Skip to main content
Nova Plastic Surgery Waiting Area Cropped
Nova Plastic Surgery Waiting Area
Posted August 06, 2012 in News

Key Takeaways

  • Liposuction permanently removes fat cells from the treated areas, but significant weight gain can cause new fat cells to accumulate throughout the body.
  • A healthy diet that avoids fat and sugar helps maintain weight and preserve the smooth, sculpted results achieved from liposuction.
  • Women who do not exercise after liposuction are at higher risk of regaining fat and potentially developing visceral fat around the organs.
  • Staying adequately hydrated and drinking the recommended amount of water daily also supports maintaining post-liposuction results.
  • Getting as close to your ideal weight as possible before surgery reduces the risk of extreme weight fluctuations that could alter your results afterward.
Woman measuring her bellyLiposuction is a popular cosmetic procedure that consists of the removal of fat cells from troublesome areas of the body that have not been responding to diet or exercise. Common areas where patients get liposuction include the hips, back, buttocks, and abdomen. Liposuction works through the insertion of a syringe of cannula (stainless steel device with a suctioning action) through small incisions in the area. The fat is then sucked out or removed via the syringe. The result is the permanent removal of fat cells for the trouble spot, giving you a smoother, firmer appearance. So how does a patient maintain their results once they have recovered from liposuction? It is import to actively maintain the results because, though the fat cells have been removed, new ones can accumulate in the area if significant weight gain occurs. The first factor in maintaining your results from liposuction is your diet. A healthy diet that isnt heavy in fat or sugar will help you maintain your weight and your surgical results. Liposuction is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle, so it is important to look at the procedure as a second chance to a new you. The second factor in keeping your new physique is exercise, with a plan that is heavy on the cardiovascular workouts. Women who have had liposuction and do not exercise are at a greater risk of not only regaining the fat, but of also developing fat around the organs, which can put you at risk for developing other conditions. It is also important to drink the recommended amount of water per day for your body weight. Finally, another way to make sure you maintain your results is to get as close to your ideal weight as possible before the surgery happens. This will decrease the chances that you will have extreme weight fluctuations afterwards. Through diet and exercise, you can keep the slimmer, smoother look you have acquired. Weight gain that occurs after liposuction will initially happen in the fat cells you still have, which can give your body an out-of-balance look. After that, if the gaining is significant, you will lose the results of your surgery If you have more questions about liposuction in Northern Virginia, call us at (703) 574-2588 or schedule a consultation. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are liposuction results permanent?

The fat cells removed during liposuction are permanently eliminated from the treated area. However, if you gain significant weight after surgery, new fat cells can form throughout the body, including in treated areas. Maintaining a stable weight through diet and exercise is essential to preserving your long-term results.

What happens to the body if I gain weight after liposuction?

Initial weight gain after liposuction first affects the remaining fat cells in untreated areas, which can give the body a disproportionate or unbalanced appearance. If weight gain is significant, new fat cells will eventually form in the treated areas as well, gradually diminishing the sculpting results achieved through surgery.

What kind of exercise is most effective for maintaining liposuction results?

A cardiovascular-focused exercise plan is especially important after liposuction. Regular cardio helps maintain your weight and reduces the risk of fat redistribution. Women who do not exercise after liposuction are also at higher risk of developing dangerous visceral fat around the organs over time.

How soon after surgery should I begin exercising?

You should begin exercising only when your surgeon specifically clears you to do so. Starting too early can interfere with healing and cause complications. Once cleared, gradually increasing your activity level helps prevent weight gain, supports recovery, and strengthens the newly contoured areas of the body.

What is the most important thing I can do before liposuction to protect my results?

Getting as close to your ideal weight as possible before surgery is the single most important step. Being near your goal weight reduces the likelihood of significant fluctuations afterward and ensures the contouring achieved through surgery looks balanced and proportional throughout your body long term.