If you’re considering liposuction, it’s important to understand how the procedure works and what happens to your body afterward – particularly when it comes to the fat cells that are removed. This article draws on clinical insights from Dr Mark Kohout, a specialist plastic surgeon based in Sydney, to explain what happens to fat cells after liposuction and what patients can realistically expect from the procedure.
A common question many patients ask is: “What happens to the fat cells that are taken out during liposuction – and can they come back?” Let’s take a closer look at what liposuction involves and clarify what really occurs during and after fat removal.
Liposuction is a surgical technique used to remove fat from specific areas of the body. Many individuals seek this procedure when certain regions – such as the abdomen, flanks, thighs, or upper arms – do not respond to regular diet and exercise.
There are several methods of liposuction, but the two most common are:
In traditional liposuction, Dr Mark Kohout makes small incisions in the targeted area and inserts a thin, hollow tube (cannula). Fat cells are loosened and removed using controlled suction. This method allows for the physical extraction of subcutaneous fat in areas that may be resistant to lifestyle changes alone.
Laser-assisted liposuction works similarly but uses laser energy to first liquefy fat before it is suctioned out. The laser technique can allow for smaller incisions and may result in less bruising and swelling post-operatively. In some cases, Dr Mark Kohout may perform this under local anaesthetic rather than general anaesthesia, depending on the extent of the treatment and the individual’s suitability.
Liposuction is best suited for individuals who are close to their ideal body weight but have specific areas of localised fat that do not respond to lifestyle measures. It is not a treatment for obesity or a substitute for weight loss. A consultation with Dr Mark Kohout, specialist plastic surgeon, can determine whether liposuction is an appropriate option based on your individual goals and health profile.
There are three main types of fat cells in the human body: white, brown, and beige. White fat, the most abundant, stores energy, insulates, and protects organs. Brown fat burns energy to generate heat, primarily in newborns and hibernating animals. Beige fat, an intermediate type, can behave like either white or brown fat depending on the situation
Fat cells that are removed during liposuction are permanently extracted from the body. Once removed, they do not regenerate. However, this does not mean that the body is incapable of storing fat in the future.
After liposuction, the number of fat cells in the treated area is reduced. However, remaining fat cells – both in the treated area and in other areas of the body – can still expand if overall caloric intake exceeds energy expenditure. In other words, while the treated areas may have fewer fat cells, weight gain can still occur elsewhere if lifestyle habits are not maintained.
It is important to distinguish between fat cell size and number. Liposuction physically reduces the number of fat cells in targeted areas. In contrast, weight loss through diet and exercise primarily reduces the size of fat cells, not their number. This distinction helps explain why liposuction offers a contouring benefit that may not be achievable through lifestyle changes alone.
While the body typically does not replace fat cells that have been removed, in rare cases of significant weight gain, new fat cells (a process called hyperplasia) can form. This makes long-term weight maintenance an important consideration after undergoing liposuction.
Following liposuction, the body begins a healing process. Swelling and fluid retention are common in the initial weeks. The lymphatic system helps clear out cellular debris, and some firmness or scar tissue may develop temporarily. Over several months, the treated areas generally settle into their new shape as the tissues adjust.
Fat cells, or adipocytes, play more than just a cosmetic role. They store energy, help regulate temperature, and produce hormones involved in metabolism and inflammation. While liposuction can help reshape the body, it’s important to maintain an appropriate amount of body fat for overall health and physiological balance.
A common misconception is that fat will “move” to other parts of the body after liposuction. In reality, fat distribution is influenced by genetics, hormones, and overall weight gain or loss. Liposuction does not cause fat to shift to new areas, but untreated areas with more fat cells may appear more prominent if weight gain occurs post-surgery.
As with any surgical procedure, liposuction carries risks. These may include bruising, swelling, temporary numbness, uneven contours, or skin irregularities. Infections and complications from anaesthesia are less common but possible. Understanding these risks is an important part of the decision-making process and should be discussed during your consultation with Dr Mark Kohout.
Immediately after surgery, you may notice swelling, bruising, and fluid accumulation. Compression garments are typically recommended to support healing. Most patients see noticeable changes within weeks, with final results developing over several months as residual swelling resolves. It’s important to follow all post-operative instructions provided by Dr Mark Kohout and his surgical team.
It’s important to approach liposuction as a tool to assist in body contouring—not as a weight-loss solution. The best outcomes are typically maintained when patients continue with a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
Liposuction is not designed for weight loss. It is a contouring procedure that targets localised fat deposits.
The fat cells removed do not return. However, remaining fat cells can still enlarge with weight gain.
No. Liposuction is not a treatment for obesity. It is intended for patients with localised fat resistant to lifestyle changes.
Yes. While the fat cells removed do not return, remaining fat cells in other areas can still enlarge if caloric intake exceeds energy expenditure.
Liposuction is primarily a cosmetic procedure and is not designed to improve medical conditions. Lifestyle changes remain essential for overall health and wellbeing.
Significant weight gain may affect the results of liposuction and can lead to the formation of new fat cells in untreated areas.
No. Liposuction targets subcutaneous fat, which lies just beneath the skin. It does not remove visceral fat located around internal organs.
Yes. There are safe limits to the volume of fat that can be removed in a single procedure. This is determined during your preoperative consultation with Dr Mark Kohout based on your individual case.
If you’re considering liposuction, consulting with a qualified specialist plastic surgeon such as Dr Mark Kohout is essential. A comprehensive consultation can help you understand what to expect before, during, and after surgery, including how fat removal may impact your body long-term.
To find out whether liposuction is right for you, arrange a personalised consultation with Dr Mark Kohout in Sydney. During this consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, explore suitable treatment options, and receive tailored advice based on your individual anatomy and goals.
Contact Dr Mark Kohout’s Australia Cosmetic Clinic on 1300 559 848 to book your consultation and take the next step in making an informed decision about your body contouring options.
Dr. Mark Kohout is a highly qualified specialist plastic and reconstructive surgeon with over 25 years of experience, based in central Sydney.
Trained in Great Britain, Australia, and the U.S., he co-founded Australia Plastic Surgery. Specializing in breast, genital, and male breast surgeries, he is a certified member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the Royal Australian College of Surgeons (RACS).
Dr. Kohout has appeared in media like The Biggest Loser and has published several articles in his field.
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