Excess Fat

Excess fat describes localised, resistant pockets of adipose tissue that accumulate in particular body regions. Unlike generalised weight gain, these fat deposits are shaped by genetics, hormones, skin architecture, connective tissue structure and metabolic behaviour.

Many individuals are genetically predisposed to holding fat in certain areas. These pockets often remain, even when total body weight is healthy and muscle mass is sufficient. They can soften definition, create bulges beneath clothing or disrupt the natural contour of the body.

Below is a structured breakdown of each type included in this guide.

1. Arm Fat

Arm fat gathers on the upper arms, particularly the triceps area. This region has a lower metabolic activity and is heavily influenced by genetics and hormones. Age related collagen loss and decreasing muscle tone also contribute to the rounded, softer appearance.

2. Thigh Fat

Thigh fat affects the inner thighs or outer thighs (often called saddlebags). Oestrogen promotes fat deposition here, which explains why women are more prone to storing fat in this region. Dense connective tissue makes this area particularly stubborn.

3. Back Fat

Back fat accumulates on the upper and mid back, creating visible folds or bulges beneath clothing. Contributing factors include hereditary distribution, posture, reduced muscle tone and sometimes mild skin laxity.

4. Bra Line Fat

Bra line fat sits under the bra strap, the side of the chest and the front underarm area. It is influenced by posture, lymphatic flow, hormonal changes and genetic fat distribution, which can make even well fitted clothing highlight this area.

5. Knee Fat

Knee fat collects around the inner knee and lower knee joint. Circulation is slower here and biomechanical patterns contribute to persistent fullness. It can interrupt leg definition and often remains even when weight loss is achieved.

6. Banana Rolls

Banana rolls are crescent shaped fat pads beneath the buttocks at the top of the posterior thigh. Strong ligament attachments create a compartment where fat can settle, making this area very resistant to exercise and weight change.

Excess fat in specific regions can develop for several reasons. Understanding these mechanisms allows for targeted treatment planning.

1. Genetics

Genetic predisposition determines:
• where your body prefers to store fat
• how strongly fat cells respond to hormones
• the density of fibrous connective tissue in an area

People often inherit the same storage patterns as their parents.

2. Hormonal Influences

Hormones influence fat retention, especially oestrogen and cortisol.
• Oestrogen drives fat storage in the thighs, hips and buttocks.
• Cortisol promotes central fat retention during stress.
• Thyroid imbalances can slow metabolism.

3. Ageing

Ageing reduces metabolic rate while increasing fat cell persistence. Key changes include:
• reduced collagen and elastin
• declining muscle mass
• decreased skin elasticity
• slower circulation in specific regions

These factors make fat deposits more pronounced.

4. Metabolic Behaviour of Fat Cells

Some fat cells are biologically less responsive to mobilising hormones, meaning they release fat more slowly even with calorie deficits or exercise. These are the pockets we refer to as stubborn or resistant fat.

5. Posture and Biomechanics

Poor posture alters the way skin, muscle and fat sit against each other. Examples:
• rounded shoulders increase bra line prominence
• weak glutes or quads highlight banana rolls and knee fat
• slumped posture increases back bulges

6. Lifestyle Factors

A combination of lifestyle patterns can make stubborn fat more visible:
• sedentary routines
• processed foods and excess sugars
• high stress levels
• sleep deprivation
• chronic inflammation

These factors change the way the body partitions fat, directing more storage to stubborn areas.

7. Weight Fluctuations

Repeated weight cycling enlarges fat cells and can weaken skin elasticity, making fat pockets more visible over time.

Prevention focuses on metabolic health, muscle support, posture and long term skin integrity. While you cannot override genetics entirely, consistent habits significantly reduce the severity of localised fat pockets.

1. Maintain Stable Weight

Constant weight fluctuations increase fat cell size and weaken connective tissue, making pockets more noticeable. Aim for stable, sustainable weight management.

2. Prioritise Strength Training

Building muscle in key areas improves contour and increases metabolic rate.
• arm definition improves with triceps and deltoid work
• thigh fat reduces with glute and hamstring strengthening
• back fat decreases with lat and mid back engagement

Strength training helps the body burn fat more effectively even at rest.

3. Reduce Inflammatory Foods

Diets high in refined sugars, seed oils and processed foods increase inflammation and insulin spikes, promoting stubborn fat retention. Emphasise whole foods, lean proteins, fibre and healthy fats.

4. Manage Stress and Sleep

High cortisol promotes fat storage, particularly around the upper body and midsection. Sleep quality also influences appetite regulation and metabolic rate.

5. Hydrate and Support Skin Quality

Poorly hydrated skin is less elastic and can make fat pockets more noticeable. Regular use of body retinoids, antioxidants and peptide based formulations helps maintain firmness.

6. Improve Posture

Correcting posture with daily mobility work, ergonomic adjustments and strengthening exercises prevents fat folds from being exaggerated.

7. Avoid Smoking

Smoking reduces oxygen delivery to tissues and accelerates collagen breakdown, which can worsen pockets of fat by making surrounding skin weaker.

Localised fat often requires targeted, medical treatments to achieve noticeable contouring. Below is an in depth breakdown of the most effective non surgical and surgical options, with fat dissolving injections and Profhilo Body taking a lead role.

1. Fat Dissolving Injections

Fat dissolving injections are one of the most effective non surgical treatments for reducing excess fat. They contain compounds that break down the membranes of fat cells, allowing the body to naturally eliminate them.

Mechanism

The solution is injected into the targeted fat pocket where it disrupts fat cell membranes. The body metabolises and removes the cell contents gradually through the lymphatic system. Once these cells are destroyed, they cannot return.

Benefits

• reduces stubborn fat deposits in all listed areas
• permanently eliminates targeted fat cells
• highly precise and ideal for small and medium pocket zones
• improves overall contour and silhouette
• minimal downtime compared to surgery

Procedure Details

Treatment takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
Patients usually require 2 to 4 sessions depending on the area and volume.
Swelling and tenderness are common for up to 7 days.

Ideal Candidates

Individuals with well defined, stubborn fat pockets that do not respond to diet or exercise.
Best for arms, bra line, back fat, knees and banana rolls.

Integration

Often paired with Profhilo® Body or skin tightening for the best outcome when mild laxity is present.

2. Energy Based Skin Tightening (Endolift, Radiofrequency and Ultrasound)

These treatments are helpful when stubborn fat combines with mild skin laxity.

Mechanism

Energy based devices like Endolift® use controlled heat to tighten collagen fibres, stimulate new collagen and, in some cases, reduce superficial fat.

Benefits

• improves firmness around treated fat pockets
• supports the natural contour of the arms, thighs and back
• enhances results after fat dissolving
• reduces the appearance of mild folds

Procedure Details

Most treatments take 30 to 45 minutes.
Mild heat or tingling sensations may occur.
Results build gradually over three months.

Ideal Candidates

Patients with a combination of mild sagging and small fat pockets.
Commonly used for bra line, banana rolls and arms.

3. Profhilo® Body

Profhilo® Body is a powerful treatment for improving skin quality associated with areas of excess fat.

Mechanism

Uses high concentration hyaluronic acid to stimulate collagen and elastin production across large body areas. It does not add volume but improves skin firmness, elasticity and hydration.

Benefits

• reduces crepiness caused by fat stretching the skin
• improves firmness around areas where fat pockets have reduced
• enhances the final cosmetic outcome after fat dissolving
• increases skin elasticity and resilience

Procedure Details

Two treatment sessions spaced four weeks apart.
Minimal downtime, small localised redness may occur.

Ideal Candidates

Perfect for patients with mild laxity alongside fat pockets, especially the arms, thighs and banana roll region.

Integration

Often used after fat dissolving injections or as part of a multi step body contouring protocol.

4. Body Contouring with Dermal Fillers (Selective Use)

While not used to dissolve fat, strategically placed fillers can improve contour or restore definition in hollowed areas after fat reduction.

Mechanism

Hyaluronic acid fillers add subtle structural support in regions where fat loss or laxity causes contour irregularities.

Benefits

• refines silhouette lines
• supports areas where fat reduction created minor depressions
• enhances the shape of the thighs or buttock fold

Ideal Candidates

Patients who experience small contour dips after fat reduction or have naturally uneven surface anatomy.

5. Surgical Options

For patients with larger fat deposits or significant skin laxity, surgical intervention may be more suitable.

Liposuction

Removes larger fat volumes precisely.
Offers immediate, dramatic contouring.
Recovery varies from one to three weeks.

Body Lift Procedures

Used when moderate to severe skin laxity remains after fat loss, especially following significant weight reduction.

Consider a consultation if you notice:
• pockets of fat that persist despite exercise
• difficulty achieving arm, thigh or back definition
• discomfort or clothing indentation around the bra line
• irregular contours after weight loss
• banana rolls or knee fat that affect silhouette lines

A specialist can analyse fat distribution patterns, skin quality and anatomical structure to create a personalised plan.

• Localised fat pockets are mostly genetic and hormonal, which is why they often resist diet and exercise.
• Fat dissolving injections refine small, defined pockets, while Profhilo Body enhances skin quality after reduction.
• Energy-based tightening or micro-liposuction may be needed for larger deposits or mild laxity.
• Best results come from a personalised plan combining fat reduction with skin improvement.

Excess fat in the arms, thighs, back, bra line, knees and banana roll region is a common concern, often driven by the body’s natural fat storage tendencies. With the right combination of lifestyle choices and targeted treatments, these stubborn areas can be significantly improved.

Non surgical options like fat dissolving injections, Profhilo® Body and energy based tightening like Endolift® provide effective contouring with minimal downtime. When required, surgical options offer long lasting, structural correction.

A personalised, medically led approach ensures safe results that complement your natural silhouette.