Is Liposuction Permanent?

At Enhance Medical, our surgeons consult with hundreds of liposuction patients every year. One of the most common questions they ask is: “How long does liposuction last?”. The good news for anyone thinking about liposuction is that the results are generally considered permanent. The fat cells that are removed will never return, so you will continue to have a more sculpted and contoured appearance in the target area.

However, although you can expect liposuction results to last, there are some factors that can affect their longevity. Here we discuss what those factors are, the steps you can take to maintain the results and whether you’re a suitable candidate for the procedure. 

What is liposuction?

Liposuction is a surgical cosmetic procedure to remove fat deposits from targeted areas, including the thighs, hips, upper arms, back, buttocks and abdomen. These are commonly stubborn areas of fat that patients cannot successfully target through diet and exercise. 

The surgeon inserts a thin, hollow tube called a cannula through small incisions they make in the skin. They then connect the cannula to vacuum-like device and break up and suck out the unwanted fat cells to streamline and contour the targeted area. 

How long does liposuction last?

Liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the UK, and for good reason. It produces almost immediate results by removing stubborn fat that may have been a source of discontent for years, and the results can be permanent if you take steps to maintain them.

Adults do not develop new fat cells, so the fat cells the surgeon removes cannot grow back or be replaced. That’s why the results of liposuction can last for decades and even a lifetime. However, if you gain weight, the existing fat cells in the area can expand, and your body can also store fat in other areas. 

Does fat come back after liposuction?

No, it’s one of several common liposuction myths that fat cells can regenerate after liposuction, but it’s not true. Fat cells cannot grow back in the treated area. Although the body cannot create new fat cells, the existing fat cells can expand if you gain weight, which can diminish the results of the procedure and impact your overall body shape. 

However, even if you gain weight after liposuction, the treated area will be more in proportion with the rest of the body than before the procedure. That’s because the treated area will have fewer fat cells than other parts of the body, so it will expand at a lower rate. That proportionate growth means even patients who gain weight tend to be happier with their overall body shape than before liposuction.

What factors affect liposuction results?

The results of liposuction can be long-lasting and even permanent, but some factors can cause changes in the body that diminish the results. They include:

Age

Many changes take place as we age. Skin elasticity naturally declines, which can lead to loose skin and reduce the overall firmness of the treated area. Age also brings hormonal changes, such as pregnancy and menopause, which can alter fat distribution throughout the body and affect the area’s appearance.

Skin type

After liposuction, your skin must shrink around the treated area and conform to the new shape to create a firm and smooth appearance. That’s best achieved with skin that is firm and elastic. If your skin is thin and has lost elasticity due to age, sun exposure and other factors such as smoking, it may not be able to shrink properly, which can impact the results. 

Weight stability

The ability to keep a stable weight has a significant impact on the longevity of the results.  Significant weight gain after liposuction can cause changes in your overall body shape and the shape of the treated area due to the expansion of the remaining fat cells. 

On the other hand, if you lose weight after liposuction, the fat cells in treated and untreated areas will shrink and you will look slimmer. However, if you lose a lot of weight, it can lead to loose skin if you have poor skin elasticity. That’s why you should be close to your ideal weight before having liposuction. 

Aftercare

Aftercare is a crucial part of any cosmetic surgical procedure, including liposuction. Adhering to the surgeon’s instructions closely and wearing your compression garment day and night for the first six weeks is essential for achieving optimal results. You should also avoid strenuous activity, eat a healthy diet and maintain good hydration.  

The surgical technique

Your surgeon can use several liposuction techniques. An experienced surgeon will select the most appropriate method based on your individual goals, body type, and the location of the fat deposits you want to target, helping to ensure the best possible result. 

How to maintain your liposuction results

The answer to ‘how long does liposuction last?’ largely depends on you and your actions after the procedure. You’ll understandably want to maintain the results for as long as possible, but what steps can you take?

• Follow the aftercare instructions provided by your surgeon closely.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet with lots protein and healthy carbohydrates and reduce your calorific intake if you start gaining weight.
• Exercise regularly and incorporate strength training to improve muscle tone and enhance skin elasticity. It’s a little-known fact that strength training, including weightlifting and bodyweight exercises, can stimulate collagen production and increase dermal thickness.
• Stay well hydrated by avoiding excessive alcohol and drinking plenty of water.
• Maintain a stable weight – eating several smaller meals throughout the day can help you manage your appetite and keep your metabolic rate elevated. 

Is liposuction right for you?

Liposuction is a highly effective way for men and women to remove stubborn fat deposits. Men commonly target the stomach, chest and chin, whereas women focus more on the thighs, hips, buttocks and tummy. You can also target the arms, knees, ankles, calves and neck. 

It’s important to remember that liposuction is not a weight loss procedure. It is a form of body contouring surgery for patients who are at or close to their ideal weight but struggle with stubborn fat in certain areas that does not respond to diet and exercise. 

Along with a stable weight, you will ideally have firm skin and have already had children if you plan to, as further pregnancies can detrimentally impact the results. If you meet those criteria, you should arrange a consultation with an experienced cosmetic surgeon. They will assess your suitability for the procedure, discuss your goals and help you understand the benefits and risks. 

Read more: 10 things to know before liposuction: The procedure, results and recovery

Get safe, high-quality and affordable liposuction at Enhance Medical

If you are considering liposuction, you are in safe hands with Enhance Medical. We have surgeons who specialise in liposuction and deliver tailored results that meet your specific body sculpting goals. Our liposuction procedures start at £3,150 and include industry-leading aftercare. Learn more about liposuction surgery, see our clinic locations and book a free consultation to start your journey.