Which state allows the most amount of fat to be removed from a patient via Liposuction?

Hi and thanks for your question. As pointed out previously, here in our State of Florida the total supernatant fat allowed to be removed in an out patinet setting is 4 liters. When combined with other procedurees such as a tummy tuck, the limit is 1 liter. Make sure you discuss your goals clearly with the surgeon you eventually choose.Always seek out the opinion of a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery with years of experience in liposuction . Furthermore request to see before and after photos of previous patients by that doctor....not a clinic or surgery center. Do your homework......research and verify the doctor's credentials. Have they had problems with the Board of Medicine, disciplinary or otherwise. Any law suits? How about the center, clinic or facility? Are they accredited by a national organization or do they just have State approval. Understand that at the current time, there are three nationally recognized organizations responsible for the highest levels of patient safety, AAAASF, AAACH and JCHO. You owe it to yourself to position yourself for the best possible results but under the most stringent safety regulations, If you have kids, even more so.How about anesthesia? Will you have a medical doctor certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology or a certified nurse anesthetist (CRNA)? Understand that there is no substitute for research. Cosmetic surgery, no matter how simple it may be to the patients, are invasive procedures and as such carry certain risks and complications. Good luck, Dr. PG

Thanks 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.

Most surgeons will hold the liposuction to 5 liters in the outpatient setting.  Find
a tummy tuck and liposuction expert who
performs hundreds each year and has great reviews and great
before and after pictures.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

The limits in Florida are for office based surgeries.  If liposuction is done in the office setting, you have a limit of 4 liters.  If liposuction in the office setting is combined with another procedure, say a tummy tuck, the limit is 1 liter.  These limits do not apply in the hospital based setting or ambulatory surgical center setting. 

In Florida the limit is determined very carefully and thoughtfully to maximize patient safety as an outpatient procedure. If you are willing to be admitted to hospital and stay over night the law may allow more fat to be removed. Florida is a leader in patient safety and advocacy. You can shop for larger limits on liposuction at your own risk.