A study from the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery investigating the lasting effects of liposuction on the bodies of cosmetic surgery patients has concluded that fat cells do not return following an operation. The results state that, following a liposuction procedure, fat cells do not return to the area of the body that was treated. Neither do fat cells get redistributed to areas that were not treated during surgery. The results follow a separate study, carried out last year, that said that within one year of liposuction being carried out, fat cells move to untreated areas of the body, especially the abdomen, shoulders and arms. According to author Dr. Eric Swanson, the new study, which looked at 301 liposuction patients, found no evidence of fat regrowth in treated areas of the arms, abdomen, or lower body, or any indication of fat being redistributed. Dr Swanson said: “Previous studies have evaluated small numbers of patients and used imprecise measuring techniques, limiting their power to reliably detect changes. Our study included a sufficient number of patients and used precise measurements, making the conclusions highly reliable. Patients can be reassured that their improvements will last and they need not worry about putting weight back on disproportionately.”