Does Fat Just Get Moved From One Area to Another During Liposuction?

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There is a common misconception that, when fat is removed from one area through liposuction, the fat is not gone for good. Instead, this statement claims that the fat is only moved to a different area of the body. 

This misconception is just that: a misconception.

Not only are fat cells removed from the body during a liposuction treatment, but the fat cells are unable to duplicate.

What Happens to Fat Cells During Liposuction?

Liposuction removes unwanted fat pockets from the body. This fat is traditionally found in localized pockets and is commonly resistant to diet and exercise.

Liposuction is performed through a small incision near the treatment area. A thin tube is inserted into this incision, and fat cells are suctioned through a process known as VASERlipo®—a technique that allows for a high concentration of fat removal and improved muscle-etching.

The fat cells that are suctioned during this process are permanently removed from the body. They are not relocated to another area of the body.

How Is This Different Than Weight Loss?

Liposuction removes fat cells. Weight loss shrinks fat cells.

Every individual has a finite amount of fat cells in the body, and everyone’s cells are distributed uniquely throughout the body. This is why people tend to have “trouble spots” that are specific to them.

You are not developing new fat cells when you gain weight; instead, your fixed number of cells is merely expanding in size.

Where Did the Liposuction Misconception Originate From?

One of the shared aspects of liposuction and weight loss is that the results need to be maintained. And this is usually where the common fallacy about liposuction develops.

Since liposuction is considered to be a long-lasting or permanent procedure, some patients assume that they will not have to do anything to keep their results looking great. 

This statement is not correct. 

Your weight must remain stable to keep your liposuction results. This can be accomplished by following a healthy diet and exercise routine. 

If a healthy lifestyle is not followed, you will gain weight. This has nothing to do with your liposuction procedure. 

Liposuction only removes a portion of fat cells. It does not remove every fat cell in your body. Therefore, weight can return. 

It is true that if/when the weight does return, it is more likely to develop in other regions of the body. 

Since liposuction removes a portion of that fat from a designated area, future fat development will occur in the untreated areas. The reason for this is because they have a higher number of fat cells.

This process changes the way people are used to their bodies reacting to weight gain. 

Find Out More About Liposuction

To learn more about liposuction, or to find liposuction near you, contact Dr. Wilson by calling (256) 551-2002 or by filling out our online contact form. Dr. Wilson offers VASERlipo® to his Huntsville, AL patients.