Evidence of Fat Removal with Liposuction

At my practice in Denver, liposuction remains one of the most popular procedures. Recently, new evidence suggests that the fat cell removal may be temporary, but even more recent evidence states the opposite. Which study should be believed?

Migration of Fat Cells

Liposuction involves the removal of fat cells through one of several methods. In theory, once the fat cells are removed, those fat deposits don’t come back. However, last year, a report published in Obesity suggested that the fat cells do indeed come back… they just come back to a new location.

The data of the study indicated that the removed fat cells, within a year, return to untreated areas of the body rather than back to the area from which they were originally harvested. So for example, abdominal fat ends up returning to the upper arms and shoulders rather than back around the tummy.

New Studies

A more recent study conducted by a different group of doctors states that the fat cells removed through liposuction neither migrate nor return. Measurements taken before and after liposuction show that the reductions remain consistent a year or more following the procedure, even among patients who had gained a small amount (five pounds) of weight afterward.

The group conducting the new study state that earlier research didn’t use enough patients to present an accurate picture, and that measuring techniques were imprecise. They add that liposuction reduces the number of fat cells in the targeted areas, and that proportions should remain similar even if weight is gained later on, with the exception of extremes.

Believing in Results

The popularity of liposuction for my Denver patients would indicate that they’re happy with their results. Whichever study you choose to believe, Campanile Cosmetic Surgery is here to help you look your best.