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Red Flags to Spot for Large Volume Liposuction?

asked 2 years ago by lrwjasper in Alexandria, VA
Latest answer by Richard H. Fryer, MD
Question viewed 1,574 times
Tags: age 25-34, female, 210-229 lbs, 5 ft 4 in to 5 ft 7 in, weight loss, overweight

I am 5'7", 29 years old, and 215 pounds. I have been struggling with my weight since my third C-section in 2003. I diet and excerise, but it only seems to help maintain my wieght between 215 and 240. I have tried gimmick exercise programs to break the plateau and nothing works. So I am considering surgery. I don't want to do anything gastric related. I know that I am nowhere near my ideal weight, nor do I want to slim down that far, so I came across Large Volume Lipo. It seems very promising, but what's the catch?

13 answers to Red Flags to Spot for Large Volume Liposuction?

+1

Large patients do well when liposuctions are done in stages

We try to limit the volume of fat removed during any one liposuction to 5 liters for safety reasons. This may be just the front tummy in a large patient or it may be just the hips or just the thighs. It is better to be safe and stage the procedures at least a week apart and do them under local anesthesia. Liposuction is a great motivator to encourage more dieting and exercising. Expect to pay roughly $6-7000 per surgery.
David Hansen, MD

Beverly Hills Dermatologic Surgeon

www.DrDavidHansen.com

+2

Large Volume Liposuction and Obesity

Large volume liposuction is usually used in people in whom more than 5 liters (5 quarts ) of fat need to be removed. When more than 5 liters of fat are vacuumed, the body may undergo potentially dangerous fluid shifts with drops in blood pressure. For safety reasons, unlike most other liposuction cases, such cases are NOT outpatient same day surgery cases and they require intravenous fluids and hospital monitoring. Large volume liposuction is usually done on massive weight loss patients to... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+1

Liposuction is NOT for weight loss.

Liposuction is NOT for weight loss.  It should be used only for shaping. The best way to lose weight is lifestyle modification with diet and exercise which is sustainable as a permanent way of life.  NOT pills or HCG injections.  NOT fad diets for 2-3 months.
Richard H. Fryer, MD

Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon
+1

Large volume lipo

Large volume lipo usually refers to removal of fat in excess of 5 liters, and often many more than that.  It was found to have a higher incidence of complications due to fluid shifts which can lead to problems for some individuals. It is not an answer for weight loss.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Weighing in on liposuction

Your situation is a common one. Large volume liposuction is defined by removal of 5 liters or more of fat/fluid. With larger volumes of liposuction there are more risk of fluid problems after surgery which may lead to dehydration. The dehydration if not corrected or prevented can lead to low blood pressure which can affect the heart and/or kidney among other things. Therefore overnight monitoring is minimally required. The other issue is weight. Stabilization of your weight to an... more
Earl Stephenson Jr., MD, DDS

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

You need to think about weight loss and not liposuction

Large volume liposuction is not indicated in your case since loss of 5 litters will reduce yor weight by 7-8 lb and you still be 207 lb. This is not healthy and you should think about weight loss with exercise, dieting and if not possible lap-band.
Kamran Khoobehi, MD

New Orleans Plastic Surgeon
+1

Lipo not the answer - for now

I would recommend against this relatively dangerous procedure.  Even a successful large volume removal would have a very small effect on your overall frame.  It would be smarter and safer to lose additional weight first and then get a new consultation from an experienced board certified plastic sugeon.
David Shuter, MD

Jupiter Plastic Surgeon
+1

Liposuction is not appropriate for weight loss

I cannot emphasize this enough. Liposuction of any sort is not appropriate for weight loss. If you burn more calories than you consume, you will lose weight. Many of my patients have had success with programs such as the 6 Week Body Makeover, where you eat 6 small meals daily. This helps keep your metabolism up and, combined with exercise, can result in weight loss. Other programs work as well. I suggest you consult with a nutritionist/weight loss specialist who can help you. Don't... more
Tracy Pfeifer, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

I think large volume liposuction is dangerous.

Hi. Losing weight is one of the hardest things to do. But I would advise you not to go this route. Liposuction is effective to remove bulges and improve contour.
George J. Beraka, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Difficult situation but not insurmountable

First of all, you should consider surgery only as a last resort, unless there are anatomical impediments to your exercising such as disproportionate breasts or a heavy panniculus preventing you from doing cardio exercises. I would aim to be as fit as possible. That means getting into a routine exercise, not gimmicky or crash, program that you can maintain and enjoy. Next look carefully at your diet and try to improve it from a health, not necessarily weight loss, perspective. Once you... more
Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+1

Risks of high volume liposuction

The catch is failure of your skin to contract creating alot of loose skin. The risk is excessive blood loss. The risk is higher than likely possibility of seroma formation. The risk is recurrent weight gain. Ther risk is increased anesthetic complications. The risk is elevated potential for Deep venous thrombosis. The risk is unacceptable cosmetic result. The risk is electrolyte imbalance. The risk is...
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Liposuction is not a weight reduction method

Most agree that it is dangerous to remove more than 5 liters of fat at one operative session.  However, even this volume can pose a risk to health and might even require post-surgical hospitalization with blood transfusion.  The essential point however, it to understand that liposuction is a shaping technique. Unless you change what you eat or how much you excerise, you will regain every ounce of fat removed at the time of liposuction.  It will redistribute itself more... more
Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

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