If you’ve recently undergone liposuction surgery, you may be wondering how long liposuction lasts. The results of liposuction are considered permanent1https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/can-fat-return-after-liposuction as your body can’t grow new fat cells to replace the fat cells that were removed during your liposuction procedure.
However, this does not mean you cannot gain weight in other areas of your body after liposuction. In this article, we’ll cover what you need to know to ensure long-lasting liposuction results.
How Long Does Liposuction Last?
The results of liposuction surgery are considered permanent. This is because you are born with a certain number of fat cells, and once these fat cells are removed via liposuction surgery, they are permanently removed.
However, this doesn’t mean you’re unable to gain weight after undergoing liposuction. Body fat can still redistribute after liposuction, especially if you don’t follow post-operative advice and do not look follow proper diet and exercise habits.
How Liposuction Affects Fat Cells
Once we hit teenagehood, our bodies are set with the number of fat cells we carry for our entire life2https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/fat-cell-numbers-teen-years-linger-lifetime. These fat cells either expand or shrink as we gain or lose weight. This fixed number of fat cells is what causes those frustrating areas where fat seems to never disappear, despite losing weight elsewhere.
Liposuction surgery is designed to permanently remove fat cells from targeted areas, with the aim to make those areas more proportionate to the rest of the body.
However, not all fat cells are removed in these areas, so if weight is gained later, the remaining cells can still enlarge. Because there are fewer of them, the body should, in theory, keep a more balanced shape post-liposuction, even with slight weight gain.
That being said, gaining a lot of weight after liposuction can make untreated areas look larger in comparison because they still have their original number of fat cells.
Basically, liposuction can help with shaping the body, but it’s not a weight loss solution or an excuse to eat excessively. In fact, gaining weight post-surgery may highlight imbalances in body shape more than before.
How Soon After Liposuction Will You See Results?
After liposuction, it typically takes around 3 to 6 months to see the full results3https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/what-to-expect-after-liposuction. Initially, there’s likely to be swelling and bruising, which can mask the immediate changes. As your body heals and the swelling subsides, you’ll start to notice your new contours emerging.
Remember, every person’s recovery process is personal, so some may see their results sooner or later than this general timeframe. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and following your surgeon’s aftercare instructions can help ensure the best possible outcome.
Tips to Make Liposuction Results Last
To keep your results after liposuction, staying close to your post-surgery weight is key. While everyone’s body reacts differently, aiming not to gain more than 5 kilograms will help you maintain those results. Depending on your body’s tendencies, like if you’re prone to gaining weight in specific areas, this number might vary slightly. Here are some ways to manage your weight:
Track What You Eat
Keeping an eye on your calorie intake and ensuring you’re getting enough protein can prevent unwanted weight gain. Aiming for 70 to 150 grams of protein daily, depending on your activity level and weight, can keep hunger at bay and support weight maintenance.
Drink Plenty of Water
Often, what feels like hunger is actually thirst. Drinking enough water can help avoid unnecessary snacking. A general guideline is for women to drink about half a gallon and men about a gallon of water or other hydrating fluids each day to stay well-hydrated.
Stay Active
Walking is an easy and effective way to keep off any extra kilos. Aiming for 150 minutes of moderate-paced walking each week is a good goal to have to manage both your weight and heart health. If you overeat occasionally, adding extra walking can help balance out the extra calories.
Consider Swimming
Swimming is an excellent low-impact exercise that burns calories efficiently by engaging many muscle groups, including your body’s largest muscles. It’s an especially good option for maintaining your weight after liposuction because it’s easy on the joints.
By incorporating these habits into your lifestyle, you can enjoy the benefits of liposuction for a long time. Each step helps manage your weight effectively, ensuring your liposuction results are as long-lasting as possible.
Schedule Your Liposuction Consultation Today
Take the first step towards understanding your liposuction options with Levant Cosmetic Surgery. Schedule your liposuction consultation today to receive personalised advice and insights from our experienced professionals. We are committed to providing you with comprehensive information to help guide your liposuction decisions.
Liposuction Results FAQs
Is liposuction permanent?
Yes, liposuction is permanent in the sense that the fat cells removed during the procedure are gone for good. However, the remaining fat cells can still expand if you gain weight, potentially altering the results.
How many years does liposuction last?
The results of liposuction can last indefinitely, as long as you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. The key to lasting results is avoiding significant weight fluctuations.
Will fat come back after liposuction?
Fat cells removed by liposuction will not come back. However, if you gain weight after the procedure, remaining fat cells in your body can enlarge, affecting the overall appearance. It’s also possible for fat to accumulate in other areas of the body.
What to expect 3 months after liposuction?
Three months post-liposuction, most of the swelling and bruising should have subsided, and you’ll start to see a more accurate reflection of the final outcome. It’s common to notice a significant improvement in the treated area’s shape and contour by this time.
How long after lipo do you see final results?
The final results of liposuction typically become fully visible between 6 to 12 months after the procedure. This time frame allows for the complete resolution of swelling and for your skin and tissues to adjust and heal.