Preventing the Return of Fat After Liposuction

Nisian Hughes / Getty Images

In most instances, making a "comeback" is a positive event. This is not true when it comes to fat after liposuction.

In a recent blog, I discussed the issue of compensatory fat gain after liposuction. Specifically a recent study conducted at the University of Colorado School of Medicine found that fat eventually returns within one year after liposuction. The hypothesis behind this is that the body wants to maintain a certain amount of fat overall.

But not to despair, research presented at the American College of Sports Medicine 58th Annual Meeting demonstrated that regular exercise can significantly reduce the increase of the compensatory fat.

Thirty-six women underwent abdominal liposuction. Two months after liposuction, they were divided into two equal groups. One group participated in a four-month exercise program and the other did not (sedentary group). A number of interesting findings emerged after the four-month period:

• Both groups had a decrease in subcutaneous abdominal fat.
• The sedentary group had an increase in visceral (internal) abdominal fat, while the exercise group did not.
• Only the exercise group experienced an increase in fat-free muscle mass.

So in summary, liposuction is an effective way to reduce fat from stubborn spots. If you consider your whole body a "stubborn spot," you may want to consider a different strategy! Liposuction is not a weight loss remedy, nor is it a free pass to eat whatever you want thereafter. Exercise is key to losing weight and maintaining your body, with or without liposuction.