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November 24, 2025
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We can't simply use diet or exercise to "get a flat belly" or "make your buttocks smaller", because how our body stores fat and burns fat is dependent on our genetic make-up.
This is why some people can have a svelte waist but retain fat around their thighs. This also means that, regardless of how we exercise or eat right, there can still be persistent, stubborn pockets of fat.
Understanding Body Fat
Before we dive into fat loss solutions, let's first understand what body fat really is.
The food we consume is broken down and transformed into fatty acids, glucose, or amino acids, depending on the type of food eaten. These molecules provide energy for every bodily function, and if the energy isn't burned away, they get stored in cells.
Guess what they are converted into if they aren't used right away: yes, fat cells.
Not All Fat Cells Are Equal – Some Are More Stubborn And Resistant
First, fat cells aren't easily eliminated because their number cannot be reduced; they can only be reduced in size through conventional weight loss methods.
Next, the problem at hand isn't just about getting rid of fat cells to achieve fat reduction; it's also about removing them at the "right places", for example, around the tummy, instead of at the chest.
Everyone has problem areas that they may find harder to slim down
The reason? Our body has a defence mechanism to make sure you won't burn through all your stored fat and end up in starvation.
Our hormones are responsible for mobilising fat from our fat cells to be burned for energy, and at the same time, they also tell receptors in our fat cells not to release stored fat. This is why, even when you achieve a lean physique with a proper diet and fitness plan, it is still possible to have stubborn pockets of fat that persist.
Unfortunately, because the occurrence of stubborn fat is genetic (you can't change the receptors that are naturally present in your fat cells), there's really nothing you can do about it by making lifestyle changes.
Fat Freezing comes with a side effect, Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH)
Fat Freezing, also known as cryolipolysis, is often marketed as an easy, non-surgical way to a slimmer body.
For some, this method yields the desired results. But, some others end up suffering from a lesser-known, yet increasingly reported side effect known as Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH), which potential patients should be aware of. The treated area forms a distinct, often tender and enlarged fat mass that becomes a serious aesthetic concern.
What makes PAH particularly troubling is that it is a risk many are not warned about. It's not merely a matter of the treatment "not working" but an active adverse effect that creates a new problem, one that is often unresponsive to diet or exercise and typically requires surgical intervention like liposuction for correction.
Real patient stories with Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH) at Amaris B. Clinic
Dr Ivan Puah, medical director and liposuction doctor of Amaris B. Clinic, shares with us his experience in treating patients who suffered from PAH.
He has witnessed the profound psychological impact that unexpected side effects of PAH can have on patients. He shares two stories that highlight the emotional toll of PAH sufferers:
"Several years ago, I consulted a young woman who had undergone fat freezing on her arms. Instead of the slimmer contour she hoped for, she was left with disproportionately large, firm lumps on both limbs—a result that appeared soon after her treatment and had only become more pronounced over the years. The change was so significant that she confessed to me she had not worn short sleeves in eight years. This wasn't just a physical concern; it was a constant source of self-consciousness that affected her daily life."
The emotional ripple effect of PAH extends beyond the patient.
“I recall a consultation with a young man and his father. The father was visibly anguished, burdened by guilt. He had been the one who encouraged his son to try fat freezing, hoping to help him with his disproportionate body shape. When his son developed PAH and subsequently struggled with depression, the father blamed himself. In my clinic, I often see not just the physical aftermath of a side effect, but the heavy emotional weight it carries for entire families."
Vaser Liposuction
Vaser liposuction utilises an advanced liposuction technique that utilises patented ultrasonic sound waves to liquefy stubborn fat tissue before its gentle removal.
The post-operative downtime is minimal—many of our patients return to their daily routines within a day or two, with significantly less bruising and discomfort than traditional liposuction.
Key reason patients choose Vaser Liposuction over Fat Freezing
The benefits of Vaser lipo go beyond just permanent fat removal.
The same ultrasonic sound wave energy that emulsifies fat also stimulates your body's natural collagen production, leading to naturally tighter, more toned skin in the treated area — a crucial advantage that fat freezing (cryolipolysis) cannot offer.
Vaser Lipo allows liposuction doctors to contour virtually any area of the body—from the chin, armpits, arms, to the flanks, knees, and calves.
Fat freezing is limited by the size and shape of its applicators, often making it unsuitable for smaller, more delicate areas.
Dr Ivan Puah, MOH-accredited lipo doctor in Singapore
When it comes to shaping your body, the treatment options can be overwhelming. How do you choose between a non-invasive treatment like fat freezing and a more advanced body contouring technique like Vaser Lipo?
At Amaris B. Clinic, the answer lies not in trends but in patient safety and producing lasting results.
"Every patient's body and goals are different," explains Dr Ivan Puah. "My role is to provide a transparent, medical perspective. While non-invasive methods may seem appealing, they often come with limitations and risks, such as irregular results or Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH), which I have had to correct for several patients. My priority is to recommend what is truly effective for patients in the long run."
Making an informed choice is the most crucial step in your body contouring journey. By getting a clear picture of each option, you can choose one that is safe, realistic, and right for you.
Ready to discuss a body sculpting plan that prioritises your safety and delivers the result you desire? Consult Dr Ivan Puah to receive honest, professional advice tailored to your body.
