Can you achieve more dramatic results if you were previously obese?

Question

From what I know, weight gain of 15+ lbs causes the number of fat cells in your body to multiply. Also, that when you lose weight, you keep those extra fat cells (they just get smaller). With this in mind, if I was previously 60+ overweight, would the increased amount of fat cells allow for more fat to be transferred? If so, to what extent?

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Actually the number of fat cells remains constant in adulthood. They increase or decrease in size, not in number unless you have liposuction. If you want fat transfer to the breasts you should keep your expectations very modest

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Actually, you stop making fat cells once you reach 12 to 13 years of age. If you were obese as a young child, you will have extra fat cells.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

I think you’re overthinking this subject. In the end, there really are only two variables when it comes to the outcome of this procedure. The first is the patient candidacy and the second is the skill and experience of the provider.
Generally speaking skin laxity has a negative impact on the quality of outcomes from both liposuction and fat transfer.
In other words, individuals who have tight skin tend to get better looking results than those who have loose skin.
Skin laxity contributes substantially to contour and form and grafting fat does not seem to compensate for the skin laxity in a big way.
The other important variable is provider selection. Delivering consistent quality, liposuction and fat. Transfer results is not as easiest most people think. The number of providers who truly mastered both procedures are in a small minority.
If the provider has not mastered the procedure, then results will be disappointing. Regardless of the patient’s candidacy.
If you’re interested in having breast fat transfer, then I suggest focusing on variables you have control over, which is primarily provider selection.
To do that I suggest patients schedule multiple in person consultations with providers in their community who seem to have a strong track record for both Liposuction and fat transfer.
 When reviewing before, and after pictures recognized that early fat transfer results can look very impressive, but do not in anyway represent long-term final results.
After pictures should be taken at least 3 to 6 months for the date of the procedure in order to be representative.
When looking at fat transfer results, you should also vet providers and scrutinize their work in regards to Liposuction skill as well.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Can you achieve more dramatic results if you were previously obese?

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Can you achieve more dramatic results if you were previously obese?

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