During Liposuction, how do they accurately measure the amount of fat removed? (photos)

Question

I'm looking to have a BBL done in Florida in the near future. I have a larger tummy, and my back side is like a board! My bum needs every ounce of fat it can get, so I am concerned about the state having a limit of only four liters of fat removed at one time. How is the fat accurately measured, when it is coming out with all that tumescent fluid and whatever else is being sucked out with it? Thank you. (Photo)

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The extracted fat is collected in cannisters.  The fat and fluids are filtered so that the fatty tissue can be separated for use and measured.  When you meet with your surgeon for your consultation he/she can provide you with more details. Best of luck!

Manish H. Shah, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello mizamy13 - Thanks for your question. In short, the answer is that the fat measurement is only an estimation. You can let it settle in the harvest containers and it will separate into fat and fluid.  The fat can be further spun in a centrifuge to separate out other parts as well.  This gives the closest to an accurate amount of fat harvested. As long as your surgeon can get at least 600cc's injected in each buttock, the liposuction shaping will help result in a more curvy bottom for you. But to be guaranteed a particular amount of augmentation, you might want to consider silicone buttock implants as well. Consult with a buttocks enhancement specialist in your area for more information.  Good luck, Dr. Shah

Robert H. Hunsaker, MD · Answer

As the fat/local/blood is extracted, it goes into a collection bottle/canister. The different components all have different densities so they begin to separate out - very much like oil and vinegar. While this separation continues for 20-30 minutes after completion, that extra change in the ratios is small so the surgeon has quite a good idea where this will settle out (within 100-200 cc typically) by the time the fat needs to be removed from the container(s) for separation.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

The collection containers are usually marked in cc's. But in Florda limited to a TOTAL of 4 liters fat ONLY.

Lawrence Bundrick, MD (retired) · Answer

The fat/tumescent mixture is run through a filtration system that separates the fat from the fluid. After this takes place, an accurate measure of just fat removed can be taken.

During Liposuction, how do they accurately measure the amount of fat removed? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: During Liposuction, how do they accurately measure the amount of fat removed?

Answer: During Liposuction, how do they accurately measure the amount of fat removed?

Answer: During Liposuction, how do they accurately measure the amount of fat removed?

Answer: During Liposuction, how do they accurately measure the amount of fat removed?

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Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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During Liposuction, how do they accurately measure the amount of fat removed? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: During Liposuction, how do they accurately measure the amount of fat removed?

Answer: During Liposuction, how do they accurately measure the amount of fat removed?

Answer: During Liposuction, how do they accurately measure the amount of fat removed?

Answer: During Liposuction, how do they accurately measure the amount of fat removed?

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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.