How Long does Liposuction Last? - Is Liposuction Permanent? | RK Cosmetic Surgery | McLean, VA

Liposuction is a popular cosmetic procedure that removes stubborn body fat and produces fast, effective results.

After having liposuction, a person can expect the treatment area to have a smoother, tighter, more sculpted appearance.

But are the results of liposuction permanent or will the fat return at some point? This is one of the most commonly asked questions by candidates who are considering having liposuction.

Reza Kordestani, MD of RK Cosmetic Surgery shares his expertise below.

The Results of Liposuction Can Be Permanent

During liposuction, a certain number of fat cells are removed from a treatment area, such as the hips or waist, and once those cells are removed, they are gone for good.

The human body has a set number of fat cells, which, after puberty, remains constant for the rest of a person’s life (unless an intervention, such as liposuction, occurs). Therefore, when you gain or lose weight, you don’t gain or lose fat cells. Your body’s existing fat cells become larger or smaller.

So if a person gains weight after having liposuction, while the fat cells that were removed will not return, the fat cells remaining in the treatment area can grow larger and compromise the liposuction results.

If a person gains a small amount of weight (e.g., five pounds), his or her results will diminish only slightly, and the overall improvement to the treatment area will remain visible.

If a person gains 10 percent or more of his or her body weight, it will have a noticeably poor effect on the treated area. But even in these cases, people who have had liposuction still look better than if they hadn’t had the procedure.

How to Maintain Your Results

To make the results of your liposuction treatment as long-lasting as possible, the best thing you can do is maintain your weight. You can do this by exercising regularly, staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet rich in protein and healthy carbohydrates.

Make an Appointment

If you’re interested in getting liposuction and want to learn more about the procedure, call or email Dr. Reza Kordestani to set up a consultation today.