It’s Called a Panniculus—and Exercise Won’t Fix It

For many new moms, the bulge around the lower abdomen can be a frustrating area to correct post-pregnancy. Try as they might to tone the area with diet and exercise, the FUPA, as Beyoncé calls it, can be exceptionally stubborn. This is because the area is primarily made up of loose skin that can often only be eliminated through a tummy tuck. At my Toronto practice, this procedure helps moms, and people who have been through major weight changes, finally achieve the slimmer, flatter look they have been working toward.

In this blog post, I’ll explain how a tummy tuck can fight the FUPA and help those who have been through dramatic body changes feel more confident than ever.

What is a FUPA?

While Beyoncé popularized the term in Vogue after the birth of her twins (it’s an acronym for fat upper pubic area), the post-baby bulge in the lower abdomen is medically known as a panniculus. It’s mostly leftover skin caused by stretching during pregnancy or major weight gain. Once volume is lost in the area, the remaining skin sags and causes fullness in the lower abdominal area. No matter how slim someone becomes, this bulge will usually stick around until it is surgically addressed.

Can exercise remove a FUPA?

When Beyoncé opened up about her experience, she stated that at some point she may decide to go “beast mode” in the gym to eliminate her “mommy pouch” and restore her six-pack. Unfortunately, this may not be entirely possible. Exercise can be highly beneficial when it comes to overall health, muscle tone, and fat reduction, but loose skin doesn’t respond to working out.

Fat reduction treatments may not work either. Whether through surgical or nonsurgical means, fat removal does nothing to address the excess skin left after pregnancy or weight loss.

How do you fix a FUPA?

A tummy tuck can be the answer. The surgical procedure removes excess skin to smooth out the area and reduce the size of the panniculus. It can also tighten and reposition abdominal muscles separated by pregnancy, a condition called diastasis recti. For those who struggle with stretch marks on the abdomen, a tummy tuck can address those as well.

There are different options for tummy tuck procedures, including a mini tummy tuck, which addresses concerns only below the bellybutton. The best way to determine your ideal treatment plan is to come in for a personal consultation. During this appointment, I’ll be able to examine your concerns in person, discuss your goals, and develop a customized plan tailored to your body and your desired results.

To see what a tummy tuck can do, please visit our before-and-after photo gallery.

If you’re interested in learning more about tummy tuck surgery in Toronto, please contact us online or call us at (416) 925-7337 to schedule a consultation.