Liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments in the U.S., with more than 200,000 procedures completed in 2020. For those who have maintained a healthy weight but still have stubborn fat on their bodies, liposuction can help them create the shape they’ve always wanted. But getting the most out of the procedure means following the advice of board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brandon-Dzung Mang and the team at Rejuve Aesthetic Surgery in Tampa, FL.

What does liposuction do?

Liposuction is a surgical fat removal that removes unwanted fat cells in many parts of the body, usually the stomach, hips, thighs, and buttocks. The results create a smooth, tight figure. The procedure is done using general anesthesia at Rejuve Aesthetic Surgery in Tampa, FL. Dr. Mang will place a cannula, a small tube that loosens and removes fat cells, under the skin after making a small incision. Once the fat has been removed, the incision is closed with a suture. Many patients undergo liposuction on multiple areas of the body, so the procedure could last several hours. Liposuction does not remove loose skin, so it’s only appropriate for men and women whose skin is already tight, and it’s not appropriate for women considering becoming pregnant, as a future pregnancy would likely compromise the results of liposuction.

Is weight loss after liposuction permanent?

After undergoing liposuction, most people experience swelling and bruising in the areas where they had fat removed. This usually lasts for about 1 – 2 weeks, and after 7 – 10 days, patients return to the office to have their stitches removed. Most people notice changes to the tone of their bodies shortly after surgery, but it usually takes 6 – 10 months to see the final results take shape. During that time, your weight will likely fluctuate as your body adjusts to its new composition and your swelling goes down. But if you don’t gain weight, the fat reduction and weight loss you experience after liposuction will be long-lasting. That said, liposuction does not prevent you from gaining weight in the future.

How can I prevent fat from growing back after liposuction?

The fat removed during liposuction is gone from the location where it was removed. But that does not mean your body can’t grow new fat after you’ve had liposuction. If you maintain your post-liposuction weight, you can prevent new fat from growing in the treated areas or elsewhere in your body, but weight gain of as little as a few pounds will cause many remaining fat cells to grow, and weight gain of 10% or more of body weight will usually cause fat cells to grow in all areas, even those treated by liposuction. However, usually, areas treated with liposuction will accumulate less fat after weight gain than untreated areas. Still, preventing fat growth after liposuction is ideal. Here are our best tips for doing just that:

• Eat a healthy diet rich in protein, fresh fruits, and vegetables

• Eat fewer, smaller meals to prevent overeating, and never skip meals, as that can also lead to overeating

• Make exercise part of your lifestyle, especially calorie-burning cardio and weight training

• Drink lots of water to stay hydrated

Schedule a consultation in Tampa, FL today

Lingering fat on your body can be frustrating when you’ve worked hard to maintain a healthy weight. And while liposuction can help you target and remove those pesky fat cells, it’s not a miracle cure. Indeed, preventing fat from growing after liposuction requires the same work as meeting and keeping your healthy weight. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Brandon-Dzung Mang and the team at Rejuve Aesthetic Surgery in Tampa, FL so we can help you understand whether liposuction is right for you, as well as giving you tips and advice for maintaining your new shape.