If you’ve recently undergone liposuction surgery, you may be wondering how long liposuction lasts. The results of liposuction are considered permanent1https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/can-fat-return-after-liposuction as your body can’t grow new fat cells to replace the fat cells that were removed during your liposuction procedure.
However, this does not mean you cannot gain weight in other areas of your body after liposuction. In this article, we’ll cover what you need to know to ensure long-lasting liposuction results.
How Long Does Liposuction Last?
The results of liposuction surgery are considered permanent. This is because you are born with a certain number of fat cells, and once these fat cells are removed via liposuction surgery, they are permanently removed.
However, this doesn’t mean you’re unable to gain weight after undergoing liposuction. Body fat can still redistribute after liposuction, especially if you don’t follow post-operative advice and do not follow proper diet and exercise habits.
How Liposuction Affects Fat Cells
Once we hit teenagehood, our bodies are set with the number of fat cells we carry for our entire life2https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/fat-cell-numbers-teen-years-linger-lifetime. These fat cells either expand or shrink as we gain or lose weight.
Liposuction surgery is designed to permanently remove fat cells from treated areas. However, not all fat cells are removed in these areas, so if weight is gained later, the remaining cells can still enlarge.
That being said, gaining a lot of weight after liposuction can make untreated areas look larger in comparison because they still have their original number of fat cells.
Basically, liposuction can help reduce excess fat, but it’s not a weight loss solution or an excuse to eat excessively. In fact, gaining weight post-surgery may highlight asymmetry in the body more than before.
How Soon After Liposuction Will You See Results?
After liposuction, it typically takes around 3 to 6 months to see the full results3https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/what-to-expect-after-liposuction. Initially, there’s likely to be swelling and bruising, which can mask the immediate changes. As your body heals and the swelling subsides, you’ll start to notice the final results.
Remember, every person’s recovery process is personal, so some may see their results sooner or later than this general timeframe. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and following your surgeon’s aftercare instructions can help ensure the best possible outcome.
Tips to Make Liposuction Results Last
To keep your results after liposuction, staying close to your post-surgery weight is key. While everyone’s body reacts differently, aiming not to gain more than 5 kilograms will help you maintain those results. Depending on your body’s tendencies, like if you’re prone to gaining weight in specific areas, this number might vary slightly. Here are some ways to manage your weight:
Track What You Eat
Keeping an eye on your calorie intake and ensuring you’re getting enough protein can prevent unwanted weight gain. Aiming for 70 to 150 grams of protein daily, depending on your activity level and weight, can keep hunger at bay and support weight maintenance.
Drink Plenty of Water
Often, what feels like hunger is actually thirst. Drinking enough water can help avoid unnecessary snacking. A general guideline is for women to drink about half a gallon and men about a gallon of water or other hydrating fluids each day to stay well-hydrated.
Stay Active
Walking is an easy and effective way to keep off any extra kilos. Aiming for 150 minutes of moderate-paced walking each week is a good goal to have to manage both your weight and heart health. If you overeat occasionally, adding extra walking can help balance out the extra calories.
Consider Swimming
Swimming is an excellent low-impact exercise that burns calories efficiently by engaging many muscle groups, including your body’s largest muscles. It’s an especially good option for maintaining your weight after liposuction because it’s easy on the joints.
By incorporating these habits into your lifestyle, you can enjoy the benefits of liposuction for a long time. Each step helps manage your weight effectively, ensuring your liposuction results are as long-lasting as possible.