Liposuction is one of our most popular cosmetic procedures for those looking to address problem areas and enhance their physical appearance.  While the treatment removes fat deposits permanently, the shelf life of liposuction depends largely on the patient and their lifestyle choices.

Liposuction is the ideal treatment for those wanting to reduce fat and contour their body where exercise and diet have failed. The human body contains a certain amount of fat cells and as we gain or lose weight they increase or decrease in size, not in quantity.  Unfortunately, we don’t have control over the number of fat cells or their distribution, which is why some of us have stubborn areas that we struggle to shift through healthy eating and exercise alone.

Permanent removal of fat cells

Liposuction has proven to be one of the most successful treatments available for removing unwanted fat cells from targeted areas. During the procedure, subcutaneous fat cells are broken down and the stored fat is extracted from various parts of the body such as the abdomen, buttocks, arms and calves.  When removed, these fat cells are gone forever.  According to the Swanson Center, Leawood, removal of excess fat cells through the procedures of liposuction and/or abdominoplasty provides a long-term reduction in targeted areas. Measurements from patients of the 2012 study do not support the concept of fat re-accumulation in treated areas of the body.

subcutaneous fat cells

Not only this, the body’s shape is enhanced and the proportions are improved. Liposuction is one of the most requested surgical procedures in the world and the results speak for themselves.  In a study of patients from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 80% of those who undertook liposuction were satisfied with their results, and 79.7% said they would have the procedure again.

Liposuction is not a weight loss solution, but a shape-changing solution

Liposuction, however, is not a weight loss solution and the shelf life of the procedure largely depends on the patient and how they choose to live their lives.  While the treatment removes a large proportion of fat cells in the targeted area permanently, some fat cells will remain like those distributed around the rest of the body.

Considerable weight gain following liposuction may result in the enlargement of the remaining fat cells and the recurrence of the original problem, however, these areas are usually minimally affected. Regardless of whether a person has had liposuction or not, if they consume more calories than they burn, the extra calories will be stored as fat. To maintain the results and keep the body’s shape defined as originally desired, a healthy lifestyle is essential.

Fat is generally distributed around the body post liposuction

Weight gain more often than not is evenly distributed around the body and the impact on body contouring results is usually insignificant.  The overall shape of the body is likely to remain the same, yet the whole body is more likely to increase in size. A study by the ASPS observed a number of obese women who had liposuction, which when performed correctly, was found to be a procedure that not only removed the fat forever but created a better shape even if you put weight back on.

If you do put weight on again, it is more evenly distributed all over the body – Joseph Ajaka

Through extensive observation of our patients, we find the majority don’t experience an increase in fat in the targeted areas because they focus on eating well and exercising to keep their body’s new and improved shape. Unfortunately, liposuction does not give you a license to eat whatever you desire without any consequences! A result Brazilian study observing two groups of women post liposuction also confirmed this.  In this study, one group decreased their everyday activity levels, whereas the group who began exercising over a period of four months after surgery regained little fat, if any.  The study concluded any potential visceral fat gain was effectively counteracted by regular exercise.

The ideal candidate for liposuction

Patients with isolated zones of fat that are out of proportion to neighbouring areas, and whose fat cells haven’t shifted through a healthy diet and regular exercise, are ideal candidates for liposuction.  Depending on the requirements and overall look the patient is wanting to achieve, there are a few liposuction options.

Mega Liposuction is an effective treatment for those people who are overweight or obese and want surgery to help remove excess fat immediately. Our minimally invasive procedure of Tummy Liposuction will not only reduce unwanted fat deposits in the abdominal area but also tighten loose skin in the targeted area. Vaser liposuction offers an alternative to traditional liposuction and can produce incredibly smooth results during the contouring process and for a highly sculpted and athletic shape, the Vaser Hi Definition Liposuction treatment is ideal.

Liposuction is a long-term solution to the reduction of fat cells in problem areas of the body such as the tummy, thighs and love handles.  The results don’t wear off, lose form or fade away over time.  And while weight gain can affect the patient’s overall appearance, it is not often we see the return of the stubborn, unwanted areas following this procedure.