Reader Question:

I had tummy liposuction a year or so ago and my doctor removed 2000 cc. I didn’t lose weight but looked good. And now a year later my love handles are growing. I have a muffin top now and I am up 5 pounds. What gives? I thought I wasn’t supposed to gain weight after lipo. Is there some kind of guarantee?

First topic: Liposuction and weight loss.

Most patients don’t lose much weight after liposuction. Liposuction is a contouring procedure.

Second topic: Liposuction will not keep you from gaining weight. It tends to change how you gain weight though.

The best liposuction candidates are those who have their weight in a stable range (a few pounds) and still have problems areas. If you have weight fluctuations before liposuction, the surgery will not prevent you from having them afterward. Liposuction tends to change the way you gain weight (and where) and this varies between patients.

When used on patients with persistently fatty areas and good skin despite a good diet and exercise plan, liposuction usually works well. Determining who might be the best candidates takes experience and honesty.

Third topic: Liposuction guarantees?

Liposuction is presented differently by different practices. I do not know how it was presented to you before you had it. I am honest with my patients.

Personally, I find practices that guarantee results with liposuction amusing. How can anyone guarantee that another person will not gain weight after any procedure? Patients can even gain weight after gastric bypass surgery. Even the best plastic surgeon can’t in good faith guarantee that someone’s metabolism and appetite will not throw a monkey wrench into his surgical results.

I do guarantee that I remove fat if it is there and I can show patients images of that fat. I advise them appropriately before and afterward and do a quality operation. That is really all that a qualified plastic surgeon can guarantee. The rest is up to the patient.

Best Regards,

John Di Saia MD

Related:

Dr D’s “Liposuction Index”

Originally posted 2009-10-15 07:30:12.