Fat does not return or redistribute to other body areas in the months following liposuction, says a new study by plastic surgeon Dr. Eric Swanson, who is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Dr. Swanson’s study results refute the results of a previous study, which claimed that within a year after liposuction fat would return in different areas of the body than those treated.

In 2011, Dr. Robert H. Eckel of the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus shared his research, which he said showed that fat returned to the upper abdomen and arms of 14 women who received liposuction. He said he could not offer a reason for why the fat returned. His study was published in Obesity.

Dr. Swanson’s study followed 301 liposuction patients – some patients combined a tummy tuck with liposuction. In this study, computerized measurements and standardized photos were used to track how the women’s bodies changed over time. He found no return of fat in the months following liposuction, and no redistribution of fat to other body areas. The study has the advantage of including a large number of participants and using precise measurements.

In an ASPS press release about his study, Dr. Swanson reminded patients liposuction does not change the fact your body can gain weight; however, liposuction reduces selected fat cells that will not return or redistribute elsewhere.

To find out if liposuction may be right for you, please contact the Cosmetic Surgical Center in Dallas, Texas to schedule a consultation with plastic surgeon Dr. Vasdev Rai.