What is considered high volume Liposuction?

Good morning Chrissy,You're absolutely right, there are some great results out there after high volume liposuction. Outcomes that patients and surgeons can be very proud of.High volume liposuction is generally considered to be any amount of liposuction greater than 5 liters. In the right circumstances; good general health, proper monitoring and fluid management this can be done safely. The issue really comes down to the amount of surgery, rather than the area being worked on.At 5 liters and more of liposuction the body starts to respond like it has gone through a major surgery. This can result in changes in blood pressure, fluid shifts and impacts on the kidneys that need to be closely monitored and managed acutely to keep patients safe. There may also be higher rates of other complications such as fat or blood clot embolism.All this is despite the fact the surgery may have been quick and performed through tiny incisions.If you think you might be a candidate for large volume liposuction, take time to meet with a board certified Plastic Surgeon. Inquire about the facility they use, ask how long you should expect to be admitted after surgery and what type safety and monitoring equipment will be available to help keep you safe.Remember, even though you might want it all done at once, sometimes it is better to stage multiple treatments in order to keep risks at an acceptable level.Take care. All the best.Dr Nodwell

It really depends on the surgeon, but in Canada we would generally consider anything above 5L of fat being removed to be high volume requiring an overnight stay and IV fluids after the procedure. Anything below 5L can safely be done in an outpatient setting and allow you to go home the same day. All areas of the body have their unique challenges and potential complications, so there really isn't an area that is safer than another. The only way to know if you are a good candidate is to book a consultation with a royal college certified plastic surgeon near you. Best of luck!

The definition of this term is determined by the amount of fat removed at one operation. It can vary form surgeon to surgeon, but in general, 5 liters of aspirate can be considered high volume. If one is removing more than this amount, it is recommended (and mandatory in some states) that the patient be monitored overnight in a 23 hour facility. Some surgeons have removed up to 10-20 liters of fat. This can become very risky, especially patients with other medical problems, because there are large shifts of fluids and electrolytes in the body that can cause harm if not kept in balance. It can be a very cafe procedure if prepared for properly. However, if one is to remove that much fat, perhaps weight loss prior to surgery would be best. It is safer, has no cost, and no recovery.