How do Mexico and the US differ concerning how much fat can be pulled out of the abdominal area?

Question

Is there safety regulations that US surgical doctors have to follow? I'm asking, because I have noticed on many doctor's before and after pics don't seem to go for the small waist (tummy tuck procedures) unless the patient has a noticeable small waist already. vs Mexico that seems to make sure to give their patients very small waistline. I'm still doing my research for my mommy makeover and have come across this concern. With all respect to doctors I ask this question.

Alejandro J. Quiroz, MD · Answer

In Mexico we don’t have a limit in amount of fat to be removed. The doctors have to consider the patient individually. In the US every estate has regulations but the experience of the doctor is what will give you the best result, but your safety is First. The best advice I can give you is to consult with a Board-Certified plastic surgeon with good experience in body contouring

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Roxy22s,
in USA you can get 5 liter of fat during one procedure. In Mexico regulations are different. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Steven H. Wiener, MD · Answer

In the United States we have very strict guidelines concerning volume liposuction that can be removed.  It is 5,000cc of lipoaspirate.  Mexico does not have restrictions on volume removal.  It is possible, to achieve a very good result, and be safe at the same time.

Pejman Aflaki, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. A total lipo-aspirate of 5 L is what's considered to be the safe limit in the US (with exception of Florida). I don't know if Mexico has the same strict regulations. Best
wishes and good luck,
Pejman
Aflaki, M.D.
Johns
Hopkins-trained double board-certified plastic surgeon

Mathew A. Plant, MD, FRCSC · Answer

There is a difference between law and best practice. The ASPS recommends no more than 5L of total lipoaspirate for outpatient liposuction cases which is something good surgeons will follow regardless of the local law. If a surgeon is willing to perform liposuction beyond this and allow you to go home the same day it should serve as a red flag, not as a sign that the laws in the area are more favourable. The reason you see a lot more of these extreme transformations in the instagram feeds of foreign surgeons is because they don't actually see the consequences of the overly aggressive surgery since their patients have already travelled home by the time complications arise. Think of your health first, if it will take two rounds of liposuction to safely achieve the result you want then you should not travel abroad to get it done at once. Best of luck!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

For safety purposes, in all states except Florida, 5000 cc is the generally accepted upper limit for  liposuction aspirate in an outpatient setting, with the fat transfer being a volume less than that.  This number might decrease based upon patient weight, surgeon experience, and intraoperative findings.   Patients should realize that the lipoaspirate is not all fat but  contains fluid as well so the maximum is really more like 4 liters in most cases. 
I am unaware of the generally accepted upper limit for liposuction in Mexico.  Most of their ads indicate that a BMI in the 20s is recommended prior to lipo.

David Whiteman, MD · Answer

Here in the US, the most fat that can be removed during a single liposuction procedure is 5 liters. This is true regardless of the area that is treated. While I’m not sure what the standard is in Mexico, I often warn my patients that traveling abroad for plastic surgery is strongly discouraged. Not every country has the same standard for patient safety and operating room sanitation that we do in the US. In order to promote the safest-possible experience, I strongly recommend having your procedure performed domestically.

Michele Cooper, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.  I am not familiar with the regulations set forth by facilities in Mexico, however, The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, International Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons usually all follow the same safety regulations.  The recommendations are usually formulated after extensive research and/or assessment of post operative complications.  These recommendations are often followed internationally.  In the United States the safety recommendation is to take no more than 5 liters of fat off of a patient in the outpatient setting. I know I’ve exceeded that at times but not by much and not often.   If you stay overnight in the hospital and consent to the possibility of a blood transfusion, then I have taken up to 10 liters off. 
 I prefer to think of liposuction as a shaping procedure rather than a weight loss procedure.  The reality of the situation though is that  each liter of fat is about 2  pounds, is that additional 10 pounds taken off really worth the extra risk? The recovery is more difficult and longer for the 10 liter patient especially if they need a blood transfusion.  Blood transfusions have risks as well.  These are factors for you and your plastic surgeon to discuss.
Coming full circle on your question. I would like to think that your safety is as important to your surgeon in Mexico as it is here. I think the real problem with surgical tourism is that by being there for a limited amount of time, you’re more likely to push the doctor to do more than their comfort zone because you want to heal and go home.  You also have a ticket and departure date whether you are fully healed or not.  If you go home with a problem you have to find another doctor to take care of you.  Hope this answers your questions and gives you some points to consider when traveling out of the country for surgery.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

In the US there are limits to the amount of fat that can be suctioned at one time.  The reason is based wholly on patient safety.  Removing too much fat in one surgical session can have disastrous results.  Your safety is always the number one priority.  During a tummy tuck the surgeon can pull the abdominal muscles together, but that has more of an effect on how flat the abdomen is versus the circumference of the waist.  I encourage you to visit a board certified plastic surgeon near you for a consultation.  You can hear a detailed explanation of what is done during the procedure and what you can expect in terms of results.

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

You are highly encouraged to consult a board certified plastic surgeon. Any board certified PS can tell you frightening stories of botched elective surgeries they underwent outside of the united states. In California, the maximum amount of fat removes is 5L, which can still provide amazing results. A Skype or FaceTime consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon can help you get an accurate recommendation and pricing. 
Respectfully, 
Arian Mowlavi MD, FACS

How do Mexico and the US differ concerning how much fat can be pulled out of the abdominal area?

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