Will It Be Easier to Lose Weight After Liposuction?

By: Dr. Sean Kelishadi, M.D. FACS

5/8/2023

If you’re considering liposuction surgery, you may wonder how this fat removal procedure will — or won’t —affect your ability to lose weight in the future. The answer isn’t necessarily a simple “yes” or “no,” and it can vary from patient to patient. Here, Orange County board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sean Kelishadi of SSK Plastic Surgery provides a helpful explanation of what patients can expect after liposuction surgery, including how much weight they may lose as a result of the procedure itself and whether further weight loss may be possible.

Where can liposuction help me slim down?

Liposuction is a highly versatile cosmetic procedure that can be used virtually from head to toe, helping patients address their problem areas and achieve slimmer, smoother contours overall. Some of the most popular liposuction treatment areas include:

  • Under the chin (double chin)
  • Neck
  • Upper arms
  • Male chest
  • Upper back
  • Bra line/back roll
  • Waist
  • Abdomen
  • Hips
  • Flanks
  • Thighs
  • Buttocks
  • Beneath the buttocks
  • Inner thighs
  • Outer thighs
  • Knees

How much fat can be removed with liposuction?

While liposuction surgery is certainly an effective tool for reducing areas of stubborn fat accumulation, it is not meant to replace traditional weight loss strategies, like diet and exercise. In fact, liposuction patients should already be at or near their ideal weight and use liposuction as a way to address those last few pounds in areas that seem to be more resistant to diet and exercise efforts. For the average patient, it is usually possible to remove about 5 – 10 pounds of fat during a single liposuction procedure.

Is weight loss after liposuction easier?

Liposuction surgery can be used to remove excess fat cells, often resulting in a lower weight. While liposuction does not have a direct impact on the rate at which you may lose weight in the future, it can make additional weight loss easier in some respects. For example, when patients achieve a figure they are more confident about with liposuction surgery, they are often more motivated to stick to a diet and exercise routine that preserves their newly enhanced look — which may result in further improvements. Additionally, removing fat via liposuction may make physical activity easier with a slimmed-down physique, allowing patients to exercise more comfortably and more regularly, which — again — can lead to further weight loss.

What happens if I gain weight after liposuction?

When liposuction is used to remove fat cells, they will not return. Still, it is possible to “undo” your liposuction results with future weight gain, as the fat cells remaining in the treated area can swell and expand. Because of this, patients considering liposuction surgery should be firmly committed to maintaining their weight through a balanced diet, consistent physical activity, and healthy lifestyle habits. With this approach, liposuction results can last for years, decades, or even longer.

Get a slim look that lasts with liposuction fat removal in Orange County, CA

Losing weight takes effort and dedication, but liposuction surgery can help give you that little boost you may need to reach your final goals. At SSK Plastic Surgery, our expert team is here to help you target your most stubborn areas and finally get the slimmer figure you’ve been working toward. To schedule your private consultation for liposuction in Newport Beach, CA with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sean Kelishadi, give us a call today,

* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.