Is 2 liters of liposuction a lot of removal?

Question

I had an abdominal plasty with liposuction to flanks and medial thigh done on Jan 3 this year and i was told they removed 2 Liters of fat during liposuction. Is that an significant amount removed where i will be able to tell a huge difference. I am almost a month out and i know i won't see the real difference until another 3 months. I can see the difference in my body and tummy i am just wondering if i will be even thinner in my shape. Should they have removed more fat or less?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

2 liters of fat is a lot of fat.  2 liters of lipoaspirate may only be 500 cc of fat in some cases.  KH

R. Brannon Claytor, MD, FACS · Answer

Liposuction was pioneered over 40 years ago by the French. The technique involves a tumescent solution of the same type of fluid which could be placed in your veins but is infused into the area where fat cells are too abundant. In addition numbing medication in the form of lidocaine is also included to help reduced the discomfort of the procedure. In addition, epinephrine is added to help with vasoconstriction to limit the brusing following the procedure. The fat that is removed comes out with some of the tumescent fluid and will settle and separate from the fat cells over a period of time. Looking at the suction canister the amount of fat removed can be calculated. Often this is recorded as part of the medical record which documents the different aspects of the operation. 
Often following surgery the trauma of the actual mechanical manipulation will result in soft tissue edema and swelling. This may take months to resolve and can be aided with the use of compression garments and lymphatic massage. 
Follow up with your Plastic Surgeon to guide you through the post operative period.

Alex Campbell, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. While you can liposuction several areas at once there is a limit to how much fat can be removed safely. Risks from liposuction increase significantly when over 5 liters of fat are suctioned out. We usually stay below this limit for patient safety. We’ve found that we’re able to achieve dramatic improvements for our patients with 2 to 4 liters of liposuction, depending on their needs. That said, you definitely have to choose your surgeon correctly and make sure that he/she has the training and experience to meet your goals with absolute safety.  A key quality indicator is Board Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.  Don’t settle for less than a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with specialized expertise in this procedure.

Ryan Neinstein, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Thanks for the question, the absolute amount of fat removed does not matter as we all come in different shapes and sizes. Furthermore it also depends if the fat was emulsified with VASER and if SAFE liposuction was performed. Also when combined with other procedures like a tummy tuck the swelling will take longer to settle

Charles Nduka, MD · Answer

It would be hard to determine if 2L was too much or not based on description. The volume removed during liposuction has been planned by your surgeon ahead. It would be best to wait for about 3-6 months to see your final results and only then will you be able to decide whether you are satisfied or not. Always follow-up with your surgeon.

Is 2 liters of liposuction a lot of removal?

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Answer: The volume does not matter

Answer: The volume does not matter

Answer: Is 2 liters of liposuction a lot of removal?

Answer: Is 2 liters of liposuction a lot of removal?

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Is 2 liters of liposuction a lot of removal?

Answers (8)

Answer: The volume does not matter

Answer: The volume does not matter

Answer: Is 2 liters of liposuction a lot of removal?

Answer: Is 2 liters of liposuction a lot of removal?

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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.