Does Liposuction Produce Permanent Results?

After liposuction plastic surgery, the new body shape will likely be permanent. In case the patient puts on a moderate amount of weight following the procedure, their body shape will simply become a slightly larger version of their new figure.

Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery (VIPS), led by board certified plastic surgeons Dr. Burton M. Sundin and Dr. Reps B. Sundin, provides liposuction to patients in Richmond, Fredericksburg, Tysons Corner, Northern Virginia, Washington DC, and surrounding locations.

Permanent Reduction in Fat Cells

Liposuction eliminates fat cells which cannot subsequently re-grow. The human body does not typically generate fat cells after puberty, even when a person gains a moderate amount of weight. This means that the eliminated fat cells are gone forever.

The slimmer figure attained via lipo will be permanent as long as the patient does not gain a significant amount of weight. But the patient should understand that the remaining fat cells can grow larger in size if they gain a large amount of weight.

Furthermore, patients should also understand that the body will continue to age naturally and this will cause normal changes in their body shape over the years. However, patients can be assured that the cosmetic advantages of lipo will sustain as long as they follow a balanced diet and an active lifestyle.

Pregnancy Effects after a Liposuction Surgery

Some women are concerned about the effects on their liposuction plastic surgery if they become pregnant in the future. Most patients can feel assured that pregnancy will not alter the body contouring results attained through liposuction permanently.

In case a woman undergoes liposuction and becomes pregnant later, putting on weight during the pregnancy, but loses the weight after giving birth, her original lipo results will return. In most cases, the woman will appear as if she has not undergone a post-lipo pregnancy at all.

But women seeking liposuction surgery should understand that they should ideally undergo a cosmetic surgery procedure when they do not plan to get pregnant in the future. The pregnancy can lead to cellulite, stretch marks, and loose skin in the breasts, buttock, abdominal, and thigh areas. These cosmetic concerns are not related to liposuction.

Liposuction surgery is meant for fat reduction and body contouring to improve the shape of the body. However, it does not significantly address the quality of skin texture, eliminate cellulite or stretch marks, or tighten loose skin.

Liposuction after Final Pregnancy

Multiple pregnancies can lead to the development of stubborn fatty deposits in the abdominal area in some women. In case a candidate chooses to receive lipo after her last baby, she can expect a dramatic improvement in the shape of her abdomen.

Many patients may not require abdominoplasty, which is a more invasive plastic surgery. Liposuction may be able to help them achieve a flatter and more youthful appearing abdomen after their final pregnancy.

When do the Outcomes become Visible?

A majority of patients will be able to attain 90 percent of their final liposuction results in around three months following the procedure.

The post-op inflammation will subside slowly in several months depending on the type of liposuction technique used and the extent of the procedure. After the inflammation completely subsides, the patient can see the final outcomes of their liposuction surgery.

Committed plastic surgeons at the Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery receive patients from Richmond, Fredericksburg, Tysons Corner, Northern Virginia, Washington DC, and other towns and suburbs in this section of the country for liposuction.

For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Board Certified Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. Reps Sundin and Dr. Burton Sundin please visit

Serving Richmond, VA, Fredricksburg, Williamsburg, Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Vienna, McLean, Fairfax, Loudoun County, Ashburn, Tysons Corner, Reston, Arlington and surrounding communities.