Will the fat cells grow back after liposuction?

In a majority of patients, the fat cells once eliminated through liposuction cosmetic surgery will not return.

The body will not generate new fat cells in the treated area if the patient maintains a stable body weight or even gains a moderate amount of weight after liposuction plastic surgery.

The adult body normally cannot produce fat cells, which means that liposuction provides a permanent fat reduction solution to patients. The fat cells removed through liposuction cannot re-grow in the treated sites.

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q) provides liposuction to patients in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and surrounding locations.

 

Change in Fat Cell Size with Major Weight Gain

If the patient puts on a moderate amount of weight in the years after liposuction, the fat cells that remain in the treated areas will simply become larger by gathering more fat within the cell membranes of the existing cells.

However, if the patient puts on a large amount of weight (ten percent of their body weight or more) the body can produce new fat cells in various body areas. These areas may also include the sites that have already been treated with liposuction.

The adult body produces more fat cells (lipocytes) upon putting on a relatively large amount of body weight. In a process known as differentiation, these cells develop from the existing pleuripotential connective tissue cells. This process involves the conversion of existing connective tissue cells into immature fat cells or lipoblasts.

Subsequently, the lipoblasts will develop into mature fat cells as the patient gains weight progressively. Even in this case, relatively lesser amounts of fat will deposit in the liposuction treated sites compared to other areas of the body.

This may enable the patient to enjoy the body contouring benefits of liposuction plastic surgery to some extent, even with major weight gain.

 

Safe Volume of Fat Cell Elimination with Liposuction

The limit of safe fat removal with liposuction in a single session falls between six to eight pounds or three to four liters. This range may differ slightly on the basis of the patient’s medical condition, body weight, fatty deposits, and other factors.

The level of risk for the patient may increase with the removal of more fat in a single session. The surgeon may phase the liposuction procedure into two or more sessions if the patient needs more fat removal over six to eight pounds. The patient will undergo each session as an individual liposuction surgery.

 

Cosmetic Limitations with Excessive Fat Removal

Apart from medical risks, a patient faces an increased risk of developing loose skin, dimpling, and folds in the treated areas with excessive fat removal. If the patient has stubborn fat deposits in a particular area for a long duration, it can cause permanent stretching of the skin and loss of elasticity.

Upon removing a large amount of fat from such areas, the site may deflate, and the skin may sag. The surgeon may recommend combining liposuction with a lower body lift, breast lift, or abdominoplasty for such patients.

Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Suzanne Quardt receives patients from Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and nearby areas for liposuction.

To learn more about the plastic surgery treatments and procedures performed by Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q) please contact us at 760-324-2660. To learn more about Dr. Q’s Medical Spa please visit drqmedicalspa.com