After having lipo done, can one have returning fat in those same areas?

Question

I was wondering if a person has lipo done to the Flanks and abdominal area, can fat come back in those same are's. Even in form of new fat cells. Assuming diet and exercise have been lacking.

Emile Brown, MD · Answer

This is one of the most common questions patients ask about liposuction. The number of fat cells we have as adults does not change. When we gain weight, we do not make more fat cells - these cells just store more fat inside of them and grow larger. When liposuction is performed, fat cells are permanently removed from the treated areas. So as long as you maintain a stable weight, fat will not return to these areas. If you do gain weight in the future, you will tend to see your body storing this excess fat in other parts of your body (where the number of fat cells has not been reduced). For example, if you have liposuction of your abdomen and gain weight afterwards, you may see this weight distributed more to your hips or buttock or breasts. I hope this helps. Best of luck!
Emile N. Brown, M.D.
Johns Hopkins & Harvard Trained Plastic Surgeon

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

Shirley.   Liposuction reduces bulging fatty areas of the body by removing fat and thus, removing fat cells. If weight is gained, it will be less apparent in the areas of the liposuction because there are less fat cells in that area. However significant weight gain will affect those areas. Be certain to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to further explore this subject.  Good luck!

Garrett Jones, DO · Answer

Liposuction is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess fat from specific areas of the body. While liposuction can provide significant and long-lasting fat reduction in treated areas, it's essential to understand that it is not a permanent solution for weight loss or fat prevention.
The results of liposuction can be long-lasting, especially if you maintain a healthy lifestyle with proper diet and regular exercise. However, it is possible for fat to return to the treated areas if you gain weight after the procedure.
Fat cells that are removed during liposuction are permanently removed from the body. However, if you gain weight after liposuction, the remaining fat cells in other areas of your body can increase in size, leading to a redistribution of fat. In some cases, this may result in an accumulation of fat in the treated areas, although typically it's more evenly distributed throughout the body.
To maintain the results of liposuction and prevent fat from returning to treated areas, it's essential to adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a balanced diet. This can help prevent weight gain and minimize the risk of fat returning to the treated areas. Additionally, it's crucial to follow any post-operative instructions provided by your plastic surgeon and attend follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and monitor your progress. If you have concerns about fat returning to treated areas after liposuction, it's best to discuss them with your plastic surgeon for recommendation and guidance.

Adam L. Basner, MD · Answer

Yes, you can regain weight in areas that have undergone liposuction. After liposuction, there are fewer fat cells in the treated areas, but the remaining fat cells can enlarge again with weight gain. This is why we always recommend following a good diet and exercise plan and leading a generally healthy lifestyle after having liposuction, as this is the best way to maintain results.

Garrett M. Crabtree, MD · Answer

You can have fat return to areas previously treated with liposuction . Minor weight gain after surgery will usually result in fat accumulating in other areas. If enough weight is added , then you will start to see fat return to areas that were treated with liposuction. This is a good reason to make sure that a healthy life style is combined with your decision to have liposuction . Good Luck Dr Crabtree

After having lipo done, can one have returning fat in those same areas?

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Answer: Can Fat Come Back After Liposuction?

Answer: Can Fat Come Back After Liposuction?

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After having lipo done, can one have returning fat in those same areas?

Answers (5)

Answer: Can Fat Come Back After Liposuction?

Answer: Can Fat Come Back After Liposuction?

Answer: Fat returning to liposuction areas

Answer: Fat returning to liposuction areas

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Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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