Liposuction is among the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures in the United States; in 2015, for example, more than 222,000 procedures were done and the number keeps growing. Such popularity isn’t surprising since liposuction instantly removes unwanted body fat in the target areas and, thus, delivers on near-immediate results (i.e., leaner silhouette).
But will the fat return after liposuction? This is a common question among Smart Lipo patients for good reasons. The answer: Yes, it can but only under certain circumstances and only when you allow it.
Permanent Fat Removal
With advances in medical technology, there are now several liposuction techniques like laser-assisted liposuction and traditional liposuction. All of these techniques, however, have a common goal: The permanent removal of unwanted fat cells in localized parts of the body. These parts can be the chin and neck, arms and abdomen, and the hips and thighs; your doctor will determine whether two parts can be operated on simultaneously.
But there’s a catch even with the most effective liposuction technique: It’s possible for the fat to return after the procedure but – and here’s the part where your commitment to weight management comes in – only if you allow it to do so. Basically, the matter of keeping off the fat post-liposuction is largely in your hands.
The rule of thumb here: The more post-liposuction weight gained, the more likely the fat will return, and the less dramatic the body sculpting results will be.
Dependent on Weight Management
If you maintain your post-liposuction weight, then fat will not return to the treated areas and the results will be maintained. Keep in mind that you have to be near or on your ideal weight prior to the surgery, and it’s best to maintain it after the procedure.
For example, if you weighed 130 pounds before the liposuction and 6 pounds of fat was removed during the procedure, you have to maintain your ideal weight or 124 pounds or below. Your results will still look dramatic years after the procedure.
If you slightly gained weight, such as 5 pounds, your overall results will still be visible although not as dramatic as when you maintained your ideal weight. Your fat cells will become slightly bigger, too.
If you gained considerable weight, at least 10% of your post-liposuction bodyweight, then you will have a fat issue on your hands. New fat cells will likely develop in all parts of your body, even on the previously treated areas. But the treated areas may not accumulate fat as fast and as big as in the non-treated areas.
The bottom line: Strive to maintain your ideal weight after liposuction! Remember that liposuction isn’t a weight loss method – it’s a method to remove stubborn fat in problem areas.