Dr. says law only allows to Lipo 4 litres; 4 litres of pure fat after the liquid is drained or 4 litres of fat including fluid?

Hi MzGyPsyDollIn Texas, where I practice, the guideline is 5 liters, and that includes the tumescent fluid.  Five liters of fat is around 10 or 11 lbs, which doesn't sound like much, but it is HUGE!  For an example, next time you are at the grocery store, go to the soft drink section and pick up 5X 1 liter bottles of soda.  Anyway, if 5 or more liters are taken, the patient must be admitted for monitoring and fluid support.  The reason is that blood comes out with the fat and tumescent fluid, and it would be easy to put a patient into shock.I don't like to suction this much.  When you think of the soda bottle example, it can be argued that a weight reduction protocol might be a better first step, but that depends on the clinical situation.I wish you the best.Sek

Thank you for your question.Different states have different regulations regarding liposuction limits.  Some states don't have any laws for liposuction limits.  Different plastic surgery societies have different recommendations regarding what lipo limit is "safe".  The bottom line is that this really hasn't been studied, and most of the numbers are seemingly chosen at random.I recommend you consult with a local/regional plastic surgeon who is experienced with liposuction to discuss your options, and what can be done safely.Best,Dr. Dan KrochmalMAE Plastic SurgeryNorthbrook, IL