Study Supports Permanent Fat Reduction Results from Liposuction
Many people have stubborn fat that won’t budge despite hitting the gym each week and following a healthy diet. Common bothersome areas include hips, legs, buttocks and abdomen. Liposuction (body contouring surgery) can help remove excess fat that does not respond well to diet and exercise. With over 25 years of experience in plastic and reconstructive surgery procedures, Dr. Franklyn Elliott knows many patients are frequently frustrated by these localized fat deposits.
There may be more benefits of liposuction than people previously suspected. This surgical procedure has been used to remove excess fat for many years, with promises of permanent results. New research further supports this theory according to a study in the August issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, fat cells do not return to areas treated with liposuction nor are they redistributed to other areas of the body after liposuction. Previous reports suggested that fat returns to untreated areas, specifically the abdomen, shoulders, and arms within a year of the procedure.
The study evaluated 301 patients who had liposuction, either alone or with an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). The study showed no evidence of fat returning to treated areas or migrating to untreated areas. Liposuction remains one of the top five cosmetic procedures performed each year according to American Society of Plastic Surgeons with men accounting for 23,000 of 205,000 total liposuction procedures in 2011.
Although liposuction can help reduce areas of concern, it is not a cure all for excess weight and is not a replacement for exercise and a healthy lifestyle. This body contouring surgery improves the body’s silhouette and can even improve the results of other plastic surgery procedures like breast reduction or a tummy tuck. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle prior to and after surgery is key for an optimal outcome.
If you are interested in cosmetic or reconstructive plastic surgery for the body, breasts or face please contact our office today to set up a consultation. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google + for the latest plastic surgery news and information.