6 Tips To Avoid Weight Gain Post-Liposuction

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes fat deposits from unwanted body areas and contours your body. While liposuction can give you the body you've always wanted, it's essential to understand that it's not a magic solution for weight loss; furthermore, fat loss results may only be temporary if a healthy lifestyle is not adopted. 

Although the removed fat cells do not grow back in treated areas, the remaining fat can still expand, and untreated regions can also show the effects of weight gain. If the patient does not eat sensibly, the fat appears to "move" to other untreated body parts. 

Therefore, to keep weight and fat off after liposuction, What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure designed to extract and remove fat cells. Liposuction can only target the subcutaneous layer of fat, i.e., the fat between the skin and the underlying muscles. Fat deposits around internal organs, called visceral fat, cannot be treated with liposuction.

The patient is usually put under general anesthesia during liposuction. An incision is made near the desired fat deposits, and a suctioning tube called a cannula is inserted to break up the excess fat cells and suck them away.

The removed material can be used for other procedures, such as the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL).

Do Fat Cells Grow Back After Liposuction?

After liposuction, removed fat cells disappear for good, as no new fat cells are formed after you reach the age of 18. However, if you gain significant weight during or after your recovery, remaining fat cells may grow both in the treated areas and elsewhere in the body - especially in untreated regions where the number of fat cells has not decreased.

Can I Gain Weight Post-Liposuction?

Anyone may gain weight even after body contouring surgery. Fat does not weigh that much, so you should not expect a significant difference on the scale. 

Furthermore, liposuction results do not immediately disappear if you gain a few pounds; treated areas will accumulate fat more slowly than untreated areas but are not immune to it.

Can I Undergo Liposuction More Than Once?

It is possible to undergo a second liposuction surgery if you require an extensive amount of fat removal beyond the state limit, which is usually around five liters. However, since liposuction is not designed for weight loss, it is recommended that you get as close to your final target weight as possible before undergoing a second liposuction.

Tips To Prevent Weight Gain Post-Liposuction

We recommend several lifestyle changes to prevent weight and fat from returning after a fat removal treatment. 

1. Follow a Balanced Diet

One of the most important things you can do to avoid weight gain post-liposuction is to follow a balanced diet. A healthy, balanced diet is essential for maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding weight gain. Focus on eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Avoid processed foods and sugary drinks, as they can lead to weight gain.

Additionally, it's important to avoid fad diets or extreme calorie restrictions. A minor caloric deficit maintained daily is better than a crash diet involving starving yourself. While you may see quick results in the short term, these diets are not sustainable and can lead to long-term weight gain. Instead, focus on making small, sustainable changes to your diet that you can sustain over time. 

One final diet tip to help with nutrition after liposuction is to eat more frequent, smaller meals throughout the day.

2. Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding weight gain post-liposuction. Drinking water can help you feel full and reduce your appetite, which can help you avoid overeating. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day and avoid sugary drinks like soda or juice.

Additionally, drinking water can help flush toxins from your body and reduce swelling post-surgery. This can help you recover faster and avoid complications after your liposuction surgery.

3. Incorporate Exercise into Your Routine

Frequent exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding weight gain post-liposuction. Exercise can help you burn calories, increase your metabolism, and improve your health and well-being.

Finding an exercise routine that works for you and that you enjoy is important. This could be anything from going for a daily walk to joining a fitness class or lifting weights at the gym. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day, and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts over time.

Once you have gotten into a good groove, high-intensity cardio is best for effectively burning calories, while strength training is best for building and toning your muscles.

4. Get Enough Sleep

Sleeping is essential for maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding weight gain post-liposuction. Lack of sleep can lead to weight gain by disrupting your metabolism and increasing your appetite. Aim to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night, and establish a consistent sleep routine to help you fall asleep and wake up at the same time each day.

Getting sunlight first thing in the morning is a helpful way to regulate your circadian rhythm and help you adopt a routine sleep schedule.

5. Manage Your Stress

Managing stress is critical for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding weight gain post-liposuction. Stress can lead to overeating and weight gain, disrupt your sleep and overall well-being, and even cause abdominal fat, or a stress belly, to form. 

Among the many ways to manage stress include practicing yoga or meditation, taking relaxing baths, or spending time in nature. Find what works for you and make time for stress-relieving activities each day.

6. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Finally, it's crucial to maintain a healthy lifestyle overall if you want to avoid weight gain post-liposuction. This means making choices that support your physical and mental health, such as:

• Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

• Practicing good hygiene and self-care habits

• Getting regular check-ups and screenings with your healthcare provider

• Surrounding yourself with positive, supportive people

By making these choices and prioritizing your health, you'll be better equipped to maintain your weight and enjoy the benefits of your liposuction surgery.

AirSculpt®: Quicker Results And Faster Recovery 

Weight gain after liposuction is a reality that patients do not want to face. What's the point of undergoing surgery to remove fat and regain it within months? 

While patients must commit to a healthier lifestyle, AirSculpt® procedures can alleviate the strenuous nature of recovery after traditional liposuction. Thanks to the delicate AirSculpt fat removal technique, patients enjoy just one to two days of downtime before they can quickly embark on a healthier routine to maintain their results. Whereas traditional liposuction often requires weeks of rest, AirSculpt patients begin taking daily walks the day after their treatment and can return to strenuous exercise in just two weeks.

That's because AirSculpt® fat removal procedures provide dramatic results without invasive surgical techniques like scalpels, stitches, needles, and general anesthesia. 

For more information on how we can help you achieve your fat and weight loss goals, call our body contouring office nearest you to schedule your complimentary consultation.