Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Cells, Microbes & Viruses => Topic started by: Bert Latamore on 16/02/2009 18:07:12

Title: After liposuction, do the fat cells gradually regrow?
Post by: Bert Latamore on 16/02/2009 18:07:12
Bert Latamore  asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Dr. Chris,

First, Happy Birthday! I hope you did get some of that Jello for your party!

I just listened to the latest podcast, and it was excellent. Obesity and diet are topics that are very important to me as over the last three years I have reduced my weight from 245 lb to 184 lb and am working on the last 20 pounds (I am a 6 foot 1 inch, 62 year old male).

I have one question concerning liposuction, however: After liposuction, do the fat cells gradually regrow so that you end up with the same number of fat cells that you start with?

My understanding is that you grow all your fat cells as a child and young teen, and after that your weight is determined in part by how much actual fat those cells contain, but your body retains the same number of fat cells through life. I recently heard on another science show (sorry, I don't remember which) that after liposuction the body gradually regrows the lost fat cells, so ultimately liposuction is only a short term fix to the problem. This was a little discouraging as I have sometimes thought that once I stabilize my body weight at my target level (155 lbs) I might have those fat cells removed. The doctor you interview, however, distinctly said "and they don't come back". So can you clarify that or have some independent expert do so?

Obviously your body weight is still determined mainly by the balance of calories consumed vs calories burned, regardless of the number of fat cells available, which is why I am losing the weight first. But that is a different issue.

Thanks,

Bert Latamore

What do you think?
Title: After liposuction, do the fat cells gradually regrow?
Post by: BrodieMcGee on 23/02/2009 21:22:32
Fat cells generally don't get more or less in number of cells, but the sie of the cells. When you get lipo, you reduce the number of cells, therefore the 'fat content'. Lipo should be met with a balanced diet so the remaining fat cells aren't plumped up!
Title: After liposuction, do the fat cells gradually regrow?
Post by: RD on 24/02/2009 02:04:28
Quote from: Bert Latamore  link=topic=20437.msg228388#msg228388 date=1234807632
The doctor you interview, however, distinctly said "and they don't come back".

I believe this is the case.
I've seen examples where the person has put the weight back on after liposuction and are obese again.
The areas which were liposuctioned look like dents or bites missing from their obese abdomen : as if they have been bitten by a small shark  [xx(] , i.e. the fat had not increased in the liposuctioned areas as much as it had had increased in the surrounding areas.  


Quote
Irregularities, dimples, puckers, and divots: These problems are most often related to use of the large (6-8 mm) liposuction rods, although they can occur for other reasons. Be sure your surgeon uses only the small rods (3-4 mm), which are much less likely to cause these problems. If they occur, treatment can be difficult.
 http://www.infoplasticsurgery.com/bodycontouring/liposuction.html