Is the 11 pound max that lipo can remove overall, or per body area? Can I break up my lipo into sessions to get more removed?

Question

I read that the max number of pounds that can be removed is 11. Is that overall, or per area? I’m getting my stomach, upper & lower, love handles, thighs and knees. I want to know if 11 is the overall max, if so, should I break up my lipo into separate sessions to get more overall fat removed?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

In an outpatient setting in CA, five liters of fat (approximately 11 pounds) can be removed from all areas during one surgery.  My advice would be the have the surgery done well the first time.   Each subsequent time is more difficult to generate results.  The skin issue should be addressed by exam and by evaluation as the liposuction is performed. Without photos or an exam it is difficult to determine if you should lose weight to reduce the risks of complications during and after surgery and to enhance the final results.

Nikesh K. Patel, MD · Answer

The safe amount of fat that can be removed in an outpatient setting is 5 liters of fat total.  Dividing up your procedure into multiple operations will allow your surgeon to remove more fat.  Keep in mind that an in-person consultation is necessary for the best advice and always seek out a board certified plastic surgeon.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Inventive8380,
5000ml of fat is maximal amount which can be removed in one session. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Matthew A. DelMauro, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question. (Keep in mind that an in-person consultation is necessary for the best advice.) The maximum amount of fat that may be removed during a single session of outpatient surgery is 5 liters. Any more than that (in a single session) will require an overnight stay in a monitored setting (e.g., in a hospital). Multiple procedures may be performed over time such that more than 5 liters is removed---although each subsequent procedure in the same area may be more difficult. If you decide to pursue surgery it’s very important that you find a surgeon whom you are comfortable with and trust and who evaluates you in-person and tailors an individualized treatment plan for you and your aesthetic goals. Best of luck!
Matthew A. DelMauro, M.D.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

The actual amount of fat that can be safely removed at one time varies from state to state. If you think you will be over that amount, or your surgeon think you will be over that amount, your procedure can be broken into sessions. Sometimes, the amount of fat removed is based more upon how much local anesthetic can be given safely at one time, and how many areas can be treated.

Mark T. Boschert, MD · Answer

The recommended maximum amount of liposuction is 5 L so you are correct. And that maximum is for all areas together during that operation. So yes dividing it up into multiple operations will allow your surgeon to remove more fat. Best of luck! Dr. Boschert

William J. Koenig, MD (retired) · Answer

Generally in a healthy person the safe amount of fat removal in an outpatient setting is 5 liters of fat (about 2.2 pounds per liter or 11 pounds) total removal.  Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure and should only be used as a way to improve problem areas.  A good diet and regular exercise are key to a long lasting result.

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