Im going to do a Tummy Tuck, liposculpture in Colombia in 2 weeks. I'm 199 lbs & 5'7. What's a safe amount of fat to take out?

Question

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  Generally the limit of recommended fat to remove with a single liposuction procedure is about 5 litres.

Ellen A. Janetzke, MD · Answer

In general it is recommended that no more than 5 liters be removed when you are not staying overnight in an accredited facility. Of more concern is that you are traveling for your surgery. How long are you staying there to recover? Are the facilities accredited where your surgery is scheduled? Is the surgeon fully credentialed? Who will take care of any complications that happen post operatively? Please make sure you have these questions answered before you go.

Mathew A. Plant, MD, FRCSC · Answer

In general, the ASPS recommends no more than 5 litres of fat removal for outpatient surgery. When combined with other procedures this may need to be modified to a lower amount for patient safety. More important, if you are travelling to a country outside the US and Canada for surgery it is imperative that you ensure that your facility adheres to similar safety standards that would be necessary to be accredited back home. Laws are not as strict in many countries and corners may be cut in order to provide the cost savings that is so attractive to those looking to travel for surgery. Best of luck with your procedure!

John Paletta, MD · Answer

If safety is your biggest concern, then I think the amount of fat being removed is not as important an issue as where you're having your surgery and who is performing the surgery.  Will you be going home after your surgery, or will you stay for observation in the facility?  For larger volume liposuction (over 5 L) we have those patients stay over night in our 23 hour unit with a minimum of 1 on 1 nursing to carefully monitor thstatus.

Brian Coan, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi
Leah, thanks for your tummy tuck question.  Do you know what kind of
anesthesia (general or local mac) and what kind of facility where you will be
having your procedure?  Here in the US, the board certified plastic
surgeons are held to very high standards for safety and the ASPS (American
Society of Plastic Surgeons) website may also have some information on
questions to ask your surgeon from South America.  In general, the amount
of fat to be taken out can also be determined by each individual patient and if
the patient is scheduled to have an overnight stay with physician
observation.  Best of luck to you. -Dr. Coan

Im going to do a Tummy Tuck, liposculpture in Colombia in 2 weeks. I'm 199 lbs & 5'7. What's a safe amount of fat to take out?

Answers (9)

Answer: What is the safe amount of fat to remove

Answer: What is the safe amount of fat to remove

Answer: Tummy Tuck + Lipo

Answer: Tummy Tuck + Lipo

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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Im going to do a Tummy Tuck, liposculpture in Colombia in 2 weeks. I'm 199 lbs & 5'7. What's a safe amount of fat to take out?

Answers (9)

Answer: What is the safe amount of fat to remove

Answer: What is the safe amount of fat to remove

Answer: Tummy Tuck + Lipo

Answer: Tummy Tuck + Lipo

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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