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Does Fat Come Back After Liposuction?

closeup view of woman's waist

Liposuction surgery is an excellent, effective option for removing unwanted excess fatty deposits from a number of areas of the body, including the arms, thighs and buttocks, and abdomen, including the stomach and hips. However, while the fat cells removed during liposuction will not grow back, the remaining fat cells can become enlarged if a healthy diet and lifestyle are not maintained after your liposuction procedure. In other words, it is possible to gain weight after a liposuction surgery has been performed.

However, it is possible to ensure that your liposuction surgery results are permanent and that your new, contoured body remains as unchanged as possible after you have recovered from your surgery.

What Is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a body contouring procedure that involves the removal of localized fat collections via suction. Modern liposuction techniques also involve the liquefaction (melting) of adipose tissue, which results in a more gentle removal of fat and the contraction of overlying soft tissue.

At SpaMedica, liposuction surgeries involve the use of energy-assisted devices such as SmartLipo™, BodyTite™, and VASERLipo™. Most procedures are performed with local anesthesia only, and total recovery takes a maximum of three weeks.

How Much Weight Can I Lose With Liposuction?

Good candidates for liposuction have unwanted, stubborn pockets of fat but are realistic about their desired liposuction outcomes since the primary goal of liposuction is body contouring, not dramatic weight loss. While there will be some weight loss after a liposuction procedure is performed, generally, the procedure is only performed on individuals who are already within 10-15% of their goal body weight and are in good physical health otherwise.

How Long Do The Results Last?

The results of a liposuction procedure are lifelong, and the fat that is removed during the procedure will not return. However, it is important to ensure that you do not gain more than 10-15 pounds following your liposuction procedure, as any more significant weight gain will negatively impact the body contouring effects of your liposuction. If you gain a significant amount of weight following your liposuction procedure, you will more likely see the accumulation of fat on untreated areas than on the treated area.

Do Fat Cells Come Back After Liposuction?

No, the fat cells treated by a liposuction procedure do not come back after liposuction, and your body will not produce new fat cells in the treated area. However, it is still possible that the remaining fat cells in the treated area enlarge after your plastic surgery. As a result, it will be possible for you to gain weight in other areas of your body, which will impact your overall contouring effect liposuction procedure.

Can I Gain Weight After Liposuction?

Yes, you can gain weight after liposuction. You will not likely gain weight in the area where liposuction was performed, as your body will not produce new fat cells there after your treatment. However, any remaining fat cells can enlarge, and you will be able to gain weight in other areas of your body — for instance, if you had liposuction performed on your stomach, new fat deposits may develop on your thighs, buttocks, or arms. Excessive fat in untreated areas will negatively affect the smooth, contoured silhouette created by your liposuction surgery.

woman laying on her side

How To Maintain Your Liposuction Results

It is important to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle to best maintain your liposuction results. Your plastic surgeon will have a consultation with you before and after your procedure to advise you on preventing dramatic weight gain after your procedure. Here are some additional tips:

1. Eat Healthy

Eating meals that are higher in lean protein and lower in simple carbohydrates will help you to maintain your weight after your liposuction surgery. Many dieticians recommend eating numerous small meals throughout the day, rather than two or three larger meals, to encourage a healthy metabolism. Avoid sugary snacks and drinks, and opt for water or low-calorie sodas over fruit juices or alcoholic beverages as much as possible. By monitoring your caloric intake and eating smaller meals, you will be able to easily maintain your liposuction result.

2. Exercise Regularly

Incorporating at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular activity three times a week into your routine is an excellent way to make sure you do not gain excessive weight after your liposuction. Exercise is also an excellent stress booster and mood regulator and can help you avoid overeating or reaching for sugary or calorie-dense foods, which is something many people do in times of stress.

3. Get Enough Sleep

Some studies have shown that those who do not get enough restful sleep tend to overeat and find it difficult to motivate themselves to exercise. Practicing good sleep hygiene, which includes keeping cell phones or computers out of the bedroom and avoiding food for at least three hours before bedtime, can help you get consistently restful sleep, which is essential for your overall good health.

Dr. Thomas Bell | SpaMedica

by Dr. Thomas Bell

Dr. Tom Bell, with over 25 years of practice experience dedicated to cosmetic plastic surgery, pioneered Avenue Road and Yorkville as Toronto’s Beverly Hills of plastic surgery with his first surgical center in Yorkville’s Avenue road corridor back in 1986. Named as Canada’s best plastic surgeon by W magazine and one of the world’s best, Dr. Bell returns home to join the SpaMedica Plastic Surgery team as the reigning King of Plastic Surgery.
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