Do you lose weight after liposuction? It’s normal to ask this question, and it’s often assumed that it does with people showing up looking slimmer after undergoing the procedure.
But this is a common misconception and one you should know about before you even consider having one. While there is a level of truth in it, it isn’t entirely the case. It is essential to understand that liposuction is a body contouring procedure instead of a weight loss procedure.
Liposuction, even large volume liposuction, limits how much fat it can remove. Patients who are somewhat content with their weight before liposuction are more likely to be satisfied with the outcome.
If you wish to reduce a few pounds after liposuction, you should realize that the operation will not help you achieve this objective – with one exception. It can help you get into the correct mental state.
After liposuction, you may feel more driven to commit to a healthy lifestyle. This is because you may finally see an improved body shape that you have wanted for so long.
But you may still be wondering how it makes you look slim and fit? Here are the facts you need to know:
What Is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a body sculpting surgery that involves suctioning away localized fat storage. Modern liposuction procedures now include the liquefaction (melting) of fatty tissue, resulting in a gentler removal of fat and soft tissue tightening.
Liposuction surgery is a great way to eliminate extra fatty deposits in various body parts, including the arms, thighs, buttocks, abdomen, stomach, and hips. While the fat cells removed during liposuction do not regrow, the leftover fat cells might get larger if a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle are not followed following your liposuction treatment.
Do You Lose Weight After Liposuction?
One of the most common liposuction beliefs is that because liposuction is a medical process that includes removing fat cells and undesirable fat cells, it would help you lose weight.
The reality is that liposuction’s purpose is to improve your physical physique, not make you lose weight. You may lose a few pounds but do not expect to lose a dramatic amount of weight.
Liposuction surgery is not a weight loss procedure; it reshapes your body and is not a fast solution for weight loss. Nor does it promise lasting weight loss or to be considered as an obesity treatment. It is meant to address your problem areas that won’t respond to the exercise and dietary changes the way you wanted it to be.
How Much Weight Can I Lose With Liposuction?
Most people only lose a few pounds in total. While there may be some weight reduction following a liposuction, the operation is usually only conducted on those already within 10-15% of their ideal body weight and in good health.
How Long Do The Results Last?
The effects of liposuction are permanent, and the fat removed after the surgery will not return. However, you mustn’t gain more than 10-15 pounds after your liposuction surgery since any significant weight gain will reduce the body sculpting advantages of your liposuction.
If you gain substantial weight after your liposuction operation, you will most likely see fat growth on untreated areas rather than on treated parts. You still need to be vigilant about following a healthy diet and exercise regimen in order to maintain your liposuction results.
Can Fat Return After Liposuction?
Liposuction is a procedure that permanently eliminates fat cells from a specific area. The remaining fat cells removed after a liposuction operation do not return, and your body does not manufacture new fat cells in the treated region.
Although, this does not stop your body’s natural process of producing fat. Fat might return after liposuction if you allow it to return. If you gain a significant amount of weight, then new fat cells can develop. It can develop in all areas of your body, including areas previously treated by the procedure.
Types Of Liposuction
Although diet and exercise are the most efficient methods to lose stubborn body fat, they are instances where you need a helping hand. Some fat deposits are likely resistant to natural treatments, resulting in an imbalanced, lumpy look. These are the issues that liposuction is designed to address.
Liposuction comes in different types. Each functions somewhat differently and has various benefits and drawbacks. Understanding their distinctions will enable you to make the best choice should you decide to take the procedure.
SUCTION-ASSISTED LIPOSUCTION
This is the most common and oldest form of liposuction. Small incisions are made over the region to be suctioned in this liposuction method. To suck out fat cells, a hollow needle called a cannula is introduced through these incisions.
This lipo may be utilized on various body parts, including the bottom, thighs, legs, abdomen, back, and arms. Because it is one of the less accurate forms of liposuction, most individuals do not utilize it for tiny places such as beneath their chin.
The most significant advantage of this liposuction is that it is the least expensive type of liposuction. In addition, it has been used for a long time and is a “tried and tested” operation that many physicians can execute.
This surgery can take 1-3 months to recover from, depending on the nature of the operation and how quickly you recuperate. Furthermore, your form might take three to six months to be finalized. However, most liposuction recovery patients can resume their usual activities within a few days.
TUMESCENT LIPOSUCTION
Tumescent liposuction is identical to regular liposuction except that lidocaine and epinephrine make fat puffy and more straightforward to locate and remove. Lidocaine is a potent anesthetic that can induce modest edema in fat cells. Additionally, epinephrine is commonly used since it constricts blood vessels and can significantly decrease bleeding.
Fat cells are then removed using a short needle by a cannula linked to a suction device.
Tumescent liposuction may be utilized on practically any portion of the body where liposuction is regularly employed. Most of the swelling and discomfort associated with this operation will subside in approximately a month. However, like traditional lipo, it may take 3-6 months to achieve your ultimate trim form.
ULTRASOUND-ASSISTED LIPOSUCTION (UAL)
Ultrasound has been used for over 40 years. Although it is commonly used for imaging, it can also be utilized for therapy.
Ultrasound employs high-frequency sound waves that may generate large quantities of energy in the tissues on which they are focused. This has the potential to break down fat cells, making suction removal more straightforward.
Ultrasound-assisted liposuction is frequently employed in harder fat locations, such as the male chest, back,’ saddlebags,’ and other places where standard liposuction may be problematic. The recovery time is similar to tumescent liposuction, albeit some patients may develop scorching or burns.
One of the primary benefits of ultrasound-assisted liposuction is that it may remove fibrous or recalcitrant fat that would typically take many procedures. Furthermore, this liposuction method may safely remove a more considerable fat volume because it is liquified and less prone to bruise or bleed.
LASER-ASSISTED LIPOSUCTION (LAL)
Laser-assisted liposuction is similar to ultrasound-assisted liposuction in that it employs a laser to break down fat. A laser probe is placed through the suction cannula in this surgery. Anesthetic and epinephrine are then given into the region to reduce pain and bleeding.
This method of fat reduction has various advantages. To begin, the laser fiber is exceedingly small, requiring only a tiny cannula to suction the liquid fat. Consequently, this form of lipo only necessitates tiny incisions that heal rapidly and leave no scar.
Lasers efficiently break down fat, allowing it to be extracted as a liquid oil via the cannula. The body subsequently absorbs any liquid petroleum that is not suctioned. It takes roughly one month to recuperate from ultrasound-assisted liposuction.
Benefits Of Liposuction
One of the significant advantages of liposuction is that the surgery provides considerable and long-term benefits. As a result, the action is a highly effective investment for you if you devote yourself to living a healthy lifestyle after the surgery. Listed below are the advantages of getting a liposuction:
Reduces Inflammatory Cells
Liposuction can reduce the number of inflammatory cells in the body. Liposuction, on average, can reduce the overall number of inflammatory cells in the body by 11%. Inflammatory cells are associated with cardiovascular disease. This suggests that lowering the number of inflammatory cells in the body reduces your risk of cardiovascular disease.
Enhanced Mobility
There’s no denying that being overweight or obese can affect movement. Liposuction is used to remove fat pockets from various parts of your body. These fat pockets are not uncommon in restricting movement. It would help if you observed a significant increase in your mobility after the fats have been surgically removed. Mobility in the hips, thighs, and knees can be recovered depending on your weight. Furthermore, the increased movement might contribute to improved posture.
Lower Risk of Serious Health Problems
Obesity increases your chances of having serious health problems. An example of which is high cholesterol. In a study1 done to 31 patients who underwent the procedure, 16 who returned for a follow up visit showed improvement in their blood sugar levels associated with weight loss. While the procedure did not alone improve obesity, it did help in motivating some of the patients to lose weight.
Safe Fat Removal
Liposuction is popular because it is both safe and effective. The surgeon creates microscopic incisions in the treatment area during liposuction. A cannula is then implanted to extract part of the fat.
The surgeon frequently injects lidocaine and epinephrine to minimize swelling, discomfort and bleeding. Because the eliminated fat contains no blood, your body will heal faster.
This surgery is often performed as an outpatient operation, and you should be able to resume your normal activities within a week or two.
Boosts Self-Confidence
If you have fat in your body that displeases you, it might harm your self-esteem. Liposuction helps your body appear the way you want it to, and your self-esteem will improve.
Self-consciousness is linked to appearance and liposuction can help improve your confidence in yourself and even in the way you present yourself with your clothing. Being able to wear whatever you want and seeing that you look amazing might boost your morale.
What To Expect During Surgery?
In order to have the best results, it’s important to know what to expect during your liposuction surgery. Make sure to have a knowledgeable and experienced surgeon. One who provides you with realistic expectations and makes certain you are overall in good health to proceed.
Learn more on the steps and what to expect below:
1. You’re prepped for surgery.
Have someone drive you to the facility on the day of your surgery. While standing, the surgeon will take pre-op pictures and mark certain spots on your body. IV fluid lines are commonly used to assist manage fluid levels during surgery. You will also be monitored for your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels during the process.
2. Anesthesia is Administered
A general anesthetic is often used for your convenience throughout the operation to keep you sleeping during the surgery. Liposuction can, however, be done using a mix of local anesthesia and injectable sedation. Your surgeon will advise you on the best option for you.
3. Placing Incisions
After anesthesia is administered, the surgeon makes small inconspicuous incisions in the targeted area. The size of these incisions is very small, ranging between a quarter or third of an inch. The number of incisions required depends on the amount of fat deposit.
4. Fat is Prepared for Suctioning
Today’s plastic surgery patients can choose from several methods. Fluids are frequently injected into the area to be liposuctioned to decrease blood loss and make fat removal simpler.
5. The Fat is Suctioned
Cannulas are little hollow metal tubes that are placed via incisions. The cannulas are pushed back and forth in a controlled manner to loosen and suction the fat, which is then drained via the tubes into waiting receptacles.
6. Closing the Wound
Once the fat is sucked out, your surgeon will close the incisions with absorbable sutures and firmly bandages them. Drain tubes are placed at the incision sites to collect excess fluid.
Liposuction Risks
Liposuction is typically safe when performed by an American board-certified plastic surgeon. However, there are specific concerns to consider:
Loose Skin
When the surgeon uses the cannula to remove fat, your skin must shrink to adapt to your thinner outlines.
However, you may have loose skin if you have poor skin elasticity. If this condition arises in the abdomen, a stomach tuck may be required to fix the problem.
In addition, your surgeon will provide you with a compression garment following your treatment. Make sure you wear it according to your surgeons instructions. This will aid in the skin’s adhesion to your new form.
Fluid Accumulation
Fluid might accumulate in the treated region following your operation, causing the damaged area to enlarge. The compression garment provided by your surgeon should typically be enough, but drains may be required in more severe cases.
Fat Embolism
During the surgery, the surgeon may have made a mistake in which fat cells enter the circulation. While fat embolisms seldom cause serious consequences, they can be deadly in rare cases.
Key Points
Liposuction is NOT a Weight Loss Surgery
There are stubborn areas of fat on our body that we can’t seem to get rid of no matter how hard we exercise or eat – here is where liposuction/liposculpture may be considered as a solution.
Following on from the previous point, liposuction, even though it reduces body size and form by reducing undesirable fat cells, is not a weight-loss operation.
If you want to reduce weight, it is ideal to maintain excellent health with a well-balanced diet and plenty of exercises. A gastric band may be possible depending on how much weight you want to lose.
Recovery and Downtime
After the operation, you will be taken to a recovery area and given pressure clothing to wear to reduce swelling in the treated areas and assist your skin in adhering to your new body shape.
Unless your surgeon decides that you need to stay in the facility overnight, you should be able to go home within a few hours. When you go home, make sure someone drives you there and stays with you for at least 24 hours.
After two to three days, most patients may return to non-strenuous activity, such as a desk job. High-intensity work or activity should be avoided for two to three weeks, depending on the degree of your surgery and the areas treated.
As with any operation, it is essential to understand that these recommendations might vary greatly depending on a patient’s health, the procedures applied, and other factors.
Regardless, it is critical to avoid exposing the incision sites to excessive force, irritation, or motion throughout the healing process. Inform your healthcare professional if you are experiencing significant pain.
Summary
Liposuction is a surgical procedure for body reshaping that suctions fat out of the body. This surgery is frequently performed when patients have excess body fat that has not improved with diet and exercise.
Liposuction is not designed to be a weight-loss surgery, and it does not guarantee that you will never put on weight again. If you don’t eat a proper diet and stay active, the remaining fat cells can expand and diminish your results.
Though the procedure is usually a safe operation, problems might occur. To achieve the most significant outcomes, follow all of your surgeon’s directions after the procedure. It may take three to six months to notice the full effects after liposuction.
