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Understanding Liposuction: What Happens to Leftover Fat?

Posted July 17, 2024 in Liposuction

Female in white under garment

3 Min Read:

Liposuction is a popular cosmetic procedure designed to remove excess fat from specific areas of the body, helping to sculpt and contour the figure. Several celebrities have openly discussed their experiences with liposuction:

  • Kylie Jenner: The reality TV star and entrepreneur has admitted to undergoing liposuction to enhance her figure.
  • Chrissy Teigen: Model and cookbook author Chrissy Teigen has been candid about having liposuction to address stubborn areas.
  • Khloe Kardashian: Another member of the Kardashian family, Khloe has also spoken about her decision to undergo liposuction.

While liposuction effectively reduces fat deposits in targeted regions, there are common misconceptions about what happens to the fat that remains after the procedure.

The Mechanics of Liposuction

Before diving into what happens post-surgery, it’s essential to grasp how liposuction works. During the procedure, small, thin tubes (cannulas) are inserted through tiny incisions in the skin. These cannulas are used to suction out fat cells from beneath the skin, effectively reducing the volume of fat in the treated areas. The results are generally noticeable soon after the swelling subsides, revealing a more defined silhouette.

Fate of Remaining Fat Cells

Contrary to popular belief, the fat cells that remain in the treated areas after liposuction do not migrate to other parts of the body. Once fat cells are removed via liposuction, they are gone for good from those specific areas. However, the remaining fat cells in the treated areas can still increase in size (hypertrophy) if a person gains weight in the future. This means that while the number of fat cells in the treated areas is reduced, the remaining ones can expand if a person gains weight, albeit to a lesser extent than before the procedure.

Understanding Fat Distribution Post-Liposuction

After liposuction, the body’s fat distribution is altered. Typically, untreated areas and areas with remaining fat cells can still accumulate fat if there is a significant weight gain. The key difference is that these areas won’t accumulate fat to the same extent as they did before liposuction since the number of fat cells there has been permanently reduced.

Misconceptions and Realities

It’s crucial to dispel the myth that fat from liposuction “moves” to other areas of the body. Fat cells are fixed in place and do not relocate. Therefore, areas that have undergone liposuction will maintain their sculpted appearance, provided there is no substantial weight gain.

Long-Term Results and Maintenance

To maintain the results of liposuction, patients are advised to adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a balanced diet. This helps to prevent significant weight fluctuations that could affect the treated areas. While liposuction offers permanent fat removal in specific areas, it is not a substitute for overall weight management or a healthy lifestyle.

Conclusion

In conclusion, liposuction is an effective method for reducing localized fat deposits and sculpting the body. The fat cells removed during the procedure are permanently gone from the treated areas, while the remaining fat cells can still expand if a person gains weight. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for realistic expectations and long-term satisfaction with the results of liposuction.

If you’re considering liposuction, consulting with a qualified plastic surgeon is essential to understand the procedure fully and its potential outcomes. Always prioritize your health and well-being when making decisions about cosmetic surgery.