Skin Overhang

Skin overhang is a term that is often used to describe the look of the stomach when it appears to sag, or ‘hang’ down at the front. This concern can be the result of weight gain or weight loss, genetics, ageing or pregnancy. Also known as ‘abdominal panniculus’ or ‘apron flap’, this concern can cause a person to feel insecure about the appearance of their body, carefully considering clothing that can help to cover over the stomach. 

A poor diet can cause the body to gain weight and when it settles around the middle, can contribute to the belly hanging heavy around the lower part of the abdomen. Genetics can influence how likely you are to carry weight around your belly, with ageing affecting how efficiently you can lose the extra pounds and stay in shape. Pregnancy causes a rapid increase in the size of the belly as it allows for the growth and development of the unborn baby. Providing the ideal environment for this amazing occurrence, the stomach may also gain excess fat. Whether or not this extra fat disappears soon after childbirth can vary with each individual, it can in many cases, lead to excess skin. The increased size of the stomach can reduce elasticity in the skin, the same way that prolonged excess weight does, causing the skin on the lower abdomen to hang. 

Diet and exercise can often help to reduce excess fat around the stomach and strengthen the abdominal muscles for a leaner, more toned look. For some people this does not always eradicate the concern completely and intervention is often sought. Reshape & Restore are understanding of the desire for a well contoured body. Procedures, including liposuction or a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) can help to improve the look of skin overhang by removing or reducing excess fat and skin.