Is 2.5 liters of fat a lot of fat to be removed from liposuction? (photo)

Question

So I got an email from my ps saying they took 2.5 liters of fat out I need to give it time I'm new to liposuction is that considered a lot of fat? From arms back and waist? After 5 weeks why am I still not seeing results ??????

Mariam Awada, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your fat loss. While 2.5 liters may sound like a large amount of fat to be removed, it is a fairly average amount for a typical liposuction procedure.One of the biggest side effects of body contouring procedures like liposuction is swelling. Youcan expect to experience post-surgical swelling for six to 12 months. While some patientsimmediately experience a visible change in their contours following liposuction, others mayhave to wait longer for their swelling to go down in order to see results. At five weeks into yourrecovery, you are likely still experiencing a large amount of swelling and will continue to seeyour results improve in the coming months.If you have any additional questions or are concerned about how your body is healing followingyour procedure, then schedule a follow-up appointment with your board-certified plasticsurgeon. Hope this helps!

Rohit Jaiswal, MD · Answer

Whether or not that is a lot of fat removed depends on starting anatomy (i.e. how much fat was there to begin with). The safe limit of liposuction in an outpatient setting is 5 L. Many surgeons may routinely remove 2.5 L of fat in a single procedure. 
As for results, there can be a significant amount of swelling after liposuction. It can take months for the swelling to go down and for results to be seen. Wearing a compression garment may be helpful in getting the swelling down and perhaps providing a better shape by splinting the soft tissues. 
Best wishes, 
Rohit Jaiswal, MD 
Plastic Surgeon; Las Vegas, NV

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You do not provide enough information or photos to give an educated guess if 2.5 liters of liposate is enough or not. I suppose, if you are 100-110lbs, it might be a lot, but if your weight is 150+lbs, might not be a lot. You are also swollen at this stage. You do not state what kind of liposuction did your surgeon use (traditional, PAL, Smartlipo, VASER, etc.), what kind of postoperative instructions and compression you had, if you had lymphatic massage and so on.Discuss your concerns with your surgeon. If your results are not satisfactory after 6 months, seek consultations with board certified plastic surgeons for a second opinion. Good luck with your healing.

Kimberly Finder, MD · Answer

The upper limit for outpatient liposuction fat removal is 5 liters, so 2.5 liters is actually quite typical and common for a procedure. There is going to be swelling in the weeks after any liposuction. Don't expect to be able to really appreciate your results until at least a couple of months. It takes 6 months to 1 year to go through all of your expected swelling. Keep in touch with your physician during this time to make sure that all is well with your particular course of healing.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well. 
The amount of fat that the surgeon can remove depends on each patient. You are still early on the healing process, it can take up to 6 months to see your final results. At the stage you are in, swelling and bruising is normal, so i recommend to be patient. If you have any concerns, i suggest you to follow up close with your plastic surgeon.
Good luck :)

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

Your surgeon removed a good amount of fat.  Your tissues are swollen and this will take time to heal.  Wear a compression garment to assist in healing.

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