As a plastic surgeon, I have performed countless liposuction procedures and have seen the amazing results it can provide for my patients. However, one question that often comes up is whether or not the fat will return after the surgery. In this article, I will share my expert knowledge and experience to provide you with the truth about weight gain after liposuction. First and foremost, it's important to note that the majority of patients are highly satisfied with their results after liposuction. In fact, 80% of respondents reported being satisfied with their results, with 53% rating their appearance as excellent or very good.
However, 43% of participants did report weight gain after the procedure, with 56% gaining between five to 10 pounds within six months. So, is it possible for fat to return after liposuction? The short answer is yes, but there are certain factors that can affect this outcome. One of the most significant factors is weight maintenance. The more weight a patient gains after liposuction, the less dramatic their results will be. On the other hand, if a patient maintains their weight after the procedure, the fat will not return and the ideal results will remain intact. For example, let's say a patient weighed 130 pounds before liposuction and had six pounds removed during the procedure.
If they maintain their weight at or below 124 pounds, the fat will stay away. However, if they gain more than five pounds, there is a possibility that the fat may return. Another important factor to consider is how your body distributes fat after liposuction. If you want to maintain a weight of 130 pounds after liposuction and you gain 10% of your body weight (equivalent to 13 pounds), it's possible that you'll experience weight gain after the procedure. This is why it's crucial to maintain your weight after liposuction to ensure long-lasting results. Now, let's address the myth that fat cells regenerate after liposuction.
According to research from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), there is no evidence to support this claim. After evaluating hundreds of liposuction patients for at least three months post-surgery, doctors found no evidence of fat cells growing back or returning to treated areas. Additionally, they observed that untreated areas remained unchanged, even with a small weight gain. This means that fat is not redistributed to other areas of the body after liposuction, providing patients with peace of mind that their results will last. As plastic surgeon Dr.
Eric Swanson states, “Of course, liposuction doesn't change your ability to gain or lose weight. Its value lies in permanently reducing the number of fat cells in problem areas. Whatever your future weight, your proportions will improve after liposuction, unless you gain extreme weight.”So, while your body may store fat differently after liposuction, it won't prevent you from gaining or losing weight. It simply means that there are fewer fat cells in certain areas of the body.
However, if you lead an unhealthy lifestyle after the procedure, you may experience weight gain in other areas. But don't worry – even if you do gain some weight after liposuction, the results will still be noticeable. For example, if you had liposuction on your abdomen and then gained weight, your abdomen will still be smaller in proportion to your hips. While this may slightly decrease the results, the overall improvement in body shape will still be visible. It's essential to maintain your “post-lipo” weight to see the best results from liposuction. While it's not a weight loss procedure, it can provide remarkable aesthetic improvements for qualified patients.
Liposuction is most effective in areas with good skin elasticity and appearance, and it won't remove things like dimples or stretch marks. If you have any concerns or questions about liposuction or weight gain after the procedure, don't hesitate to contact the Shreveport Plastic Surgery Center at 318-221-1629. Our team of experts is dedicated to helping you achieve your desired results and maintaining them in the long term. In conclusion, while it is possible for fat to return after liposuction, maintaining your weight and leading a healthy lifestyle can help ensure long-lasting results. With proper maintenance, liposuction can provide spectacular and excellent results for patients. So, if you're considering liposuction, make sure to discuss your goals and expectations with your plastic surgeon to achieve the best possible outcome.
