What You Should Know About Fat Coming Back After Liposuction

Liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments in the United States.

The procedure removes fat cells from specific areas of the body with the goal of delivering the patient's preferred silhouette and a more contoured appearance. Even the fittest opt for cosmetic fat removal surgery to remove fatty deposits that do not respond to exercise and diet.

Beyond the initial results, one of the most common questions patients ask is, "Does fat come back after liposuction?" Read on to learn why the procedure is considered permanent (with some caveats) and what happens if you gain weight afterward.

Liposuction Permanently Removes Fat Cells

While many liposuction techniques are commonly used today, they all focus on one similar goal: removing fat from a targeted body area.

Every liposuction technique uses a variation of a cannula, a hollow tube inserted through small entry points in the skin to suction fat cells. Some techniques and practices vary, from the type of anesthesia used to the size of the incisions to the nature of the cannula. Still, the common thread among these treatments is the use of a cannula to remove fat cells from the body.

The body stops making fat cells after we reach a certain age. This makes liposuction permanent in the areas treated. However, this does not mean results will last no matter what. 

Can Fat Return After Liposuction?

The human body has a finite number of fat cells, so this amount will be permanently lower after liposuction. However, it's important to understand that while these specific fat cells are gone, the body can still store fat in the remaining cells if you gain weight. 

This means that if you consume more calories than you burn, the remaining fat cells in both treated and untreated areas can expand, potentially altering your post-liposuction results.

Most patients who gain weight after liposuction will tend it appear in untreated areas first. Some patients may view this feature positively if their new silhouette is preserved in spite of gaining or losing weight. Others may view fat accumulating in brand-new areas negatively if they feel their results are disproportionate. Hormones can also cause fat to appear in new areas, so some liposuction candidates may want to wait if they are in the midst of menopause, for example.

These caveats underscore the importance of working with an experienced, qualified plastic surgeon who listens and responds honestly to your concerns.

Maintaining Liposuction Results

To preserve the benefits of liposuction and prevent fat from returning, consider the following strategies:

1. Adhere to Post-Procedure Guidelines: Follow your surgeon's aftercare instructions carefully to promote optimal healing and results.

2. Balanced Diet: To manage your weight effectively, stick to a healthy diet rich in nutrients and low in processed foods.

3. Regular Exercise: Engage in consistent physical activity to burn calories and maintain muscle tone.

4. Hydration: Stay adequately hydrated to support overall health and metabolism.

5. Consistent Eating Habits: Eat regular, balanced meals throughout the day and avoid skipping meals to keep your metabolism steady.

6. Aim to Keep a Stable Weight: Rapid weight loss or gain can both have a major impact on your results. If you are losing weight, do so with a balanced mix of diet and exercise instead of crash diets.

Can Fat Return After AirSculpt®?

AirSculpt® is among Charlotte's most precise, comfortable fat removal procedures. It delivers dramatic results without the use of scalpels, stitches, needles, or general anesthesia.

Similar to traditional liposuction, AirSculpt® permanently removes fat cells from targeted areas. However, if weight is gained after the procedure, the remaining fat cells can enlarge, potentially affecting the results.

One advantage of AirSculpt® is its shorter recovery period, allowing patients to adopt or return to healthy habits more quickly to maintain their new figure. Additionally, any minor weight gain after the procedure tends to be distributed more evenly, often preserving the desired body proportions.

For individuals who have undergone a previous procedure with subpar results, Revision AirSculpt® can help you quickly fix issues like asymmetrical liposuction or excess fat removal. Our power-controlled technology and expert surgeons provide a unique blend that can precisely sculpt the balanced, lasting outcomes patients desire. 

In summary, while liposuction and AirSculpt® permanently remove fat cells from treated areas, maintaining a stable weight through a healthy lifestyle is crucial to preserving the results and preventing the remaining fat cells from expanding.

Call our Charlotte body sculpting office or the AirSculpt clinic nearest you for your free consultation.