Fat grafting limit: How many cc of fat are surgeons allow to remove from liposuction in California and Florida?

The generally accepted safe limits of liposuction volume is 5 liters (although recent studies suggest this hard limit may actually vary with BMI) in an office setting. This number may vary somewhat from state to state or region to region (4 liters in Florida). 
These recommendations, however, are not arbitrary. They are ultimately based upon studies of post operative liposuction patients and the subsequent fluid shifts that occur after large volume procedures. For this reason, overnight monitoring in a hospital is recommended when these limits are exceeded. It is also important to remember that this is not a pure fat aspirate i.e. 11 lbs. or 5 liters is not the equivalent of 11 lbs of pure fat. Additionally, some fat can be expected to be lost during processing.
Whether fat is re-injected or not is irrelevant. The issue is more a function of fluid shifts more than actual fat removal.
As always, it is best to discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Five litters of total fluid is the recommendation in the outpatient setting.  The amount of fat within that total volume varies from individual to individual. 

the recommendations are not to take more than 5L in one setting.  I suggest you speak to your physician.  Best, Dr. Emer.

The limit of 5L is advised. When liposuction is being combined with other procedures, the limits in office-based (as opposed to ambulatory surgery center) surgery are lower, as is the amount of fat that can be grafted in combo cases. The question is a bit troubling, as you should not make your decision on where to do surgery based on statutory limits on the surgery or on price alone. Make sure you are seeing a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in liposuction who follows guidelines closely and has a good safety record.

The limit of fat removal allowed in Florida is 4 litres for liposuction when liposuction is the only procedure, and 1 litre removal when liposuction is combined with a tummy tuck. It is important that you choose a board certified plastic surgeon, not a state where you can have the most removed if that is your goal. Liposuction is not a replacement for weight loss. Rather, liposuction is generally performed to contour the areas that diet and exercise are unable to reduce. The best results are achieved by individuals who are at, or near, their ideal weight. Seek the guidance of in-person consultations with Board Certified plastic surgeons for best results. 
Karen Singer, M.D., P.A.Harvard GraduateBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon