How much cc's are in 1 lb of fat? And how do Dr's inject 1000ccs...the math doesn't add up?

Question

I am getting a BBL in July in Florida. I'm 5'3"and 120 lbs and I want 900-1000 ccs in each cheek. My ideal weight is 115 (i have small bones), so I have about 5 lbs of fat in my torso already. Is this enough fat for what I want or do I need to gain more weight? I read about ladies getting >1000 ccs injected in each cheek, but I read that you only like to take 4000ccs. 1/3 of 4000 is only 1333 ccs for both cheeks. Maybe I misunderstood...just want to make sure I can get the 1000 I am wanting.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

The question of the perfect weight as it relates to BBL is fast becoming one of the most commonly posted questions in the RealSelf community. While it is true BBL is a weight sensitive procedure (in the sense that you need fat to achieve your result), it is never a good idea to pursue short term changes for surgery.
While there is no absolute number (lbs.) in terms of weight for undergoing liposuction with autologous fat transfer, the optimal candidate has reached a healthy and stable weight (preferably with a BMI less than 30, which is associated with a lower incidence of complications).
Potential candidates should also have adequate fat reserves for transfer. This becomes especially important when one considers the anticipated rate of fat resorption and graft loss. I typically recommened patients aim for at least 500 cc transferred per cheek. This would amount to 1 liter of fat (not lipoaspirate) after processing. Candidates with inadequate fat reserves are likely to be disappointed with their ultimate volume once healing is complete. 
If you have reached a healthy stable weight (preferably with a BMI less than 30), the focus should be on maintaining. I typically do not recommend gaining/losing weight for the sake of surgery alone (weight loss for the sake of your health is a different story). It is important to remember that weight changes post procedure can potentially compromise the results of your buttock augmentation (as transferred fat can change with weight just as it could prior). If you plan on losing weight, I would do so before surgery and plan on maintaining afterwards.
With regards to your specific question, 1000 cc or 1 liter is equivalent to 2.2 lbs. However, this is not a direct weight correlate. Just because one may have a weight loss goal of 5 lbs does not necessarily mean they have 2 liters or more available for fat transfer. Without photos, it is difficult to provide estimates. However, smaller framed individuals will often times have difficulties reaching transfer goals of  liter per cheek (after processing losses).
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Only your surgeon will know what is reasonable for your body with the liposuction and BBL that the surgeon usually performs.  If you have 2000 cc of fat to be harvested, I would get it.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

You have to know that more than 50% of the fat removed from liposuction can not be transfered because of the fluid it comes with it, because of the adiposites being damaged, so if we do  4000 cc of fat being removed, probably only about 2000 or less would be transferred.  More or less, every pound of pure fat (after being treated: decantation and straining) will be about 400-500 cc of fat.To be honest I do not think (based on your BMI) you would have 1000 cc's to transfer. Be encouraged. What ever amount you get even a smaller of what you are expecting (400-600cc's) will enhance beautifully your slender body.Dr. Cardenas

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well. 
Unfortunately, without pictures, it is very difficult to give you a proper answer. 
In general, you need to be physically healthy and at a stable weight, have realistic expectations, be a non-smoker and your BMI needs to be 30 or less. l recommend you to make an appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon to talk about your goals and anything you need to know.
Good luck :)

Joshua A. Halpern, MD, PA · Answer

1000 ccs of fat is approximately 2.2 pounds. Approximately a little under 500ccs of fat is one pound. I have a number of patients where I have injected 1000ccs or more per buttock cheek. A bbl is a technique where fat is suctioned from one area of the body and injected into the behind. I’m very excited about a new high tech device that is used when performing a bbl. (please watch the video on our page. you will note in the video, that more then two letters of fat was suctioned from the patient, and approximately one letter of fat was injected into each buttock cheek.) in regards to the amount of fat suctioned and injected, you should first have a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon and discuss your objectives with him or her. I hope you find this information useful. Please watch the enclosed video.

How much cc's are in 1 lb of fat? And how do Dr's inject >1000ccs...the math doesn't add up?

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How much cc's are in 1 lb of fat? And how do Dr's inject >1000ccs...the math doesn't add up?

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Answer: How much cc's are in 1 lb of fat? And how do Dr's inject >1000ccs...the math doesn't add up?

Answer: How much cc's are in 1 lb of fat? And how do Dr's inject >1000ccs...the math doesn't add up?

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