It’s easy to see why liposuction has become the second-most popular cosmetic procedure in the United States. As the population has collectively put on a few, or more than a few, pounds, these newfound pockets of fat can be stubborn little devils. They don’t respond to exercise, and changes in your diet have little effect. But liposuction with Dr. Kearney can get rid of those pockets of unwanted fat for good.
Liposuction is popular with our patients here in San Diego. If you’re considering the procedure you probably have a host of questions. The best way to address them is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kearney. Short of that, however, here are some answers to some typical questions that we hear from our patients.
Will the fat cells grow back after liposuction?
The fat cells that are removed by liposuction are gone permanently and they can’t come back. But that’s not to say you cannot develop new fat cells. If the patient gains a significant amount of weight, say 10% of his or her body weight, then new fat cells can develop. This can include areas previously treated with liposuction. But if you don’t gain a bunch of weight the new contour is permanent.
If I gain weight does the fat come back to the treated areas?
Fat usually doesn’t return in the treated areas provided the patient doesn’t gain a significant amount of weight. Lesser weight gains will have fat that accumulates in untreated areas.
What if I get pregnant after liposuction?
While the end result of your pregnancy will be with you, hopefully, for the rest of your life, the weight you put on doesn’t need to be. Because of this, pregnancy shouldn’t affect your liposuction results. If a patient has liposuction and subsequently becomes pregnant, gains weight, gives birth and loses the excess weight from pregnancy, then her original liposuction improvements will return, as if she had never been pregnant.
How many pounds of fat can be removed?
There is a limit to the amount of fat that can be safely removed in a single liposuction procedure. The maximum amount of fat that can be removed safely is about 6 to 8 pounds. If more than 6 to 8 pounds of fat needs to be removed, it is safest to divide the liposuction into separate surgical procedures each separated by 3 to 4 weeks.
How long will it take to see results?
Most patients will see 90 percent of their ultimate liposuction results within one to three months after surgery. For the first few weeks after surgery there will be postoperative swelling. The technique used dictates the duration of the swelling.
Will liposuction help my cellulite?
Cellulite does not improve after liposuction. Cellulite and its dimpled appearance is due to stratification of the skin’s support structure. Liposuction improves body contour, not skin texture.
Do you have other questions about liposuction with Dr. Kearney? Call us at (858) 677-9352 and ask away.