Why Lasting liposuction results depend on your daily habits

In today’s world where Instagram and Tiktok filters define beauty ideals and social media influencers flaunt body curves, the pressure to achieve the perfect shape is growing stronger each and every day.

Liposuction has become a go-to solution for those seeking a quick transformation when exercise and dieting fall short. Whether driven by aesthetics or a desire to improve health, tens of thousands opt for this cosmetic procedure each year.

According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) world survey released in 2023, liposuction remained the world’s most popular cosmetic surgery procedure through 2022 with over 2.3 million procedures, a 21.1% increase from 2021.

However, what happens if you undergo liposuction which typically costs between Ksh 300,000-700,000 only for the fat to return back? Indeed, it can be frustrating not only physically but also financially and emotionally but what really happens?

According to Kenyan based plastic surgeon at Dr. Stasch clinic, Dr. Tilman Stasch, liposuction is a surgical fat removal procedure. Which permanently removes fat cells (adipocytes) that store fat from a particular section of your body that you want to permanently improve. Liposuction helps to suction fat deposits that don’t respond to diet and exercise.

Dr. Stasch clarifies that fat only returns if the patient consumes more calories than they burn. The success of liposuction lies more in the experience and skill of the surgeon than the exact equipment or technique used to do the procedure.

He emphasizes that good results not only mean creating smooth, proportionate contours, but also avoiding complications which can be in the form of skin irregularity, rippling, and skin necrosis.

“As a surgeon, it is my obligation to decide whether or not a patient is a good candidate for liposuction. I typically take the procedure into consideration after a patient’s Body mass index is below 30. That means most individuals have to lose weight first before that is possible, which can be done through calorie reduction, exercise, medical treatment like Semaglutide or Tirzepatide, or in some cases, bariatric surgery.”. Liposuction is not a weight-reduction choice, it’s a body-contouring operation meant to eliminate firm fat areas. Dr. Stasch revealed.

Dr. Stach enlightens that excess fat deposits linked to obesity are often associated with grave health conditions such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic inflammation. Liposuction can help reduce localized fat deposit, which in effect can have potentially beneficial effects on these conditions.

According to him, liposuction has a prevailing psychological effect because patients often feel better about their body shape, size and weight, which motivates them to adopt healthier habits.
“I’ve seen many begin exercising and improving their diet after surgery. As a result, a majority of my post-surgical patients experience improvements in their metabolic and cardiovascular health which is similar to what would be expected with natural weight loss” He asserted.

There may be a higher risk of complications when liposuction is performed more than once on the same area. Since the tissue can develop scarring and fibrosis after the opening procedure, making the second surgery technically more challenging and potentially less predictable. On the other hand, he strongly cautions against removing more than 5 liters of fat in a single session, especially when combined with other procedures like a tummy tuck, breast surgery, or fat grafting.

“There are no increased risks if a patient returns for liposuction on new areas. For instance, after a Lipo 360 procedure which typically targets the abdomen, flanks, and lower back a patient may later choose to address fat in areas like the mid or upper back, arms, axilla, or inner thighs. In fact, spacing out these procedures can improve safety. Planning two separate surgeries reduces the duration of each operation and limits the total volume of fat removed at once.” Dr. Stasch recommended.

According to certified nutritionist, Dr. Agnes Wando, fat gain usually results from fat cells getting larger rather than an increase in fat cell number. She highlights that once you go through liposuction, it’s going to take away a number of fat cells and leave some fat cells in the body areas that have not been suctioned implying that if unhealthy eating habits continue after the procedure, these remaining fat cells can enlarge, leading to weight gain and potentially obesity.

“Even if you’re eating healthy foods, consuming them in large quantities can still cause your fat cells to grow. Furthermore, if you’re not including exercise into your routine, eating healthy alone won’t be enough to burn the fat you gain. Many people undergo liposuction expecting it to be a permanent solution, but still end up accumulating fat afterward. This happens because of the lifestyle choices they make after the procedure.” Dr. Wando noted.

In order to keep your body weight and health in general after liposuction, Dr Wando recommends more intake of food with a high fiber content and food that contains proteins. In contrast, she emphasizes the use of a variety of vegetables at all meals in such a manner that various vegetables and colors are attained to provide maximum nutrient variety.

“Eating fiber-rich and high-protein foods. A combination of vegetables with every meal is important so as to get the maximum variation of nutrients. Fiber helps in digestion and keeps you satiated. Develop a routine of eating whole, raw food instead of packaged or highly processed food, which contains unhealthy additives and nourishes fat cell growth.” Dr. Wando instructed.

Written by Ian Baraka