Removing 5L with liposuction - is that too much volume?

Question

I have a lot of anxiety about my upcoming procedure- lipo 360, arms, chin, inner & outer thigh, body tite to inner thigh, arms & chin. It will be over 5L and I will be staying overnight, but I’m worried about complications. It seems most everything I’ve read says you should not do over 5L in one sitting even if you’re staying overnight bc it’s too risky… I am 32, 5’4, 175lbs. Can someone please advise if this is too many areas and too much volume?

Geuris Cruz Quiroz, MD · Answer

This is a really good question dear Gorgeous772848. As a plastics surgeons we have a limit of fat remove during liposuction procedure by Association of plastic surgery. Your areas are common for an 360 liposculpture and does not mean you will be having 5L or more remove. In my practice I have this type of surgeries all the time and I can tell my patient can be have at least 3-4L in total, but if you are still concern just talk with your surgeon and remove area, you need to be going under anesthesia felling safe and secure with your procedure and your doctor. Your safety is always first! The best of luck!

Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHS · Answer

Guidelines recommend no more than 5 liters of fat to be removed during the procedure to be considered safe if done in a controlled and monitored setting, with proper hydration and post-operative care. Since you will be staying overnight and receiving IV fluids, this will help mitigate potential risks like dehydration and electrolyte derangements that can impact your recovery.
The amount of fat removed should align with your overall health and the areas being treated. 5 liters is the upper limit of what's typically considered safe, and it can increase the risk of complications such as fluid shifts, bleeding, or infections, especially when multiple areas are involved.
If you remain concerned, you can always discuss splitting the procedure into two sessions, spaced at least two weeks apart. Your plastic surgeon is the best person to assess your situation and provide a safe plan that aligns with your goals. Ultimately, ensure you feel comfortable and informed about your surgeon's approach to managing these risks.
Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHSHarvard, Hopkins, & Mayo Clinic Trained Aesthetic Plastic SurgeonNew York, New York

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It is safe to remove up to 5L of fat at one sitting.  It is extremely important to make sure you are rehydrating yourself post surgery.  Your Surgeon will keep an IV running to help hydrate and along with you drinking fluids and being up and moving around you should be ok.  I would suggest speaking with your Surgeon of choice to discuss any questions and concerns.  Best of luck to you.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Since you will be spending the night and receiving IV fluids, removing this volume of fat should be safer. I would suggest discussing your concerns with your surgeon. You could change to two surgeries, both as outpatient with at least 2 weeks apart.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Our maximum allowed fat volume removal is 5000cc's (5 liters).  The safety of removing higher volumes is a condition of the patients general health (are they otherwise health, young etc.) and the surface areas being treated (the more surface area, the more risk...The more areas liposuctioned the higher the risk of bleeding, fluid shifts or infections, and the longer the procedure and anesthesia).

Removing 5L with liposuction - is that too much volume?

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Removing 5L with liposuction - is that too much volume?

Answers (6)

Answer: Liposuction

Answer: Liposuction

Answer: Liposuction volumes

Answer: Liposuction volumes

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Everything you need to know about Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.