Do Liposuction Results Last?

According to a survey by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), almost 350,000 liposuction procedures were performed in the United States in 2023, up by 7% from 2022. The rising popularity of this cosmetic surgical procedure can be attributed to its ability to eliminate excess fat deposits that don’t respond to even rigorous diet and exercise. One question that most patients ask their surgeon is: “Will my results last?”

Laser liposuction in NYC, performed using Smartlipo Triplex, is an ideal option for healthy men and women near their ideal weight. This minimally invasive procedure uses laser energy to liquefy and remove subdermal fat cells, resulting in a well-defined, smooth shape. The technology also promotes skin tightening. However, the longevity of the results is influenced by various factors, particularly lifestyle choices. Although the lipo permanently removes fat cells, weight gain can cause remaining fat cells to expand or new ones to develop. Maintaining a stable weight through a healthy lifestyle is crucial for preserving your results. Additionally, genetics and the surgical technique used can also affect how long the results last.

Key Factors that can Impact Liposuction Results

• Diet: Maintaining a healthy diet with balanced macronutrients helps prevent new fat accumulation. Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein foods. Include healthy fats like seafood, lean meats and poultry, eggs, legumes, nuts, and seeds in your diet. Limit added sugars, sodium, saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol. Aim to avoid excessive calorie intake can lead to fat deposits in untreated areas.
• Exercise and activity level: A sedentary lifestyle can cause gradual weight gain, diminishing your body contouring results. Regular physical activity is key to maintain a healthy weight. Strength training and cardio help maintain a stable weight. Strength training helps build muscle mass, which increases your metabolism and burns calories even when you’re resting. Cardio workouts can help you burn calories.
• Weight fluctuations: Significant weight gain can cause remaining fat cells to expand, affecting body contours. On the other hand, weight loss after liposuction typically doesn’t cause irregularities but may cause the skin to sag.
• Aging and skin elasticity: Younger people with good skin elasticity typically experience longer-lasting, smooth results. Aging can cause skin laxity, which may affect the overall body contour over time.
• Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, menopause, and hormonal imbalances can lead to weight gain and fat redistribution. For instance, pregnancy naturally leads to weight gain. However, attempting to counteract it through restrictive dieting is not recommended, as it may impact the baby’s health. Instead, focus on maintaining a nutritious diet and staying physically active. Once you have fully recovered after childbirth, consult your surgeon to determine the right time for liposuction treatment. Some medications, such as steroids or hormone therapy, may cause fat accumulation.
• Surgical technique and expertise: A skilled surgeon using advanced techniques (e.g., tumescent liposuction, Smartlipo laser liposuction, VASER, or BodyTite) can provide smoother, more natural results. If the procedure is not performed properly, it can cause an irregular appearance. Taking out too much or too little fat can make the skin look bumpy or wavy. Additionally, if the procedure doesn’t effectively remove the targeted fat cells, or if it damages the surrounding tissues, the body might store new fat unevenly. This can cause the treated areas to regain fat more quickly, impacting the procedure’s effectiveness.
• Post-surgical care and recovery: Wearing the compression garments as advised by your surgeon will help the skin retract properly. Proper hydration, lymphatic massage, and avoiding smoking during the recovery phase are important for healing smoothly and maintaining results.
• Genetics and body composition: Some people are genetically prone to storing fat in specific areas.

The bottom line: While liposuction removes fat cells permanently, the remaining fat cells can still expand if lifestyle factors change.

How to Maintain Your Liposuction Results

Here are some tips to help make your results last:

• Maintain a stable weight through diet and exercise.
• Stay hydrated and avoid processed foods that contribute to fat accumulation.
• Engage in consistent strength training to maintain muscle tone.
• Follow your surgeon’s aftercare recommendations to ensure proper healing.

Choose a Qualified Liposuction Surgeon

It’s essential to choose a qualified and experienced surgeon who uses advanced techniques such as laser liposuction to remove unwanted fat safely and effectively. A skilled plastic surgeon can customize the treatment to achieve your body contouring goals. Following your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help you maintain your results.