Does Fat Come Back After Liposuction?
Liposuction is an effective treatment for fat reduction in targeted areas, creating sculpted results for thousands of patients every year. One of the most common questions patients have revolves around whether or not the fat removed during surgery can return later on. This blog will discuss how fatty tissue behaves after liposuction, when and why it may reappear, and what patients can do to maintain their results.
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Is Liposuction Permanent?
Although techniques vary, the basic liposuction procedure involves breaking up and suctioning out fat cells using a cannula and aspirator. Adults have a fixed number of fat cells in the body. Once removed, these fat cells will never return.
Can Fat Cells Regenerate After Liposuction?
No, but the human body is a complex ecosystem. While fat cells do not regenerate after liposuction, the state of adipose tissue after surgery is still subject to change, sometimes unpredictably so.
The body can’t grow new fat cells, but the remaining fat cells can grow in size. People can still gain weight and experience an increased volume of fatty tissue after a liposuction procedure.
How Does Fat Distribution Change After Liposuction?
Even though fat cells are removed permanently, the contours achieved by liposuction are not necessarily permanent. Fat cells in treated areas can still expand, although it is more likely that fat cells in untreated areas will overcompensate.
Some studies indicate that liposuction may trigger an increase in visceral fat, which is the fat surrounding organs (as opposed to subcutaneous fat, which is the fat under the skin that is targeted in liposuction). Other studies show that fat removed from one area of the body, such as the thighs, may redistribute to another area, such as the abdomen. Researchers posit that this may be a biological defense of the body’s fat tissue stores.
These studies underscore the importance of two things:
- not using liposuction as a weight loss method, and
- maintaining a healthy lifestyle after surgery for best results.
What Causes Fat to Come Back After Liposuction?
It is established that the fat cells removed during liposuction are permanently eliminated and that it is still possible to experience an increase in fat volume. If fat seems to have returned, it is often due to weight gain, lifestyle factors, or aging.
Weight Gain
Unsurprisingly, significant weight gain can negatively affect liposuction results. While the body doesn’t replace the fat cells lost in surgery, they recycle themselves in their natural life cycle. These recycled fat cells will more likely develop in untreated areas, which can yield unpredictable results. Thus, maintaining a stable weight after liposuction is crucial for preserving results.
This is why it’s essential for patients to get close to their goal weight before undergoing liposuction. If patients already have a healthy lifestyle, it will be much easier to experience sustained results.
That said, a small amount of weight gain, such as five pounds, will probably not noticeably alter liposuction results. The new body shape achieved with liposuction will still be visible with minimal weight gain. And in many cases, even patients who gain significant weight tend to look better than if they never underwent liposuction.
Lifestyle Factors
While still related to weight gain, individuals have control over general lifestyle factors that can help or hinder their results long-term. A diet high in calories derived from fatty, high-sodium, sugary, or generally unhealthy foods will negatively affect body composition and metabolism. Combining this with low physical activity increases the chances of weight gain and fat accumulation. On the other hand, a healthy diet and regular exercise will help preserve liposuction results by supplying the body with the nutrients, oxygen, and activity it needs.
Aging
The body’s metabolism naturally slows with age, which can lead to easier weight gain over time. Aging also changes the body’s composition, leading to changes like increased fat storage around the abdomen. A healthy lifestyle is still generally the best strategy for avoiding age-related weight gain. Routine check-ups with a primary care physician are also a good idea for tracking changes in health that may be related to weight fluctuations.
How to Avoid Regaining Fat in Treated Areas
No one undergoes liposuction with the intention of regaining the fat. There are several steps individuals can take to maintain their results and prevent the fat from returning.
Pre-Surgery
- Get as close as possible to their goal weight.
- Create a healthy lifestyle now—establish a healthy diet and exercise regime, increase water intake, and cut back on unhealthy foods such as sugar, soft drinks, fried foods, etc.
Post-Surgery
- Follow all post-operative instructions provided by their surgeon carefully and completely. Failure to do so could compromise liposuction results.
- Wear compression garments to help the tissues settle properly as they heal and regulate.
- Don’t overexert.
General Lifestyle
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
- Try eating several small meals throughout the day to control hunger and cravings. Always consult with a doctor or a nutritionist before a change in diet.
- Do not skip meals; this can have adverse effects on metabolism.
- Exercise regularly.
Choosing the right surgeon is just as important as deciding on the best treatment plan. Dr. Kao is always happy to answer any questions about gaining weight after liposuction and provide more information during a consultation.
Considering Liposuction in Santa Monica?
The most critical first step is to consult with a qualified professional. Dr. Chia Chi Kao is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in advanced body contouring techniques. He and his team curate positive experiences and provide gorgeous results for patients every day.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Kao today to discuss liposuction goals and options. Fill out Kao Plastic Surgery’s online contact form or call (310) 315-9211.
