How Much Weight Can You Lose/Gain With Liposuction?

At a Glance:

• Liposuction is primarily a body contouring procedure. Do not expect much in regards to weight loss after the procedure.
• Liposuction permanently eliminates fat cells from the surgical area. However, this does not mean that fat buildup will never occur in the said area.
• Taking proper care of one’s self is the key to enjoying the results of liposuction. By creating a healthy diet and following a strict workout regimen, the person can improve upon the results delivered by the liposuction procedure.

A common misconception about liposuction is that one can undergo such a procedure primarily to lose weight. The fact of the matter is that weight dropped from a liposuction procedure is not that significant. Even major liposuction procedures that require overnight stays in the hospital will not be able to remove substantial weight.

In this article, we will be discussing the effectiveness of liposuction in regards to its weight loss capability. We will be answering questions such as how much weight can you expect to lose as well as what you can expect before, during, and after this cosmetic procedure.

How Much Weight Can I Lose from Liposuction?

The weight loss after the procedure will vary depending on whether the patient will undergo a minor or significant liposuction operation. However, do not expect a substantial change in regards to weight.

Most liposuction procedures can slash off numbers on the weighing scale anywhere between 1 to 10 lbs. Again, liposuction is a body contouring operation and not a weight loss procedure. Any significant weight loss after liposuction will fall on the patient’s shoulders.

Average Weight Loss with Liposuction:

The industry guideline dictates that liposuction procedures should always stay within the safety limit in regards to the number of fat cells removed from the body. A single liposuction session should only remove not more than a gallon of fat from the patient’s body. This might sound a lot, but in reality, this will only amount to around 11 lbs. off the weighing scale.

Large Volume Liposuction Weight Loss:

The liposuction procedure has evolved during the past couple of decades, thanks to the advancements in medical technology. Patients nowadays have access to extensive volume liposuction procedures.

Some of the large volume liposuction types include:

• Ultrasonic liposuction –  As the name implies, this method utilizes ultrasound combined with ultrasonic waves to liquefy fat cells.
  
• Power-assisted liposuction – This procedure incorporates a thin cannula that generates rapid vibrations to break up fat cells in the body, which is then suctioned out.
  
• Laser-assisted liposuction – This is a minimally invasive fat reduction procedure that uses fiber-optic lasers to heat and melt fat cells for easier removal via suction. Clinics such as Sono Bello is known for offering this type of cosmetic procedure to their clients. 
  

The advantage of these liposuction types is that it can remove substantially more fat cells from the body while also being less invasive than the traditional method. Less invasive can also translate to a safer procedure for patients as it lowers the risk of infections.

Is Weigh Loss from Liposuction Permanent?

No. While patients will experience a slight drop in weight after this procedure; it is up to them to maintain and improve upon the weight loss aspect. For patients who develop a healthy lifestyle after this cosmetic procedure, they can expect long-lasting positive effects and a leaner body. Liposuction is but a stepping stone in getting the desired body appearance; it is not a magic “cure-all” solution to weight gain.

Is it Easier to Lose Weight After Liposuction?

The answer to this question is subjective. Liposuction will not affect how easy or difficult it would be for the patient to lose weight afterwards. Their weight loss rate will remain the same. It is recommended they consult with a nutritionist to form an effective diet plan to maintain liposuction results. Think of liposuction as a useful head start for people looking to lose weight quicker.

Can I Gain Weight After Liposuction?

Weight gain after liposuction will once again depend on the patient. Living an unhealthy lifestyle will cause weight gain. However, people who underwent this type of cosmetic procedure will gain weight differently. So, to answer the question: yes, weight gain is still a possibility after liposuction.

Weight Gain After Liposuction

Since fat cells will be removed permanently on the treated area, the buildup of fat there will be at a different pace compared to the rest of the body. Excessive weight gain after liposuction will cause less than ideal results as fat deposit will mostly skirt around the treated area.

It will leave a somewhat uneven appearance, which is something patients must avoid at all cost. Patients should develop a healthy and active lifestyle after liposuction to retain all the benefits the
cosmetic procedure can provide, as well as prevent any health risk along the line.

Weight Gain After Tummy Tuck and Liposuction:

Tummy tuck procedures eliminate fat cells from the body, and this is pretty much permanent. Fat deposits will not affect the abdominal area after a tummy tuck. However, patients may find that fat cells will instead head for untreated regions like the arms, legs, and buttocks. Tummy tuck and liposuction are also not designed to extract fat cells that build around organs.

The effects of gaining weight after tummy tucks won’t be as significant as long as gained weight after liposuction is only within 10 to 15 pounds. As long as patients do not go over 15 lbs. of weight gain, they won’t experience any adverse side effects. If the patient gains more than 15 pounds. of weight, their abdominal muscles and skin will stretch abnormally, which can cause a noticeable belly bulge.

Further increase in weight might cause complications which will require tummy tuck revisions to fix. It is highly recommended by surgeons to stick to a permanent healthy diet after operations such as tummy tucks and liposuction.

Comparison Chart: Weight Loss/Gain After Liposuction

Results will vary depending on the individual, but please note that there is a limit as to how much fat can be removed during this cosmetic procedure. Going above that limit might cause harmful side effects. You should also be aware that weight loss and weight gain after liposuction is still a factor that should be considered and, as much as possible in regards to weight gain, avoided.

True or False: Liposuction Permanently Removes Fat?

Technically, since the fat cells are removed from the body during liposuction, then the answer is yes. However, it is essential to understand that liposuction is primarily a body contouring method. It is not precisely designed to solve excess weight problems. Once the liposuction procedure is completed, it is up to the patient to maintain and further improve their body and weight. This can be done through exercise and a healthy diet.

How Long to See Results from Liposuction?

Results will vary, but expect to achieve it within six months to a year. The recovery period will be crucial, so it is best to follow all given instructions by the doctor. For example, it is commonly advised to avoid taking a bath within the first two days after the operation. This is due to the liquid leakage from the operating holes during the first 48 hours. Taking a bath during this period
might cause infection, so stick with the cleaning method prescribed by the surgeon.

The patient will also be advised to wear an elastic support corset over the surgical area within the first three weeks. This period might cause some discomfort, which is why the doctor will most likely prescribe the patient with painkillers and antibiotics as well. As long as you follow all recovery instructions to the letter and make regular visits to your doctor, a positive result is a guarantee.

Does Fat Return After Liposuction?

Since fat cells are permanently removed during the liposuction procedure, the answer to this question is no. However, be warned if you gained weight naturally after liposuction. Patients can expect the operated to start accumulating fat cells again but at a slower rate than the rest of your body. This is why it is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle to avoid negating all the benefits obtained from having a liposuction procedure.

Maintenance Tips: Diet and Exercise Before and After Liposuction

Liposuction is but the first step in achieving a leaner and toned body. To fully realize the best possible result, the patient must develop a healthy lifestyle that includes proper diet and exercise. In this regard, we have compiled a list of diet and exercise tips that patient can apply during and after liposuction recovery.

1. Drink Plenty of Water Daily

Drinking the appropriate amount of water every day can not only assist in losing weight, but it will also help in keeping a person’s weight stable. Ideally, drinking 64 ounces of water per day will help in mitigating weight gain. Water can effectively reduce a person’s body mass index (BMI). An individual who underwent liposuction will be able to help stave off weight gain by increasing their daily water intake.

Drinking water before meals can also reduce appetite as they will feel fuller. Water also does not have the same number of calories compared to sodas and artificial juice drinks.

2. Develop and Follow a Daily Exercise Regimen

Individuals who had liposuction will be able to start exercising, albeit only light exercises, around two weeks after the procedure. Exercise will be the crucial factor in optimizing the results of liposuction, ask your cosmetic surgeon about recommended workout routines that you can perform during the recovery period and onwards.

Two highly recommended exercises can help maintain liposuction results. These are aerobic and resistance exercises.

• Aerobic Exercise –Doctors will recommend their patients to perform light physical activities such as walking within 48-hours after the cosmetic procedure. More strenuous exercises like aerobic exercise are best suited three weeks after liposuction. Start slow and don’t push yourself during this period. Steadily building up your strength to its fullest is better than rushing through the recovery period.
• Resistance Exercise – Surgeons often instruct this type of exercise after the two-week mark of recovery. Of course, it is best to avoid exercising the surgical area for the time being. Once the area has fully recovered, patients can then begin proper resistance exercises. Start with small weights and gradually work your way up in a steady and comfortable pace. Rubber band exercises are also excellent alternatives to weights.

You can ask your doctor to help plan out an optimized workout routine that you feel comfortable with.

3. Stay Physically Active

Avoid being sedentary for prolonged periods. Take a few laps around the office or at home daily, staying sedentary for too long every day can negatively affect muscle development and may cause certain body parts to sag. Here are some ideas that you can apply to prevent your muscles from degrading due to being sedentary:

• Stand up and walk around a bit after every 30 minutes. You can also walk up and down the stairs, which is a better alternative to just walking.
• For work that requires you to sit down for a majority of the time, having a standing desk should help in keeping your body active while you work.
• If given the option, always take the stairs rather than the elevator or escalator.
• Limit recreational time in regards to using the television or computer.
• Make a habit of jogging in the morning. Even just a few laps around the neighborhood will do.

Remember that exercise is a crucial factor when it comes to maintaining a healthy weight. It doesn’t take much; you don’t even need to hit the gym daily, as long as you exercise at least an hour every day, you can maintain your ideal BMI.

4. Develop Healthy Eating Habits

Liposuction is designed to contour your body and leave it with a leaner and toned appearance. Patients who do not take steps to maintain this will only revert to their previous body size, except this time, the fat deposit build-up might be uneven.

Exercise is one of the most effective ways to maintain a healthy body, but combining that with a proper diet will further improve results. A healthy diet should consist of vegetable, fruits, low-fat, and high protein food. You should also include a healthy amount of fiber in your diet to improve digestion.

 A healthy alternative to cooking with oil or butter is by boiling or broiling. As long as you keep your food selection healthy, you can maintain results from your liposuction procedure.

The Bottom Line

Liposuction does not always guarantee significant weight loss. This cosmetic procedure is primarily a body contouring process designed to trim away excess fat deposits on certain parts of the body (e.g. arms, love handles, and legs).

It is not a weight-loss operation as only a small number of pounds will be effectively removed. However, as a way to speed up or assist in weight loss, liposuction is an excellent method that will allow you to get the body you desire quickly.