Putting on a swimsuit or wearing tight-fitting clothes — having a nice body is often a desired goal.
Two types of fat are responsible for this aesthetic concern :
• Deep abdominal fat, which is linked to cardiovascular risk and is not accessible through medical techniques.
• Superficial subcutaneous fat, which can be treated with aesthetic procedures.
Men and women seek a harmonious body to conform to current beauty standards.
Medical and surgical techniques have been developed to meet patients' requests : to have a flat stomach, to have a flat stomach without surgery, to have a firm and smooth abdomen.
How to lose belly fat? It’s a common concern for many people looking to refine their figure. The abdominal area is where fat tends to accumulate easily and can be particularly stubborn to eliminate, even with a healthy diet and regular physical activity. In aesthetic medicine, there are non-surgical and effective solutions available to target this stubborn fat.
Techniques such as cryolipolysis and radiofrequency help to break down localized fat and firm the skin for a flat and toned abdomen. Personalized treatments make it possible to lose belly fat quickly and safely, without surgery or social downtime.
Fat accumulation in the abdominal area is due to three factors :
• An excessive intake of calories compared to the body’s needs : a diet that is too rich and limited physical activity.
• Genetics : some people tend to store fat in the abdominal area.
• Hormones : this is the case postpartum, during menopause, and in men after the age of fifty (when androgen levels drop).
During menopause, fat distribution changes : women shift from a gynoid body type (fat stored in the hips, buttocks, and thighs) to an android body type (fat stored in the abdominal area).
There are no real foods that “burn” belly fat. However, some foods support weight loss because they have a draining or fat-releasing effect, and they promote intestinal transit thanks to their fiber content.
These foods should be included in a healthy and varied diet — one that is rich in protein and healthy fats, and low in fast sugars and animal fat.
Foods that help burn abdominal fat include : lemon, apple, eggplant, cinnamon, pineapple, avocado, green tea, papaya.
In most cases, overall weight loss is necessary.
Exercise and a healthy, balanced diet are the best ways to achieve this goal.
Cardio training should be prioritized to burn as many calories as possible. It is best to choose full-body sports such as running, jump rope, or swimming.
Targeted exercises should be done in addition : crunches, planks, burpees.
During the information consultation, Dr. Romano will assess whether the patient is a good candidate for medical procedures or if surgery is the only solution.
A healthy and balanced diet, along with regular physical activity, should always accompany the treatments performed.
Often, even slim and physically active individuals may have a small belly. These patients are ideal candidates for medical techniques that allow fat reduction without surgery.
Cryolipolysis is a localized fat reduction technique using cold. The session is painless and requires no social downtime. Medical assessment is essential for the success of the treatment. In fact, intra-abdominal fat cannot be reduced with cryolipolysis. If there is significant skin laxity or poor skin elasticity in the fat fold, the patient is not a good candidate, as the skin will not retract. Results are visible one month after the session, with maximum results after three months. Depending on the thickness and location of the fat deposit, one to four applicators may be used and one to three sessions may be performed.
Radiofrequency for the abdomen is a skin-tightening technique, particularly recommended after volume loss in this area.
Unlike fat-reduction methods, radiofrequency does not eliminate fat deposits, but it is ideal for firming and tightening the skin after slimming.
By stimulating collagen production, this method restores firmness and elasticity to loose skin, thus improving the appearance of the abdomen and reducing folds or sagging.
This technique is indicated in cases of mild skin laxity of the abdomen, associated with a small fat deposit.
Significant skin laxity is an indication for surgery.
The cost of a non-surgical treatment to reduce abdominal fat in Geneva varies according to the size of the area to be treated and the number of sessions required.
This evaluation is carried out during a medical consultation, during which a personalised quote is provided.
For cryolipolysis, each applicator is priced at 250 CHF. The number of applicators needed depends on the patient’s morphology : the abdomen may be divided into several areas — above or below the navel, to the right or left — which may require one to four applicators per session. The total price of a cryolipolysis session for the abdomen therefore ranges from 250 CHF to 1,000 CHF, depending on the number of areas treated.
As a complement, abdominal radiofrequency sessions may be recommended to firm the skin and enhance the overall result, especially in the presence of skin laxity.
Each session, priced at 300 CHF, covers the entire abdominal area.
To help reduce abdominal fat, it is recommended to have a light dinner rich in lean proteins (such as grilled chicken or fish), accompanied by fiber-rich vegetables like spinach or broccoli. These foods promote satiety and aid digestion, contributing to a flatter stomach.
It is best to avoid refined carbohydrates (such as white bread and white pasta), processed foods high in added sugars and saturated fats, and carbonated drinks. These can promote fat storage in the abdominal area and cause bloating.
Abdominal fat can result from multiple factors, including an unbalanced diet, lack of physical activity, stress, and genetic predisposition. Elevated levels of cortisol—the stress hormone—may also contribute to fat storage in this area.
Subcutaneous fat lies just beneath the skin and can be felt. It serves as an energy reserve and provides cushioning. Visceral fat, on the other hand, is located deeper within the abdominal cavity, surrounding internal organs such as the liver and intestines. Excess visceral fat is linked to an increased risk of metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular conditions.
Belly fat—especially visceral fat—is metabolically active and more resistant to breakdown. Hormonal factors, such as insulin and cortisol, influence fat storage in this area, making it more difficult to lose than fat in other regions.
Yes, fat distribution can vary between individuals. Lower belly fat is typically subcutaneous and located just under the skin, while upper belly fat often includes a higher proportion of visceral fat, which surrounds internal organs. This distinction matters, as visceral fat poses greater health risks.
