If I continue to lose weight after lipo, will I lose from the areas that I didn't have done? (Photo)

Question

I'm considering do my back full back, abs, love handles, hips, and inner or outer thighs. Concerned my arms are going to look so much bigger than the rest of my body. I plan to continue with my personal trainer to tone up after. If I lose weight will it be more likely come off my arms since I've had day removed from all other areas? 2. would I benefit more from inner or outer thigh? Goal: wear shorts without them being too tight on the thigh and big in the hips which is a common problem for me.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Patients will commonly wonder what the effects of liposuction will be on their weight and more specifically their ability to gain or lose weight in treated and untreated areas. 
After puberty, an individual will have the same population of fat cells for the remainder of their lives (barring an intervention). Any changes in weight will manifest not as more or less fat cells but rather swelling or shrinking of those very same fat cells.
Liposuction destroys or reduces the population of fat cells in a treated area. These cells once gone are gone for good. The treated areas now harbor a reduced population of cells and consequentially have a reduced potential for weight gain or weight loss. However, a reduced potential does not make changes in these areas absolutely impossible. The remaining cells can still swell with weight gain potentially compromising a cosmetic result.
The final component is the least understood. This is that of weight/fat distribution. It remains unclear how the body directs particular populations to change. Patients will often lament that attempts at weight loss are frustrated by losses in areas not targeted and weight gain by contrast goes directly to perceived problem areas. It is impossible to predict how a patient will respond to weight gain. While we know that treated areas must theoretically have a lower potential for growth by virtue of reduced adipocyte populations, this does not necessarily always hold true with some patients always demonstrating the effects of weight gain in the same predictable areas. Similarly, post operative weight gain is not always manifested in untreated areas.
Based upon your photos, you appear to be a reasonable candidate for liposuction. With regards to your specific question, medial (inner) thighs are common targets for liposuction and you should benefit from contouring. The best advice one can give is to reach a stable healthy weight pre-operatively and try to maintain post-operatively. This is the best way to achieve a good result with the best chances for longevity.
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I suggest a VASER hi def body shaping transformation you will need a tummy tuck/skin removal to get the best outcome however.  Dr. Emer.

Ellen A. Mahony, MD · Answer

Yes, in particular if you've noticed that when you gain and lose weight, you see a difference in your arms.Your full body lipo  should restore your figure to an hour glass shape.  I would do both the inner and outer thighs for the purposes of proportion.  The inner thighs can't be done too aggressively because you have some skin laxity there but by doing both inner and outer, the girth of each thigh will be improved and maximized.  The fit of clothing should be improved but it's hard to predict by how much.I would extend your posterior hip lipo down to the upper outer buttock and the outer thigh lipo up to the lower lateral buttock for the purposes of 'rounding' the shape of your squared off buttock.  These procedures will yield the best result with positioning face down to start and then face up.  A sidelying position allows for too much shifting of the fatty tissue.  This is also a large volume liposuction, a hospital setting and general anesthesia will be the safest to protect your airway and monitor your fluids.Good luck!In good health,Ellen Mahony, MD

Jon A. Perlman, MD (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your pictures.  I think you stand to gain a great deal from liposuction of the areas that you described.  Since your fat storage areas will be diminished from the procedure future weight loss will come from untouched fat storage areas such as your belly cavity and arms and possibly breasts.  Future weight loss will help you to maintain your results and are good for overall general health and appearance.  From your photographs it would strongly suggest that you have both inner and outer thigh liposuction performed.

Personally I do not think it is necessary to have your procedure performed in a hospital and as long as the volume is less than 4 L of fat (as expected), I think you can have your procedure done in an outpatient facility assuming you enjoy excellent health.    Best wishes,
Jon A Perlman M.D., FACSDiplomate, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)ABC-TV Extreme Makeover SurgeonBeverly Hills, CaliforniaIG: jonperlmanmd

If I continue to lose weight after lipo, will I lose from the areas that I didn't have done? (Photo)

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Answer: If I continue to lose weight after lipo, will I lose from the areas that I didn't have done?

Answer: If I continue to lose weight after lipo, will I lose from the areas that I didn't have done?

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If I continue to lose weight after lipo, will I lose from the areas that I didn't have done? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: If I continue to lose weight after lipo, will I lose from the areas that I didn't have done?

Answer: If I continue to lose weight after lipo, will I lose from the areas that I didn't have done?

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Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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