are suffering from a “muffin top.” What to do?
One of the most frustrating problems facing women is how they fit into new clothing. It is not that the clothing doesn’t come in their size. Rather, the garment cuts into their skin at the hips. This creates a roll of fat above the clothing, which is referred to as the dreaded “muffin top.”
This indentation over the hips obscures the beautiful silhouette that clothes should achieve. The dent not only creates a loss of this line of beauty but also directs attention to the hip. To the observer, it makes one wonder if there is excess fat there, even if there is no extra fat.
Sounds bad, right? Well, not so much. Liposuction can help the muffin top. There are different ways liposuction or liposculpture is performed. The result is less fullness in the area or areas of suction. This results in a flatter contour.
The best candidates for muffin top liposuction are patients within the normal weight range. They must otherwise be healthy and have “bumps” of fat in limited areas. Another plus is to have thick skin that can shrink the area down after suction. Liposuction is the safest procedure performed by plastic surgeons today. Compared to other cosmetic procedures, it is not only safer but also less costly. Liposuction has rapid healing and meaning less time away from work and activities.
A trip to Dr. Newman’s office for a FREE consultation is a great first step to eliminating the dreaded muffin top. It gives you a sleeker torso, making wearing clothes easier and creating a better you.
What To Expect
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia may be used, depending on the technique and the amount of fat being removed.
- Length of Procedure: Generally takes 1 to 2 hours, but may extend up to 3 hours for multiple treatment areas or combination procedures.
- Outpatient/Inpatient: Outpatient; patients go home the same day, though larger procedures may require a short observation period before patients are released.
- Recovery: Swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are common for the first 1 to 2 weeks. Most patients return to work within 3 to 5 days, with full activity typically resumed in 4 to 6 weeks. Compression garments are often recommended to support healing and reduce swelling.
See the Results – Muffin Top Liposuction Before and After
Muffin top surgery can deliver dramatic improvements in body contour, helping patients achieve a slimmer, more sculpted waistline. While results can vary depending on individual anatomy and goals, many people notice a flatter, more toned appearance once swelling subsides. To help you visualize what’s possible, we’ve provided a selection of before and after photos from real patients who underwent muffin top reduction procedures. These images showcase the transformative results that can be achieved through targeted fat removal and expert surgical care.
Muffin Top Causes
Muffin top occurs when the pants we wear press into the lower hip so the upper hip bulges out and becomes more prominent. And unfortunately, this can happen even when we are at goal weight. Some of us are just built with excess fullness over the hip area. It is for that reason that Muffin top diets and muffin top exercises may not help.
Luckily, the treatment for muffin top issues is one of the safest and most effective procedures used today in Plastic Surgery, liposuction. Liposuction, also known as liposculpting,” takes down the bumps” over the hip, leaving it smoother, smaller and with flowing lines that are harmonious and beautiful. After liposuction, pants will not be able to compress the hip nearly as much and help to resolve “muffin top”.
Muffin tops usually involve the hips but the same issue can occur over the front of the lower abdomen. The pants press at the bottom forcing the skin ad fat to billow out over the top of the belt line. Sometimes this can be remedied with liposuction but after childbirth, a tummy tuck may be necessary to remove skin excess to get the best result. As is the case when contemplating any type of cosmetic surgery, it is a very good idea to get the best opinion from an expert who can perform all the different types of surgery of the torso and can render the best alternative for you, your specific anatomy and your wishes.
Liposuction Muffin Top FAQs
What is a “Muffin Top”?
The phrase “muffin top” refers to the excess fat and skin that spills over the top of the waistband of pants or shorts. The term “muffin top” was created because the skin or fat resembles the top of a muffin as it spills over the wrapper. In women, it is a common place for fat or loose skin to accumulate due to hormonal changes, childbirth, genetics, or lifestyle choices.
What causes a Muffin top?
Muffin tops occur because of looseness or fullness of skin and underlying soft tissue (fat) above jeans or pants. The pants compress the skin and fat beneath the beltline so the fullness above appears as skin that sticks out.
Why do I have a muffin top?
There are quite a few contributing factors as to what causes a muffin top and why you may have one. The few primary causes of muffin top are aging, diet, stress or childbirth.
The causes of muffin top
Aging
It’s no secret that as we get older, our metabolism slows and our muscle mass declines. In addition, aging can cause a decrease in production of collagen and elastin, resulting in loose skin, which can make a muffin top more noticeable.
Diet
Our bodies flourish when we eat healthy foods and maintain a balanced diet for optimal health. Consuming too many tasty but unhealthy options can result in weight gain and an expanding waistline. If you want to eliminate your muffin top, it’s best to avoid processed foods, high-sugar treats, and items that are high in fat.
Stress
Stress raises cortisol levels, which can lead to an increase in fat storage around the waist. In addition, stress contributes to an increase in high- caloric food cravings as well.
Childbirth
Childbirth causes stretched abdominal muscles, hormonal changes, and weight gain during pregnancy. These factors can lead to fat accumulation and loose skin around the midsection.
Is it normal to have a muffin top?
Muffin tops are mostly caused by the tight pant line compressing skin and fat so they can be normal. Muffin tops can be treated with liposuction, however.
How can a muffin top be corrected?
For the typical muffin top that is on the side, most patients just need liposuction to remove excess fullness in that area. Uncommonly, the muffin top on the side can also be skin excess, requiring skin removal with a tummy tuck.
For muffin tops in the front and prior to pregnancy, liposuction is usually the only treatment required but after childbirth, a tummy tuck is more commonly required to repair skin excess and fullness caused by the pregnancy.
How to get rid of a muffin top without exercise
A healthy diet and exercise are the most natural ways to reduce a muffin top. However, several surgical and nonsurgical options are available if you want to reduce a muffin top without exercise.
Nonsurgical Treatments include:
CoolSculpting®(Cryolipolysis): This non-invasive procedure utilizes controlled cooling to freeze and eliminate fat cells without surgery or downtime. Results are expected to become noticeable within 2-3 months, and full results take 4-6 months.
SculpSure® (Laser Lipolysis): A non-invasive treatment that utilizes laser technology to heat and destroy fat cells under the skin. Most patients experience minimal discomfort and no downtime. Results are often seen within 6 weeks.
Ultrasound Fat Reduction: This procedure utilizes ultrasonic waves that target and break down fat cells.
Although these procedures are minimally invasive and involve little to no downtime, there are drawbacks to these nonsurgical options. It is common to require more than one treatment, as these procedures do not eliminate all stubborn fat cells.
Surgical Options:
Liposuction: A minimally invasive surgical procedure that offers an immediate reduction in the presence of fat. However, liposuction cannot remove or reduce excess skin. Some skin may tighten naturally with the removal of fat. This procedure involves the removal of fat cells using a cannula , which is inserted through a small incision. The Cannula loosens up fat cells and suction them out. Once the procedure is complete, the incisions are then closed with sutures and covered with bandages. Liposuction is typically performed under general or local anesthesia. While this surgery is minimally invasive, it still requires some downtime.
Tummy Tuck (abdominoplasty): A Tummy tuck is an excellent option for those needing to remove both excess fat and loose skin. This procedure is recommended for patients who have undergone significant weight loss, or experienced childbirth. There are various types of tummy tuck procedures available to ensure a customized result tailored to your individual goals and body type. During the procedure, incisions are made to tighten the abdominal wall (muscle repair) and remove excess skin, resulting in a smooth contour appearance. It is important to note that a tummy tuck requires significant downtime, and it may take up to six weeks for certain activity restrictions to be lifted.
What is the difference between love handles and a muffin top?
Love handles are fatty areas that accumulate on both sides of the waistline, often resembling a mushroom-like shape. A muffin top refers to the fatty areas that spillover around the belly, back and sides of the waistline, resembling a muffin top.
Are some body types more likely to have a muffin top?
Genetics play a key role in how and where our body stores fat, making some individuals more susceptible to developing a muffin top regardless of overall weight. In addition, those with an apple-shaped body or who tend to carry weight around the midsection are more likely to accumulate fat in the lower abdomen and flanks.
Why do I have a muffin top after weight loss and what can I do about it?
After weight loss, a muffin top may remain due to stubborn fat deposits, loose skin, or how your body stores fat. This is common, especially if weight loss was significant or quick. In these cases, diet and exercise alone may not fully address the issue. Non-surgical treatments like CoolSculpting® or SculpSure®, as well as surgical options like liposuction or a tummy tuck, can help contour the area and remove those stubborn fat deposits or skin for a smoother, more toned appearance. Call to make a consultation appointment to help determine the best approach based on your goals and body type.
What Our Patients Are Saying
Muffin Top Reviews
“Dr. Newman has given me a tummy tuck. That was in 2007. I am now recovering from a brow lift, facelift and neck lift that he did as well. I have received wonderful care. He has been able to answer all of my questions when needed. He takes careful attention to detail and precaution before surgery. When my facelift is fully healed I will add pictures.”
Esther Henderson
“Great Face lift, Eyes brows, neck and Chin. Very pleased, Easy, pleasant and healed quickly! This is a very good doctor! I’m 63 and look great!! Just saying there’s a great deal of experience in this doctor!”
Jackie Gibson
“I did my research for months, Dr. Newman was 1 of 4 of my consultations . His bedside manner and honesty took me back for a second consultation . I booked my appointment and left the rest in the hands of Dr. Newman and his staff! I couldn’t have made a better decision. Each and every staff member was great! They made me feel like family . Thank you for everything Dr. Newman and Staff!”
Rayven Carr