An award winning study has found liposuction to be one of the most popular cosmetic plastic surgery procedure in 2005, and those who got it done are willing to have the procedure again. More than 323,600 liposuction procedures were performed in 2005, according to ASPS statistics. In this study, the thighs and abdomen were the most common liposuctioned areas, followed by the hips, buttocks and knees. Eighty percent of the patients were satisfied with the results and eighty six percent would recommend the procedure to family or friends, according to a study published in the medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

ASPS Spokesperson and study co-author, Jeffrey Kenkel, says that the majority of patients recognize their role in maintaining positive results and pursue a healthy diet and exercise after the procedure. These patients typically maintain or lose weight after surgery, while those that do not may gain small amounts of weight. Ultimately, one's lifestyle can affect long term-results.

According to the study, approximately 57 percent of patients reported no weight change after having liposuction – 46 percent of these patients actually reported a weight loss and forty-three percent of patients reported gaining weight, with the majority gaining between five and ten pounds in more than six months after surgery.

Fifty-five percent of patients reported an average decrease of three dress sizes after liposuction. Thirty-five percent said their clothing size did not change. Loosing weight by liposuction helps motivates people to exercise and eat healthy.

Thirty-three percent of patients reported exercising more after the procedure, while 58 percent had no change in their exercise regimen. In addition, 44 percent reported eating a healthy diet, while 53 percent reported eating the same.

This study received a Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation (PSEF) Scientific Essay award. The award is given for excellence in study design, writing, research and clinical findings.