What is the maximum amount of cc's safe to remove during liposuction?

Question

Hi, Whats the maximum amount of cc that is safe for lipo?

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

One of the most commonly held misconceptions is the myth of surgical weight loss via liposuction.
Liposuction is a sculpting tool. It is a targeted means of addressing subcutaneous fat excess. The best candidates are healthy individuals who have achieved a stable weight with stubborn or resistant target treatment areas.
Total body liposuction for volume reduction or debulking carries greater surgical risk. The loose skin which is likely to be present post op often overshadows any benefit gained from volume reduction. While there are no limits for procedures performed in a hospital setting. For procedures performed in an office setting, the legal limits will vary from 4-5 liters (depending upon the state).
For any patient consider large volume suction, I would suggest delaying surgery until you are within striking distance of your goal weight. Once you have reached your goal, you would likely be a better candidate for any contouring procedure.
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

John J. Bandeian, MD · Answer

I have found that 4-5 liters of aspirate can be safely removed either with general anesthesia or tumescent local anesthesia. The aspirate is a mixture of fat, local anesthesia, oil and blood. The range of fat that can be safely removed also depends on the size of the patient. A woman who is 5 ft tall probably should not have more than 4 liters removed, and a woman who is 5 ft 8 inches probably could have 5 liters removed.

J. Joseph Danyo, MD · Answer

Large volume liposuction is defined as 4-5 liters of total aspirate. Usually about 1/4 of the aspirate is the tumescent fluid and a small amount of blood. 8 liters is considered a maximum safe amount by most surgeons.

Tarick K. Smiley, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Medical literature often suggests that large volume liposuction involves collecting 4-5 liters or more of fluids (these include the fat, anesthetic solution, and blood).  Beyond this amount there is a perceived increased risk of complications due to significant fluid shift and blood loss.

Of course, the patient's weight should also be taken into account.  For instance, the perceived maximum safe limit might be lower in thin patients compared to full-bodied ones.

Due to the perceived challenges of large volume liposuction, doctors may elect to stage the surgery, require their patients to have an overnight hospital stay, or perform blood transfusion.  But regardless of the liposuctioned amount, the surgery should only be done by a board-certified plastic surgeon who is always required to perform all his operations in an accredited surgical facility or hospital.

Also, a team of qualified medical staff, which should include a licensed anaesthesiologist, should always accompany the surgeon to further minimize the risk.

Good luck and best wishes.

What is the maximum amount of cc's safe to remove during liposuction?

Answers (4)

Answer: 4-5 liters of fat, although the patient's weight should also be considered

Answer: 4-5 liters of fat, although the patient's weight should also be considered

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Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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What is the maximum amount of cc's safe to remove during liposuction?

Answers (4)

Answer: 4-5 liters of fat, although the patient's weight should also be considered

Answer: 4-5 liters of fat, although the patient's weight should also be considered

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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.