Efficacy and safety are two of the most important factors in any cosmetic surgery. Do you have to sacrifice one to get the other?
And, how much fat can be removed during liposuction? Keep reading to find out what experts have to say on this subject!
What Is Liposuction, and How Is It Able to Permanently Remove Fat?
Liposuction, or lipo for short, is a type of cosmetic surgery that permanently removes unwanted fat deposits for a slimmer, smoother appearance.
While there are different types of liposuction, they all follow the same pattern and involve making small incisions, then inserting a suction device attached to an instrument called a cannula. The cannula is used to break up or even liquefy your fat, which is then suctioned out. Finally, the incision is closed.
This procedure can be performed on various areas of the body, including the stomach, flanks, thighs, upper arms, buttocks, chest, back, and underneath the chin, just to name a few.
Let’s Get Right Into the Juicy Details – How Much Fat Can Be Removed During Liposuction?
The maximum amount of fat that is recommended to remove via liposuction is six to eight pounds, or three to four liters. More than five liters of fat removal is not recommended in most cases, as it can increase your risk for complications, so precaution and special care is necessary.
If a patient requires five or more liters of fat reduction, they may be advised to undergo their lipo procedure in stages, with each surgery spaced three to four months apart.
Should I Strive for the Most Amount of Fat Reduction Possible?
Now that you have the answer to your question, “How much fat can be removed during liposuction,” you might be wondering if you should opt for the maximum amount of fat removal possible. As a general rule, no. The best results don’t always mean achieving the most fat reduction.
The goal of liposuction is to improve your body’s contours, as well as supplement and achieve what standard diet and exercise is unable to. However, it is not intended to be used for weight loss. Ultimately, it depends on the amount of fat you carry, your body type and weight, and what your goals are.
If you want to maximize your fat loss without undergoing more surgery than necessary, you should live a healthy lifestyle, consume a nutritious diet, and get plenty of exercise, especially after you’re cleared by your surgeon to engage in physical activity.
What Are the Risks Associated With Removing Too Much Fat?
There are many benefits of liposuction, and it’s considered a generally safe procedure, even with its side effects and potential complications. Healthy adults with no infections or serious medical conditions typically tolerate this body contouring surgery without issue.
That being said, your chances for these complications increase if you remove more fat than is necessary. Aesthetically, lumps and dimpling of the skin is most likely to occur with excessive fat reduction.
Additional side effects that become more likely with fat removal of five liters or more include blood clots, infection, fat embolism, accumulation of excess fluid, and seroma or hematoma development. If you want more than five liters of fat to be removed, make sure to have a discussion with your surgeon.
Achieve Your Dream Bod With Custom Body Contouring Treatments at Younger Image Plastic Surgery Center!
Our team at Younger Image Plastic Surgery Center is here to help you make the right choice for you based on your unique goals and body type!
Just take a look at our before / after photo gallery to see how we customize treatment for your body to help everyone achieve optimal results.Request your consultation today by calling 703-775-2614!