Liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures, and for a good reason. This minimally invasive cosmetic procedure removes fat from areas of the body by way of a thin, hollow tube known as a cannula. Once inserted into the body through small incisions, excess fat will begin to loosen, and then eliminated through a vacuum or syringe attached to a cannula.

If you are considering liposuction to eliminate stubborn and unwanted fat, there are specific facts you need to know, including how to avoid gaining weight after liposuction to maintain your incredible results.

Can Liposuction Cause Weight Gain?

Liposuction is not a substitute for weight loss or exercise. Contrary to what some may initially think, it is not a treatment for obesity and does not promise lasting weight loss. Liposuction is meant for targeting specific areas of fat that don’t respond to exercise or diet, including the thighs, abdomen, arms, back, hips, buttock, chest, and other ideal treatment areas. While liposuction will not cause weight gain, it won’t prevent it either.

Liposuction Won’t Promote Dramatic Weight Loss

A common misconception with liposuction is that patients assume they will lose a dramatic amount of weight after treatment. While some weight loss will likely occur once the fat has been removed from the body, this treatment is not specifically designed as a weight loss solution. Liposuction is meant to improve the contour of the body, and to reduce localized excesses of fat. While weight loss is not considered one of the key benefits, the dramatic change in shape or contour of specific treatment areas can be significant and give off the appearance of weight loss.

Fat Deposits in Treatment Areas

Fat cells are permanently removed during liposuction. Those fat cells will not return unless you gain a significant amount of weight after treatment. If you do gain weight, it typically will not return to the specific areas that were treated with liposuction. If you do gain a significant amount of weight after weeks, months, or even years of treatment, fat will accumulate in both the treated area and untreated areas.

What Happens If You Gain Weight After Liposuction

Because of the way fat cells are permanently removed in areas treated by liposuction, there are little to no fat cells left to absorb any newly formed fat. Fat is then forced into cells that were left untreated throughout the body. Any new weight gain will cause the remaining fat cells to grow in size. This type of weight gain after treatment can lead to a patient experiencing new problem areas of stubborn fat that weren’t an issue before liposuction.

Tips For Maintaining Your Results

Liposuction results won’t stay permanent without additional efforts.

Maintain your liposuction results by following these tips:

• Drink plenty of water – We recommend that patients drink 64 ounces of water per day to lose weight and maintain treatment results.
• Exercise regularly – Utilizing exercise is the best way to lose weight and keep it off.
• Incorporate aerobic exercise – Once the three-week waiting period has passed after treatment, aerobic exercise is strongly encouraged.
• Resistance exercise – Once the treatment area has regained functionality, you may begin exercising, starting slowly and gradually increasing your amount of effort. Resistance exercises include short workouts with a rubber band or small hand weights.
• Maintain a balanced diet – Eat a healthy diet that is low in fat, sugar, and processed foods. Low-fat, lean foods high in protein in combination with fresh fruits and vegetables are ideal.

Achieve Optimal Health and Keep Fat Off Too

Following these simple steps will help you maintain the fat-free look want to achieve when having liposuction. Drinking plenty of water, exercising, and making healthy food choices are all essential ways to avoid gaining weight after treatment. Contact Hinsdale Vein & Laser for a consultation appointment to determine if liposuction is the ideal treatment option for eliminating your stubborn fat.

*Please note that there is a nonrefundable $100 deposit required for liposuction consultations. This will be applied to the procedure cost.