What is the max amount of fat that can be removed during lipo in the US?

Question

Is there a limit to how much fat can be removed during lipo in the US? Does mixing lipo with a tummy tuck mean more fat can be removed at once?

David Stoker, MD · Answer

The maximum volume of liposuction that should be performed at one time as an outpatient procedure in California is five liters.  It would be permitted to do more if you are monitored overnight in a hospital, but I would not recommend suctioning more than five liters at one time.

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

Hello chicagoj, 
  
I appreciate your questions! There are limits to the amount of fat that can be safely removed. In states such as Florida and New York, the maximum liposuction aspirate that can be taken out are 4 and 5 Liters, respectively. When the lipoaspirate surpasses the 5 Liters (large volume liposuction), my patients get admitted overnight in the hospital. The maximum liposuction that one can be safely removed depends on the amount of lidocaine in the tumescent fluid (not more than 35mg/kg which is the gold standard of care) that can be infused to perform the procedure. Moreover, I also recommend my patients obtaining a medical clearance from their primary care physician (or cardiologist for age >45) prior to a Liposuction procedure. Safety is of utmost importance when undergoing large volume liposuction. A Body Mass Index (BMI) over 30 is associated with higher risk of complications such as infection and wound dehiscence. But this applies specifically to patients who are undergoing procedures that include large incisions such as an abdominoplasty and breast reduction. Best wishes! Dr. De La Cruz.

Susan D. Vasko, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. The maximum volume of liposuctioned fat which may be removed in the US in an outpatient setting is 5000 cc's - or 5 liters. Any higher volume than that would result in a transfer to (or have to be performed in) an inpatient hospital facility or setting. The same volume limit holds true even when performed in conjunction with a Tummy Tuck - or any other surgical procedure. Please be certain to schedule your consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon when you are ready to move forward.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your excellent question.  Aspiration of over 5L poses the risk of fluid shifts in the body that would make going home the same day as surgery unsafe.  These patients require hospitalization for at least overnight monitoring.  A tummy tuck also allows for removal of fat in addition to the skin removed so yes it would remove more fat than liposuction alone.  Hope this helps.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

The amount of fat removed is 5L in the United States. Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure, rather it is for sculpting, defining and removing problem areas that cannot be removed with weight loss and diet / exercise alone. With skin laxity, a tummy tuck or lifting procedure could be performed at the same time for increased body shaping and sculpting. For best results, I recommend a hi definition procedure like VASER liposuction. I use VASER HI DEF with ThermRF and fat grafting to get the most fat removal, skin tightening, contour and definition. This combination will give you the most toned result. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a hi definition physique expert. Best, Dr. Emer

What is the max amount of fat that can be removed during lipo in the US?

Answers (8)

Answer: What is the max amount of fat that can be removed during lipo in the US?

Answer: What is the max amount of fat that can be removed during lipo in the US?

Answer: Liposuction Facts--For Best Results, Go With VASER HI DEF, ThermiRF, fat grafting for body shaping

Answer: Liposuction Facts--For Best Results, Go With VASER HI DEF, ThermiRF, fat grafting for body shaping

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Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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What is the max amount of fat that can be removed during lipo in the US?

Answers (8)

Answer: What is the max amount of fat that can be removed during lipo in the US?

Answer: What is the max amount of fat that can be removed during lipo in the US?

Answer: Liposuction Facts--For Best Results, Go With VASER HI DEF, ThermiRF, fat grafting for body shaping

Answer: Liposuction Facts--For Best Results, Go With VASER HI DEF, ThermiRF, fat grafting for body shaping

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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