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Can Fat Return Following Liposuction?

Are you considering liposuction for those stubborn fat pockets that you can’t seem to remove with diet and exercise? Are you worried the fat may return following a liposuction procedure?

Liposuction is a very popular and effective procedure for removing fat cells. Liposuction permanently removes fat cells in the targeted areas of the body. Liposuction can be used to target those stubborn fat pockets that are hard to address with exercise and diet alone. The liposuction procedure involves the use of an aspirator, which functions as the suctioning device and a cannula, which is the tube that sucks out the stubborn fat cells.

It is common for patients to question whether the fat will return after they undergo the liposuction procedure. Liposuction does remove the fat cells permanently from the targeted area; however, it is up to the patient to maintain their weight.

If you allow it, you can gain weight, as your other fat cells, those not removed, will still grow. To maintain your contoured look, you will need to maintain your post-liposuction weight. That being said, as the fat cells are permanently removed, you will maintain the contoured shape as the fat cells have been removed from the targeted area, if you gain only minimal weight. It is the surrounding areas where you would risk gaining weight if you didn’t maintain your post-liposuction weight.

If you gain considerable weight, for example, 10% or more of your body weight, new fat cells can develop throughout your body. These new fat cells may form in the area in which you had liposuction. However, typically, the fat cells won’t grow as much in the targeted area as compared to the other areas of your body. Ultimately, even with considerable weight gain, those undergoing liposuction often still look better than they would have, had they not undergone the liposuction treatment.

There are many ways in which you can maintain your liposuction results following treatment. First and foremost, following the instructions provided to you by Dr. Kara is essential. Staying hydrated and eating a healthy diet focused on protein, healthy carbohydrates and vegetables is also a key factor in maintaining your goal weight. We recommend that you avoid skipping meals, as your body will go into starvation mode, decrease your metabolism and store any calories you do intake thereafter, as fat. Eating several smaller meals throughout the day will keep your metabolism high and reduce your chances of weight gain. Regular exercise is also important to maintaining a healthy weight.