What happens if I gain weight after liposuction?

There’s a general misconception about liposuction: that it’s only to be used in cases of extreme obesity. But it actually is – and always has been – a procedure designed to improve body shape and is not a weight loss procedure such as bariatric surgery. The ideal candidate is someone who is at or close to their ideal body weight, has maintained that weight for some time, but has some lumps and bumps in certain areas that they want rid of.

So, after the procedure, what happens when the client gains weight? For some people, this is a common complaint, and it’s worth looking into. There are two main factors involved.

How the body reacts to lipo

After liposuction, the body reacts by swelling in the area where the fat has been removed. This swelling – caused by leakage of the capillaries – mainly consists of water, and naturally recedes over time. Because of the nature of the surgery, there will be a period of soreness, and clients will be advised to refrain from exercise – which will naturally lead to a build-up of fat.

The attitude of the client post-surgery

Some people who have undergone lipo will treat their new-found lack of fat as a licence to either cut down on their fitness regime or even pile on the calories. This can lead to even bigger problems in the long run, falling back on the knowledge that you can have another liposuction session – whilst continuing to court the dangers of high calorific intake.

The simple fact is that a healthy diet teamed with an exercise regime does far more good for your body shape than any cosmetic surgeon could. What we can do is offer a little extra help to give you the body shape you want – and when we’ve done our job, the rest is up to you.

  • Share: