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

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

This varies from state to state but there is no legal limit in Illinois. Rather, there are guidelines for each surgery center and hospital. See link below for examples

Jeffrey K. Scott, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. There is no national law in the USA which addresses how much fat can be removed in any one setting. However some states have their own laws in reference to this. For instance the state of Florida limits the amount of actual fat (excluding other fluid volume) which can be removed in an outpatient surgical center setting to 4 liters. If larger volumes are to be removed it would have to be done in a hospital with at least an overnight stay. Keep in mind that these type of guidelines are there for one very important reason, YOUR SAFETY. With higher volume liposuction your risks increase greatly. During a combination procedure which includes liposuction and a tummy tuck, the panniculus of skin and fat which is removed during the tummy tuck is not included in the calculation of liposuction volume. Best of luck.

George Commons, MD (retired) · Answer

There is no maximum fat rule in the US  as long as the patient is in a hospital for over 10 lbs of fat.   The maximum depends upon many things including size of patient, age of patient, and health of patient.  Then there is common sense in choosing between one procedure and a series of procedures.  In 2001 I reported on over 600 larger volume liposuction cases in PR and S Journal.   These were done with no major complications. Nevertheless I would encourage not exceeding 20 lbs of fat in a single session.  Serial procedures make good sense.   My Best,  Dr Commons     Update......Each state has somewhat different guidelines so be sure and check your state's position on volumes.   GWC

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

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