Study: Liposuction Lives Up to Promise

Liposuction permanently removes excess fat

New research reveals that Liposuction lives up to its promise to permanently remove excess fat from stubborn areas unless patients experience extreme weight gain. The study, recently reported by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), found that fat cells don’t return to treated areas and are not redistributed to untreated areas of the body after liposuction.

The results help explain why liposuction was the third-most performed cosmetic surgical procedure in 2011, according to ASPS statistics.

More than 300 patients studied

The new study evaluated 301 patients who had liposuction alone or in combination with a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). Using standardized photographs and computer-assisted measurements of body dimensions obtained preoperatively and at least 3 months after surgery, the study revealed no evidence of fat regrowth in treated areas of the arms, abdomen or lower body. Upper body dimensions were also unchanged after surgery, indicating no redistribution of fat.

Average reductions in hip measurements remained significant in patients who were followed 1 year or more after liposuction or procedures that combined Liposuction and a Tummy Tuck. The average hip reduction was significant even among a subgroup of 34 patients who gained 5 pounds or more after surgery.

“Our study included a sufficient number of patients and used precise measurements, making the conclusions highly reliable,” said Dr. Eric Swanson, the study’s author. “Patients can be reassured that their improvements will last and they need not worry about putting weight back on disproportionately.

“Of course, liposuction does not change your ability to gain or lose weight,” Dr. Swanson said. “Its value is in permanently reducing the number of fat cells in problem areas. For any given weight you will be in the future, your proportions will be better after liposuction, barring extremes in weight gain.”

ASPS numbers that liposuction has been among the top 5 cosmetic surgical procedures since 1992, when the ASPS began collecting its plastic surgery statistics. In 2011, almost 205,000 liposuction procedures were performed – only breast augmentation and nose reshaping (rhinoplasty) accounted for more.

Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Liposuction in Birmingham AL

Getting rid of excess fat that is resistant to diet and exercise can be difficult task. Liposuction at Hedden & Gunn Plastic Surgery slims and reshapes specific body areas to improve the overall contours and proportions of your body. Call 205-980-1744 today to set up your consultation!