As a plastic surgeon, I have seen many patients who are concerned about the possibility of fat returning after undergoing liposuction. This is a valid concern, as many people believe that once fat cells are removed, they can never come back. However, the truth is a bit more complex than that. First and foremost, it's important to understand that as adults, we have a fixed number of fat cells in our bodies. This means that when fat cells are removed through liposuction, they cannot grow back.
However, this does not mean that the remaining fat cells in our bodies cannot enlarge or shrink as we gain or lose weight. Let's say a patient weighs 130 pounds before liposuction and a total of 6 pounds of fat are removed during the procedure. In order for the fat to stay away and for the ideal results to remain intact, the patient must maintain their weight at or below 124 pounds. This is because even though liposuction permanently removes fat cells from a specific area, there are still other fat cells in the body where fat can accumulate. While plastic surgeons use various techniques for liposuction, the basic principle remains the same - removing fat from targeted areas of the body. This results in a permanent removal of adipose tissue, as fat cells do not regrow or duplicate in the area where liposuction was performed. It's also important to note that liposuction produces almost immediate results, instantly removing unwanted body fat in isolated areas of the body to create the ideal silhouette.
For example, if a patient weighed 150 pounds before liposuction and 7 pounds of fat were removed during surgery, they would now weigh 143 pounds. This weight loss is permanent, as the fat cells have been permanently removed from the body. However, it's important to understand that liposuction is not a weight loss procedure. It is a body contouring procedure that removes stubborn fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise. Therefore, it's crucial for patients to maintain a healthy lifestyle after liposuction in order to maintain their results. While weight gain may decrease the results of liposuction, the overall improvement in body shape will still be visible.
This is because areas of the body that have been treated have fewer fat cells and therefore experience a lower enlargement rate compared to surrounding areas. It's also worth noting that scientists have discovered that fat cells only live for about seven years. This means that each time a fat cell dies, another one forms to take its place. However, when fat cells are removed through liposuction, they will not be replaced by new fat cells. This means that even if a patient gains weight after liposuction, the procedure will affect where that fat is stored in the body. Overall, liposuction is a highly effective and permanent solution for removing unwanted fat from specific areas of the body.
However, it's important for patients to maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to maintain their results. If you have stubborn fat deposits that have not responded to diet and exercise, liposuction may be a great option for you. Just remember to follow your plastic surgeon's post-operative instructions and maintain a healthy weight in order to enjoy long-lasting results.
