How Long Does Liposuction Last?

Liposuction is a procedure that permanently removes fat from the treated areas of the body. While liposuction results are technically “permanent,” it’s not quite that simple, as fat cells can resurface in treated areas if not maintained properly.

If you are considering liposuction, here is how to ensure you maintain your results.

All About Lipo

Liposuction is a body contouring procedure that contours and slims areas of the body. This contouring involves removing excess fat to enhance the overall body shape.

How Lipo Works

Liposuction relies on suction techniques to remove fat. It is a surgical procedure but is considered minimally invasive. Liposuction generally has a short downtime/recovery period, allowing you to get back on your feet soon after your procedure.

Dr. Sanders uses tumescent liposuction, which is the most common and well-studied type of liposuction.

During a tumescent liposuction procedure, your provider begins by injecting a sterile solution.

This solution has three main components:

• Saltwater, which aids in fat removal
• An anesthetic to increase your comfort
• Epinephrine, which constricts blood vessels and allows for minimal bleeding during the procedure

Next, your surgeon makes micro incisions near the treatment sites and inserts a medical-grade cannula under the skin. This cannula is connected to a specialized vacuum which suctions fat from your body.

Liposuction removes these fat cells. Once a person reaches adulthood, the body does not grow new fat cells unless a person gains a great deal of weight. Thus, the removed fat cells are not replaced, making this a permanent change.

Maintaining Liposuction Results

Here are some suggestions to help you maintain your lipo results.

Monitor Your Weight

Liposuction helps get you closer to what your ideal weight would be if your body did not carry stubborn, unnecessary fat.

This is why liposuction is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. Candidates for liposuction have stubborn fat that will not go away with diet and exercise. One does not need to be at an ideal weight to undergo the procedure.

Since lipo gets you closer to your ideal weight, you should keep track of that weight after your liposuction recovery. With the following tips, you can stay at your post-lipo weight.

Get Regular Exercise

Exercise is one of the best ways to maintain your liposuction results because it helps you burn fat while building muscle tone.

There is a multitude of benefits of regular exercise outside of aesthetic goals.

Regular exercise can:

• Improve your brain health, resulting in better cognition 
• Reduce depression and anxiety
• Help you sleep better, which aids in reducing stress and managing weight
• Reduce the risk of disease
• Strengthen your bones and muscles
• Improve your mobility and overall ability to perform everyday activities

Starting an exercise routine post-lipo does not have to be difficult. Start with a type of exercise you enjoy so your exercise routine does not feel like a chore.

Some ideas include:

• Dance
• Calisthenics
• Yoga
• CrossFit
• Running
• Powerlifting

A great way to dip your toe into an exercise routine if you have never had one is to sign up with a local gym. Start in a group fitness class to get hands-on training and accountability.

Eat a Nutrient-Dense, Balanced Diet

Exercise is great for aesthetic and physical reasons but only goes so far. You have to support your body with a healthy, balanced diet.

One might argue that your diet is the biggest factor in whether you maintain your post-lipo results.

Working with a registered dietician can be a good way to ensure you are meeting your nutritional requirements while staying within a healthy calorie range.

In general, your diet should be low in sugars, saturated fats, and simple carbs and high in protein, vegetables, and whole grains.

Hydrate Daily

Your body requires plenty of water to help you feel energized, avoid mindless snacking, and maintain optimal metabolism and digestion.

To avoid dehydration, you should make sure you are drinking a sufficient amount of water each day. A well-hydrated body not only helps you maintain your liposuction results but can also:

• Flush bacteria from your body
• Improve your digestive health
• Normalize your blood pressure
• Protect your organs

Some days, like on exercise days, you may need more water than on rest days.

Get Correlating Procedures

Another way to maintain your liposuction results is to get correlating procedures.

Liposuction is an excellent way to achieve body contouring results. But to stay motivated to maintain those results and increase your confidence, you can get associated procedures that help you look and feel your best.

For example, if you have undergone a dramatic weight loss but have some loose skin and stubborn fat holding you back from feeling satisfied, you could try a tummy tuck. While liposuction removes the stubborn fat and contours your body, the tummy tuck fixes the loose skin.

There are also other skin-lifting procedures that target loose skin in other areas of the body.

Dr. Sanders performs a variety of body contouring and lifting procedures, including ones that address areas of the face.

By scheduling a consultation with Dr. Sanders and his team, you can receive a customized plan that outlines your individual path to your aesthetic goals. Learn more about each procedure on our blog.