Liposuction consistently lands in the top spot on the list of the most popular cosmetic procedures performed each year. In fact, nearly 350,000 people chose to undergo liposuction in 2024 to eliminate and reshape areas of stubborn fat. But while people generally understand that liposuction can dramatically enhance and define their body contour, many also wonder whether it is an effective way to lose weight. In this blog, we’ll explore what you need to know about liposuction and weight loss, as understanding what the surgery can and cannot do will help you make the most informed decision about your treatment and expected results.
5 Min Read:
Table of Contents
- What Is Liposuction?
- Is Liposuction a Method of Weight Loss?
- Can Liposuction Take the Place of Weight Loss?
- How Much Weight Can I Lose With Liposuction?
- Tips to Help Maintain Your Liposuction Surgery Results
What Is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery designed to remove localized pockets of stubborn fat that refuse to respond to diet or exercise. Using small incisions, your surgeon inserts a thin tube (called a cannula) to gently loosen and suction out unwanted fat. The procedure can target many areas, including the abdomen, hips, thighs, arms, back, and under the chin. Liposuction improves your body contours and proportions, helping you achieve a slimmer, more sculpted appearance.
At Pasadena Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Martin O’Toole and Dr. Adam O’Toole use one of two liposuction methods:
- Power-assisted liposuction (PAL) uses a vibrating cannula moved quickly back and forth to loosen fat before it’s suctioned out, allowing removal of excess fat with less force and helping reduce bruising and swelling.
- Laser-assisted liposuction (LAL) uses targeted laser energy to heat the targeted fat cells, melting them and making them easier to remove. An added bonus is that the heat from the laser can also tighten the surrounding skin.
Liposuction enhances the natural contours of your body rather than drastically reducing your total body weight. For this reason, it is most effective for patients who are at a stable weight, practice healthy habits, and want to achieve a more toned appearance—not a dramatic weight change.
Is Liposuction a Method of Weight Loss?
The short answer is no. Liposuction is not designed to function as a weight-loss procedure, nor should it be used as such. Instead, liposuction removes localized fat deposits to smooth and contour specific areas of your body. These pockets of stubborn fat may develop due to genetics, hormones, aging, or simply how your body stores fat. When removed via liposuction, the fat cells in that specific area are permanently eliminated; however, the overall amount of fat taken out is generally small compared to what you can lose through traditional weight loss methods. That’s why liposuction works best if you are already close to your goal weight, but want to achieve a more attractive or shapely contour.
Having realistic expectations for your liposuction results is key: the procedure is a powerful body contouring tool—not a way to lose weight. Patients who are looking to achieve a slimmer-looking silhouette are usually happier with their results than patients who wish to see a lower number on the scale. Going into the procedure with realistic expectations will help you appreciate liposuction for what it is designed to do: sculpting, not shrinking.
Can Liposuction Take the Place of Weight Loss?
Liposuction cannot replace healthy weight loss, nor is it an appropriate treatment for patients who need to lose a significant amount of weight. While the procedure permanently removes fat cells, it doesn’t address your overall body fat or improve health factors linked to being overweight.
Instead, liposuction should be used to put the finishing touches on your silhouette once you’ve already achieved your weight-loss goals. In fact, Drs. Martin and Adam O’Toole recommend being at or close to your goal weight before undergoing liposuction to ensure you achieve the results you desire.
How Much Weight Can I Lose With Liposuction?
Again, because liposuction is a sculpting treatment, you will only lose a few pounds from the procedure, even when multiple areas are treated. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, up to five liters of fat (around 11 pounds) can be safely removed in one liposuction procedure. However, most surgeons stay well below this number, with the amount of fat removed depending on the treatment area(s) and your specific needs. This focus on safety means that you are less likely to develop post-surgical complications and will achieve better aesthetic results.
Because the goal of liposuction is contouring, successful surgical outcomes translate into inches lost versus noticeable weight reduction. Your results are measured by improved shape, smoother contours, and better proportion, even if the scale barely moves.
Tips to Help Maintain Your Liposuction Surgery Results
While liposuction is not a method of weight loss, it is a lasting way to address stubborn fat where regular exercise and other lifestyle adjustments have failed. Once the fat is removed with liposuction, it won’t return to the same area; however, that doesn’t mean you won’t gain weight in other areas. The best ways to ensure that you enjoy your liposuction results for the long term include:
- Maintaining a stable, healthy weight with regular exercise
- Eating a balanced diet focused on protein, vegetables, and whole foods
- Limiting high-sugar or processed foods
- Avoiding smoking, which can affect healing and overall health
- Managing stress levels, as hormonal changes can affect fat storage
Schedule Your Liposuction Surgery in Pasadena Today
If you’re ready to eliminate stubborn fat and put the finishing touches on the shape you’ve worked so hard for, liposuction can help. To learn more about the procedure and schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Martin O’Toole or Dr. Adam O’Toole, call our office today at (626) 449-8910 or complete our online contact form.