Having excess fatty tissue above the hips is a common concern for many men and women. Often called “love handles” or a “muffin top,” this fullness can cause the sides to protrude over the waist of one’s pants, creating an unwanted shape to the midsection. This fat accumulation in the abdomen and hips is incredibly normal, but it can make many people feel self-conscious about their body. When this stubborn fat won’t seem to respond to diet and exercise, Dr. Neil J. Zemmel and his team at Richmond Aesthetic Surgery offer non-surgical treatment options to help slim and sculpt the waistline.

What Causes Love Handles?

Love handles often form due to a combination of factors, including aging, hormonal changes, genetic predisposition, and a sedentary lifestyle. Even individuals who follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly may find that this area is resistant to traditional weight loss methods.

Non-Surgical Options for Treating Love Handles

When lifestyle changes alone don’t deliver the results you want, non-invasive treatments can provide a safe and effective way to reduce love handles without surgery or downtime. At our practice in Richmond, Virginia, we offer a range of options that can help with body contouring, including:

CoolSculpting® – As a non-surgical treatment, CoolSculpting uses controlled cooling to freeze and gradually eliminate stubborn fat cells from the love handles.
Lifestyle and Nutritional Guidance – A personalized wellness plan that combines healthy habits with expert support to help optimize your body contouring results.
GLP-1 Weight Loss Injections – Medications like Wegovy® and Zepbound™ can help reduce body fat by curbing appetite and supporting long-term weight loss under medical supervision.

What if I Need More Dramatic Results?

Depending on the size of your love handles and your desired outcome, you may benefit from a customized treatment plan that combines approaches. In cases where more extensive fat reduction is needed, liposuction may be recommended for more dramatic, surgical results.

Ready to Get Rid of Your Love Handles?

If you’re struggling with love handles that don’t respond to diet and exercise, Richmond Aesthetic Surgery offers personalized, non-surgical solutions to help you achieve your goals. Dr. Zemmel and his experienced team proudly serve patients in Richmond, Midlothian, Short Pump, and surrounding Virginia communities.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation and find out which approach is right for you.

Editor’s note: The original version of this post was published June 18th, 2019.

The post How Can I Get Rid of My Love Handles Without Surgery? first appeared on Richmond Aesthetic Surgery.