Liposuction has always been in the list of most popular cosmetic procedures. But it also comes with a widespread myth that liposuction for weight loss is a procedure that people get.
Yes, liposuction removes excess fats. But going through liposuction for weight loss will only leave you disappointed.
Unfortunately, no weight loss procedure can take the place of exercise and diet. If you wish to get liposuction for weight loss, you will likely find yourself sent back home by your surgeon.
Learn about the myths and truths about liposuction for weight loss in this article.
Will you lose weight with liposuction?
Quick answer: No, you won’t lose a significant amount of weight with liposuction.
The idea of a dramatic liposuction weight loss is based on a misunderstanding of what the procedure does to your body. Liposuction is a body contouring procedure, not a treatment for obesity or a quick way to a slimmer body.
The procedure is also not ideal for everyone. It is not for those who wish to skip body discipline, then expect to get a quick weight loss with liposuction.
In fact, good candidates for the procedure are those who have attained or are near their ideal weight. Going through liposuction after weight loss is the right direction. It’s not the other way around.
You might ask, “So, what’s the big deal about liposuction, then?”
Liposuction removes the fats that diet and exercise cannot get rid of. Your plastic surgeon targets areas of your body to achieve your ideal body contour.
You can also expect to get satisfying results if you follow your surgeon’s recovery tips.
How much weight loss can you expect from liposuction?
Any weight loss by liposuction is due to the fats removed from the treated areas. These fats equate to a few pounds, usually not exceeding eight pounds for one procedure.
It could also depend on what your surgeon determines safe regarding your body mass index.
For patients who want more fat removal, surgeons advise getting multiple liposuction treatments with four-week intervals. This means more weight loss after liposuction depending on the amount of fat removed.
You might also get a liposuction revision if the results of your first procedure are not optimal.
Don’t put your weight loss expectations too high up after the procedure. You’ll experience swelling and bloating right after, making you look like you gained rather than lost weight.
If you experience bloating and swelling, don’t worry. These are normal parts of the healing process. They should subside within 12 weeks after surgery.
Are liposuction results permanent?
Liposuction results are permanent because fat cells don’t grow back on the treated areas. But it will take some time for the final results to show up, so practice patience.
But here’s a word of caution: Slacking on diet and exercise will make your liposuction and weight loss results less than ideal. Liposuction also doesn’t counter aging, so you should expect a little sagging of skin as you age.
What happens if you gain weight after liposuction?
The more weight you gain after liposuction, the less obvious the results become.
Fats grow in untreated areas if you pack on lots of weight, resulting in uneven fat distribution. Your body would look way less than ideal, so you should maintain your pre-operative weight as best as you can.
Weight gain after liposuction can also be risky if you are physically inactive. Since you lost fat cells in some parts of your body, new fats might settle in vital organs like the liver, intestines, and abdominal cavity. These visceral fats increase the likelihood of health problems, like heart diseases and diabetes. You should maintain a healthy exercise routine to avoid these.
How can you avoid weight gain after liposuction?
The best way to avoid an unhealthy weight gain after liposuction is to maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine.
Here are some tips on how to do that:
Eat healthy and smaller meals.
Having a healthy diet will keep excess fats from settling in your body. Plus, eating the right food at the right time will reduce cravings for extra snacks and junk food, which can easily add some pounds to your body.
Some surgeons also suggest opting for several smaller meals over three big meals to lessen caloric intake.
Drink lots of water.
Frequent drinking of water can keep you from feeling hungry. Enough hydration also increases how much calories your body can burn.
Don’t skip meals.
You might think that skipping meals will help you lose or maintain your weight. But skipping meals actually slows down your body’s metabolic rate, making you gain weight.
Stay active.
You won’t keep excess fats away if you do not exercise. Healthy workout routines also help maintain or build muscle mass. They also reduce the risk of certain diseases, like heart and lung conditions.
Healthy routines may vary depending on the location and extent of liposuction. It is best to ask your surgeon about exercises you can do.
The fact that liposuction and weight loss don’t always go together disappoints some people. But the procedure remains popular for a good reason.
Despite some risks, the success stories of previous liposuction patients make the treatment very attractive to those who have come close to their target weight range.
Do you now understand the myth and truth regarding liposuction for weight loss? Are you almost touching your ideal weight? If so, liposuction just might be your next best step to achieve your ideal.
Learn more about liposuction by Scheduling a Free Consultation with one of our double board-certified plastic surgeons here in Face+Body Cosmetic Surgery. We’ll answer any liposuction concerns that you may have.
