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The Myth of Fat Redistribution

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Evidence-Based Body Contouring Surgery and VTE Prevention

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Abstract

Some investigators believe that fat returns after liposuction. To evaluate this possibility, the author undertook a prospective study among predominantly nonobese consecutive patients undergoing 301 liposuction and abdominoplasty procedures. Lower body dimensions were measured using standardized photographs taken before and at least 3 months after surgery.

The average weight change was a loss of 2.2 lbs after lower body liposuction (p < 0.01) and 4.6 lbs when combined with abdominoplasty (p < 0.001). Liposuction significantly reduced abdominal, thigh, knee, and arm width (p < 0.001). Midabdominal and hip width were more effectively reduced by liposuction and abdominoplasty than liposuction alone (p < 0.001).

There was no difference in upper body measurements when comparing patients who had simultaneous liposuction and/or abdominoplasty with patients who had cosmetic breast surgery alone. Measurements in patients with at least 1 year of follow-up (n = 46) showed no evidence of fat re-accumulation. Both liposuction and abdominoplasty are valid techniques for long-term fat reduction and improvement of body proportions. There is no evidence of fat regrowth.

Similarly, some investigators suggest that liposuction may cause breast enlargement. To evaluate the possibility of secondary breast hypertrophy and fat redistribution after liposuction, 82 women were enrolled in a prospective controlled study. No significant increases in upper pole projection, breast projection, or breast area were found in patients treated with liposuction alone and those who received liposuction plus abdominoplasty. Neither liposuction nor abdominoplasty produces secondary breast enlargement.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Swanson Center, Leawood, KS, USA

    Eric Swanson MD

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Swanson, E. (2018). The Myth of Fat Redistribution. In: Evidence-Based Body Contouring Surgery and VTE Prevention. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-71219-2_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-71219-2_2

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-71218-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-71219-2

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