What's the longevity of liposuction results during menopause hormonal changes, when my diet and exercise are sensible? (Photo)

Question

Menopause shifting of fat has made it so I can no longer lose love handles, thigh and abdominal fat even after months on my go-to 1000-1200kcal diet. I lose a few pounds but my shape is completely different. If I have liposuction now, 6 months perimenopausal, will the fat only keep coming back as I get further along into menopause? I'm afraid my extreme diet and exercise past is making 1200kcal seem like a normal day to my metabolism and not working to melt these problem areas. Should I wait?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Liposuction can sculpt the abdomen, flanks, and waist to improve definition and body shape. The goal of liposuction is to remove fat in those areas which accumulate despite diet and exercise, thus recalibrating the fat stores in a more favorable fashion.  The fat will not move, but gains in weight will distribute differently. Liposuction results are highly surgeon dependent so consult with a plastic surgeon certified American Board of Plastic Surgery who performs hundreds of liposuction procedures each year with favorable patient feedback.  Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Paul Fortes, MD · Answer

Hello,Than you for your question.  Liposuction is a contouring operation.  As such, it allows a plastic surgeon to reshape the body into a new and better shaped one.  This new "shape" (not "size") is permanent.  However, liposuction is not at all an operation for weight reduction or even weight management.  With aging and menopause, a woman's body experiences changes in metabolism (usually slows). Slowing of one's metabolism may lead to slow and progressive weight gain if changes are not made in the calorie consumption or the exercise regimen to compensate for the slower metabolism.  Because of this, weight gain can happen with aging and menopause in women  who have not changed the exercise or diet routines that they have kept for years.Best of luck!

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

It is hard to predict the results for each individual person, but usually the liposuction results are long lasting assuming your level of exercise and diet stays the same. See link below for examples.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

The results of liposuction are permanent.
The fat cells are in a sense amputated and gone forever.
With less fat cells present after liposuction the area well neither gain much in size with weight gain nor loose much in size with weight loss.
Part of the change in fat distribution may include an increase in intra-abdominal fat as female hormones decrease with menopause.
I see no reason why you should wait that liposuction if this is something you're interested in it.
It's important to get an accurate and honest assessment.
Conditions that can lessen the results of the pet section include excess  intra abdominal fat, skin laxity and potential muscle separation from previous pregnancies.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom M.D.

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