Did you realize that you are born with only a certain number of fat cells? Once you reach the age of around 14 years old, fat cells, also known as adipocytes, can no longer multiply. From that time on, your adipocytes act as energy storage “suitcases” that expand and have more fat deposited in them when you gain weight, and shrink when you lose weight. When we permanently remove fat cells via liposuction or excision in a body lift or tummy tuck, or if we freeze and injure 25% of a fat deposit during CoolSculpting®, these fat cells are gone forever, never to return. If you lose additional weight after liposuction or other body contouring procedures, the remaining fat cells will shrink and your body contour will be even further improved. If you gain weight after liposuction, contrary to a popular misconception that you will gain the weight elsewhere and look weird or deformed, the remaining fat cells in your genetically programmed areas will take up the slack and deposit fat – likely in the same areas you are prone to storing fat. Therefore, in the worst case scenario, if a man were to put on a significant amount of weight after having a few areas liposuctioned, he could potentially end up looking the same as before his procedure.  Putting on weight after liposuction will NOT cause the fat to come back in new places, as is commonly feared. I always encourage my patients, both men and women, to be as close as possible to their ideal weight before having liposuction or any body contouring procedure. Additionally, I urge them to do as much as they can to improve their body form with a healthy diet and regular exercise before having any Plastic Surgery procedure. The best male candidates for liposuction or surgical body contouring are fit, healthy, active men who are looking to target specific areas of their body that are stubborn to change with their balanced lifestyle. – Karen Horton, MD Contact Our Office If you have any other questions about liposuction, or if you are interested in scheduling a consultation at our office, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.