Red Flags to Spot for Large Volume Liposuction?

Question

I am 5'7", 29 years old, and 215 pounds.  I have been struggling with my weight since my third C-section in 2003.  I diet and excerise, but it only seems to help maintain my wieght between 215 and 240.  I have tried gimmick exercise programs to break the plateau and nothing works.  So I am considering surgery.  I don't want to do anything gastric related.  I know that I am nowhere near my ideal weight, nor do I want to slim down that far, so I came across Large Volume Lipo.  It seems very promising, but what's the catch?

Sean Younai, MD, FACS · Answer

Large volume liposuction can make a dramtic difference for a plus size woman in helping to shape her body and to give her a curvey figure. I have performed most likely few hundred large volume liposuction procedures over the last 14 years with an excellent safety tract record. Like anything in life, you need to research your procedure well and go to a plastic surgeon who has had real and extensive experience in Large Volume Liposuction.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is hard to provided with a valid medical opinion without photos.  I would suggest to be treated by board certificated plastic surgeon with experience in this procedure, to get the best desired results.
Kind Regards,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Richard H. Fryer, MD · Answer

Liposuction is NOT for weight loss.  It should be used only for shaping.

	The best way to lose weight is lifestyle modification with diet and exercise which is sustainable as a permanent way of life.  NOT pills or HCG injections.  NOT fad diets for 2-3 months.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Your situation is a common one.  Large volume liposuction is defined by removal of 5 liters or more of fat/fluid.  With larger volumes of liposuction there are more risk of fluid problems after surgery which may lead to dehydration.  The dehydration if not corrected or prevented can lead to low blood pressure which can affect the heart and/or kidney among other things.  Therefore overnight monitoring is minimally required.
The other issue is weight.  Stabilization of your weight to an acceptable level is paramount.  Developing lifestyle changes to manage your weight.  Liposuction is not a strategy for weight loss.  Liposuction is a contouring procedure.  You will have a better result and will be able to maintain the result if your lifestyle changes to promote a consistent healthy weight.
Good Luck.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

We try to limit the volume of fat removed during any one liposuction to 5 liters for safety reasons. This may be just the front tummy in a large patient or it may be just the hips or just the thighs. It is better to be safe and stage the procedures at least a week apart and do them under local anesthesia. Liposuction is a great motivator to encourage more dieting and exercising. Expect to pay roughly $6-7000 per surgery.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

The catch is failure of your skin to contract creating alot of loose skin. The risk is excessive blood loss. The risk is higher than likely possibility of seroma formation. The risk is recurrent weight gain. Ther risk is increased anesthetic complications. The risk is elevated potential for Deep venous thrombosis. The risk is unacceptable cosmetic result. The risk is electrolyte imbalance. The risk is...

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Most agree that it is dangerous to remove more than 5 liters of fat at one operative session.  However, even this volume can pose a risk to health and might even require post-surgical hospitalization with blood transfusion.  The essential point however, it to understand that liposuction is a shaping technique.
Unless you change what you eat or how much you excerise, you will regain every ounce of fat removed at the time of liposuction.  It will redistribute itself more uniformly.  So if you said, I have a stable weight of 200 lb but what bothers me is the fullness of my outer thighs or the fat I carry at the top of my buttocks, then you might be a candidate for liposuction.  
Clearly, this is not your goal.  Your goal is weight reduction.  Liposuction will not help you. Lap band surgery is an option that you might consider if all other means of controlling weight fail.  I will suggest that for someone like yourself, you might consider meeting with a registered dietician.  They can help you look through your diet and help you identify areas where your diet can be adjusted.  To maintain this weight requires you to eat 3 or 4 thousand calories a day.  This would be the logical place to look to aid weight reduction.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Large volume lipo usually refers to removal of fat in excess of 5 liters, and often many more than that. It was found to have a higher incidence of complications due to fluid shifts which can lead to problems for some individuals. It is not an answer for weight loss.

Kamran Khoobehi, MD · Answer

Large volume liposuction is not indicated in your case since loss of 5 litters will reduce yor weight by 7-8 lb and you still be 207 lb. This is not healthy and you should think about weight loss with exercise, dieting and if not possible lap-band.

David Shuter, MD · Answer

I would recommend against this relatively dangerous procedure. Even a successful large volume removal would have a very small effect on your overall frame. It would be smarter and safer to lose additional weight first and then get a new consultation from an experienced board certified plastic sugeon.

Red Flags to Spot for Large Volume Liposuction?

Answers (14)