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

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.

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.

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.