22lbs weight gain after liposuction, do I have new fat cells in my stomach?

Question

I had liposuction done a few years ago on my stomach. Unfortunally I gained 22lbs since. My stomach is ofcourse not as slim as it was before I gained the weight but it's still slimmer than it was before surgery. Because 22lbs is quite some weight does it mean I have new fat cells again in the stomach? Because I read conflicting information on this. If I lose the weight will it go (or close to) back to the result I had right after the surgery?

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

After liposuction, the number of fat cells in the treated area is permanently reduced. However, this does not prevent weight gain, as the remaining fat cells can still expand if you consume more calories than you burn.

If you gain weight after liposuction, the remaining fat cells in the body can increase in size. This can occur in both treated and untreated areas, but typically, the treated areas have fewer fat cells to expand.

If you experience unexpected weight gain or have concerns, consult with your healthcare provider or a nutritionist for personalized advice and support.
While liposuction permanently reduces the number of fat cells in the treated area, it does not prevent future weight gain. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key to preserving the results of the procedure.

Sincerely, 
Dr. Emmanuel Mallol

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

We have a set number of fat cells.  When some are removed through liposuction, new fat cells are not produced.  However when we gain or lose weight our existing fat cells grow or shrink.  As you lose the weight you've gained your existing fat cells will shrink.  There is a myth that you can't gain weight after liposuction.  You certainly can but it is not from new fat cells forming.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

At age 12-13, you stop making new fat cells. Weight gain only increases the size of the fat cells you have. If you lose the weight, you should lose the excess fat, and you may be close to where you were before weight gain.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Everybody’s born with a certain number of fat cells in a certain fat cell distribution.
Liposuction permanently removes fat cells from the areas treated.
This creates a permanent change in fat distribution.
Any weight gain or weight loss will follow the new fat distribution.
 if you lose the weight, your appearance should resemble what you look like after surgery.
Sometimes weight gain can have an implication on skin and age also change how our body looks.
It’s not uncommon for people to have had abdominal liposuction to have an enlarged abdomen if they gain weight after the procedure because of visceral fat that can not be removed with liposuction. 
Fat cells did not begin to divide unless people approach morbid obesity. Even so, it’s unlikely that the fat distribution would be changed after having Liposuction.
It’s not uncommon for people to gain some weight after liposuction.
I would say the majority of people who have this procedure, especially high volume liposuction tend to come back six months later weighing more or less the same amount.
It’s like the body recognizes the fat has been removed, and the brain wants to compensate by having the person eat more.
I tell all of my patients considering Liposuction to be very careful about potential weight gain after the procedure and to get on the scale on a regular basis to make sure that they don’t go up in weight. 
The combination of well done liposuction in patients who are also able to lose weight, usually brings the biggest smiles on return patients.
Best,
Matt Hagstrom MD

22lbs weight gain after liposuction, do I have new fat cells in my stomach?

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