This is the most commonly asked question in the 1000 plus liposuction consults I do a year in my practice. The accepted answer amongst the surgical community has always been that it does not reaccumulate as long as the patient keeps their weight stable. Surprisingly, a small study published in the journal Obesity has results that show otherwise. 14 Patients had small volume (non obese) liposuction performed. 18 controls were used who had no procedure. They performed scans on the patients to determine the loss and/or gain of percentage body fat. Surgical patients generally lost about 2.2% fat after surgery but after 6 months and then 1 year seemed to gain that percentage back either in the same area or most importantly elsewhere. What is unknown is whether weight was kept stable during that year and what the lifestyle issues were during recovery, which is THE most important factor. The concept proposed is that the body fights the loss of fat and subsequently produces more. Although very interesting as a study, and one that should be elaborated on, i do not think is a concrete game changer for liposuction surgeons or patients. After performing over 3000 cases in the last decade, i can honestly say that liposuction surgery has one of the highest satisfaction rates when the right candidate is chosen. Patients with limited fat removal and healthy, stable dietary habits continue to be satisfied years after their surgery. I am sure most liposuction experts have the same experience as liposuction surgery has been and generally remains the most popular cosmetic surgery in the country. This study does give food for thought, though. It certainly points out the need to screen potential candidates carefully and ensure that nutritional and excercise monitoring be part of the overall goal of the procedure. I regularly consult the services of a nutritionist for most of my liposuction patients. Changing the body form is a multifaceted goal. There is no one treatment or easy route. Liposuction surgery does continue to be an essential piece in this puzzle.