200cc Removed - Is That a Good Amount?

Question

I'm a male 5'9 170lbs in good shape(workout 5-6 per week). I decided to have lipo done on the abdomen and flanks a year ago. I had a traditioinal PAL lipo. After a few months we realized that one side of my abdomen had more fat left than the other so I opted to go back in after a year and have it resolved.  This time the doctor used UAL because he said the area was very very fiborous. I had the second lipo last thursday(7/28) under general again.  He said it was really tough in there but he got 200cc of fat removed.  Is that a a significant amount of fat for a touch up procedure? It does also seem more balanced this time around.  I didn't have as much oozing out of the incisions as I did the first time.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Handy80,

Thank you for sharing your experience with abdominal and flank liposuction. It's understandable to question whether 200cc is a significant amount of fat to be removed, especially when it comes to a touch-up procedure.

In your case, as a male who is 5'9" and 170lbs, and in good shape, the context of fat removal can vary significantly compared to someone with a different body composition. Without seeing your before-and-after photos, it's challenging to provide a precise assessment. However, I can offer some general insights.

Understanding the Volume: In liposuction, especially in touch-up procedures, the focus is often on refining and balancing rather than removing large volumes of fat. In such scenarios, even what might seem like a small amount - such as 200cc - can make a noticeable difference in terms of achieving symmetry and a more contoured appearance.

Context of the Procedure: Given that you maintain a regular workout routine and are generally in good shape, it's likely that the areas requiring touch-up wouldn't have a substantial amount of fat to begin with. In these cases, removing even a moderate amount of fat can help in fine-tuning the results and correcting asymmetries from the previous procedure.

Comparison to Initial Procedure: It's also important to note that a touch-up procedure generally involves less fat removal compared to the initial surgery. The goal here is more about refinement and addressing any residual unevenness. The fact that you've noticed more balance this time around indicates that the procedure may have successfully achieved its intended purpose.

Postoperative Observations: Less oozing from incision sites could be indicative of less trauma to the area or a more conservative approach taken during the second procedure.

While it's difficult to provide a definitive answer without photos, it sounds like your surgeon aimed to achieve balance and symmetry with the touch-up procedure. If you feel that the results are more balanced, this is a positive indicator of the procedure's success. I always recommend having a follow-up discussion with your surgeon to address any concerns and to understand the full context of your results.

Best regards,

Dr. J. Timothy Katzen

John P. Di Saia, MD · Answer

Hello,

	People have a tendency to get caught up in the volume of fat removed during liposuction. Different people benefit by the removal of differing amounts of fat. The removal off too much leaves "dents" that are hard to fix. 200 cc's is a relatively small amount, but as you see results, it obviously was good for you.

	 

	Best Regards,

	 

	John Di Saia MD

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Sounds like you have a very caring surgeon. Since we see no posted photos very hard to advise but 200 cc's sound a good amount for a touch/up.

T. Wayne Day, MD · Answer

For a man of your height and weight and having had prior liposuction, 200 cc of fat from mainly one side will make quite a difference. Of course it is too early to tell what the final outcome will be, but from my 10+ years of experience, your treatment sounds sufficient.

	Continue to watch your weight. You didn't give your age, but in general, as we get older, we don't need to eat as much as our metabolism slows. Otherwise, you can see the remaining fat cells fill, and you could see fat accumulate in the form of a "pot belly."

200cc Removed - Is That a Good Amount?

Answers (4)

Answer: Touch Up Liposuction

Answer: Touch Up Liposuction

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Everything you need to know about Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL)

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200cc Removed - Is That a Good Amount?

Answers (4)

Answer: Touch Up Liposuction

Answer: Touch Up Liposuction

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Everything you need to know about Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL)

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.