What the treatments do
- Fat freezing cools a pinchable bulge so some fat cells die off over two to three months. Often more than one session.
- Radiofrequency and ultrasound skin tightening heat the skin to tighten it slightly. Modest change, several sessions.
- Muscle-stimulation devices make the muscles contract. They don't close a gap between them.
What they don't
They don't remove an overhang, stretch marks or a fold of skin, and they don't repair diastasis recti. For the muscles, physiotherapy is the first step: the HSE advises asking your GP for a referral if you're worried about the gap more than eight weeks after a birth.
When they make sense
A small amount of fat with firm skin, in someone who doesn't want surgery and is happy with a gradual, small change.
Before you pay
Ask the provider what result they expect for someone like you, how they measure it, how many sessions, the total cost, and what happens if nothing changes.
Questions people ask
Can exercise get rid of loose skin?
Exercise strengthens muscle and can reduce fat, but it can't remove stretched, loose skin.
Does fat freezing work on the tummy?
On a pinchable bulge, a little. It doesn't tighten loose skin.