Gaining weight after lipo - how does it affect the area? (Photos)

Question

I’m considering liposuction of my abdomen and flanks, but I’m currently quite lean and may naturally gain some weight over the next few years. Would the timing of the procedure (doing it at a lower vs slightly higher body weight) affect: - the number of fat cells reduced in the treated area, and - how that area responds to future weight gain? Specifically, if I have liposuction at a lower weight versus a slightly higher (like +3-5kg) weight, would that meaningfully change how much fat I might regain in the abdomen and flanks over time, or how my body redistributes fat overall?

Robert M. Lowen, MD · Answer

Dear Funny,
   No, the only thing that matters is  how much fat is removed.  It is only the residual fat cells, not how full of fat they are when the liposuction is done, that determines increase in volume later in the case caloric intake is in excess of metabolic need.  You can do the liposuction at any time, as you are an appropriate candidate, not overweight, and doing it for the purpose of contouring. But leave some fat behind, and do not overdo and skeletonize your abdomen. Have some one very skilled do it so you don't run into deformity problems like the one seen in the attached link.

Danielle S. Hayes, MD · Answer

Great question! Does it matter if you get liposuction at a lower weight versus a slightly higher weight (like 3–5 kg more)?
Not really and here's why:
When you gain a small amount of weight (like 3–5 kg), your fat cells get bigger, but you don't grow new ones. So whether you're at your current lean weight or a few kilograms heavier, the number of fat cells in your abdomen and flanks is essentially the same. The only difference is how "full" each cell is.
That means liposuction at either weight would remove roughly the same number of fat cells. At a slightly higher weight, the surgeon might remove a bit more volume (because the cells are plumper), but the long-term difference would be minimal.
What happens after liposuction if you gain weight?
This is the more important part. Research shows that your body has a kind of "memory" for how much total fat it wants to carry. When fat cells are permanently removed from one area, and you later gain weight, your body tends to store that fat in other areas instead; particularly the upper abdomen and around your internal organs (called visceral fat).
This happens regardless of what weight you were at when you had the procedure.
The single biggest factor in your long-term results isn't your weight on the day of surgery &mdash; it's what you do afterward. Studies show that people who exercise regularly and eat well after liposuction maintain their results much better and avoid that unhealthy fat redistribution. In fact, exercise has been shown to completely prevent the increase in internal organ fat that can happen after liposuction.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Funny587391,

generally speaking, you want to reach your goal weight before you consider a surgery, otherwise your results will be suboptimal if you continue to gain weight after the surgery. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

This is a great question- and a common one!  We gain and lose weight by our existing fat cells growing and shrinking.  So when fat cells are removed via liposuction those fat cells are gone forever and the body will not produce new ones.  The ones that are left behind can still grow and shrink like before but the remaining fat should be distributed more evenly since the pockets of stubborn fat would be corrected.  It's recommended to have liposuction when you're as close to your ideal weight as possible to give your surgeon the best opportunity to maximize your results.

M. Mark Mofid, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there,Thank you for your question. Liposuction permanently removes fat cells from the treated areas, so those areas will have fewer fat cells regardless of your starting weight at the time of surgery.What does change is the contour at the time of surgery:If you’re leaner, the surgeon removes less total fat, and the result is more subtle.If you’re slightly heavier (+3–5 kg), more fat can be removed, so the visible change may be greater.For future weight gain:Treated areas still can gain weight, but usually less proportionally than untreated areas because there are fewer fat cells there.The body may also redistribute new fat to other regions, but this varies and is not fully predictable.Timing doesn’t change the biology of fat cells being removed, but it can influence how dramatic the initial result is and how “balanced” your proportions look if your weight changes later.Please consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon.

Gaining weight after lipo - how does it affect the area? (Photos)

Answers (5)

More Liposuction Questions

105 lbs. and 158cm (5’2) tall - Do I have enough fat for liposuction? (Photos)

Is it okay to have liposuction at 20 years old?

Will only liposuction give me a defined waist? Will I need a BBL or a tummy tuck? (Photos)

I had liposuction done 8 months ago to correct glute asymmetry. What else can be done to correct glute asymmetry? (Photos)

Can anything be done about the skin under my chin after two rounds of chin lipo? (Photos)

Can I have liposuction with type 1 von willebrand disease?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS