Liposuction is a common procedure that can help you remove unwanted fat from your body.
Liposuction is most commonly used to treat areas such as the upper arms, thighs, abdomen and buttocks. It can also be used to treat the neck and chin.
The procedure involves inserting a tube into the area of your body where you would like to have fat removed. The tube will then suction out the unwanted fat. Liposuction can be done as an outpatient procedure or as an inpatient procedure, depending on how much fat needs to be removed and how comfortable you are with being sedated.
Liposuction helps you lose weight by removing subcutaneous fat (fat directly under the skin), which makes it easier for your body to burn stored fat for energy.
Right here on Cosmeticsurgerytips, you are privy to a litany of relevant information on liposuction weight loss calculator, maximum weight for liposuction, common vaser liposuction misconceptions, and so much more. Take out time to visit our catalog for more information on similar topics.
Liposuction 20 Pounds
I see several new patients a year who are 50, 75 even 100 pounds over weight and were told Liposuction is their answer. This is just not true.
Don’t think of Liposuction as a way to loose weight. Liposuction is a sculpting tool. It is intended for those who are at or very close to their ideal body weight. The analogy I make when I meet with new patients is to compare Liposuction with a nail file. We use it much the same way you would use the file in that we are smoothing “rough” edges to give the area a better shape and to make the problem area blend better with the areas around it.
Let me give you more of an explanation though. A large volume liposuction would be the removal of 7 to 10 liters of fat. By the way, if you had this volume removed your surgeon would likley keep you over night in a hospital and monitor your fluid status. Now, understand that when we do liposuction, the first step in the process is to pump a saline/lidocaine/epinephrine solution into the area. Then we suction out a combination of fat and the solution. So if we take out 10 liters, a lot of this volume is the water we just put in. 10 liters weighs 20 pounds but remember that a lot of this weight is the water. So, you might actually lose say 7 0r 8 pounds of fat, max. Basically, we just can’t safely remove huge volumes of fat because of safety issues.
Another issue is skin laxity. If you are carrying an extra 50 pounds your skin has stretched to accomodate the weight. Liposuction results in some skin retraction, but it cannot tighten loose hanging skin. This problem has to be treated with direct excision, usually in the form of a tummy tuck or body lift.
So, while a Liposuction cannula is a great tool to help shape and smooth your curves, it is not a magic wand we can use to shrink you.
FAQ: Realistic Liposuction Expectations
1. Does liposuction produce permanent results?
After liposuction, the new body’s shape is more or less permanent. If a patient does gain a moderate amount of weight after liposuction, then the figure will simply be a larger version of the new body shape. Fat cells that are removed by liposuction do not grow back. If the patient does not gain excessive amounts of weight, then the new more pleasing silhouette is permanent. Of course after liposuction, the clock keeps ticking, and advancing age will produce the usual changes in the shape of the body associated with the aging process. Nevertheless, the benefits of liposuction will always be apparent.
2. How much weight can I lose by liposuction?
Patients should not expect to lose a dramatic amount of weight with liposuction. However, because fat is removed from cosmetically important areas, liposuction should produce significant improvements in aesthetic appearance. Although liposuction should not be regarded as a method for weight loss, in appropriate patients it can produce significant cosmetic improvements.
3. Will the fat cells grow back after liposuction?
Liposuction removes fat cells permanently. The fat cells that are removed by liposuction can never come back, however, if the patient gains a significant amount of weight, then new fat cell can develop. With a small weight gain, existing fat cells simply get bigger by accumulating more fat within the existing cell. However, with an increase of more than 10% of body weight, one can expect new fat cell development in all areas of the body, including areas previously treated by liposuction. As an adult gains larger amounts of weight, increasing numbers of fat cells (lipocytes) are formed from existing pleuripotential connective tissue cells by a process of differentiation. Existing connective tissue cells first change into immature fat cells (lipoblasts), and then develop into mature fat cells with progressive obesity.
4. What happens if I gain weight after liposuction?
The more weight a patient gains after liposuction, the less dramatic the results of liposuction will be. Ideally a patient should weigh less after liposuction by an amount equal to the weight of the removed fat. Thus, after 150 pound woman has two liposuction surgeries, where each surgery removes 4 pounds of fat (total of 8 pounds, equal one gallon), she should ideally keep her weight at or below 142 pounds. However, if she gains 8 pounds and thus weighs 150 pounds six months after liposuction, then the cosmetic results will still be pleasing but not optimal. And if she were to weigh 160 pounds after liposuction, then she would still look better than if she had not had liposuction, and her clothes might fit better, but her results would be less than ideal.
5. If I gain weight, does fat come back in the treated areas?
Fat usually does not come back in treated areas provided the patient does not gain a significant amount of weight after the surgery. If the patient gains a significant amount of weight, then fat can return to an area previously treated by liposuction. With increasing weight the degree of fat accumulation in a previously treated area is proportionately less than in untreated areas. After liposuction, relatively less fat accumulates in treated areas compared to untreated areas.
6. Where does the fat go when a person gains weight after liposuction?
If a patient gains a significant amount of weight, say more than 10 pounds (5 kg), after liposuction, then the fat must go somewhere on the body. In fact, the fat accumulates in all areas of the body in proportion to the amount of fat cells in each area. Areas where fat cells have been removed by liposuction will accumulate relatively little fat, while in areas not treated by liposuction relatively more fat will be deposited. For example, if a woman gains weight after liposuction of her hips, outer thighs, and abdomen, then proportionally more of the fat will be deposited elsewhere such as the woman’s breasts, face, back and legs.
7. If I do not gain weight, does fat come back in the treated areas?
If a patient does not gain weight after liposuction, then fat does not come back in the treated areas. However liposuction does not stop the aging process. It is natural for the size and location of the body’s fat deposits to change gradually with increasing age. Despite expected changes with aging, the results of a successful liposuction should always be apparent.
8. What can I expect if I get pregnant after liposuction?
Pregnancy does not permanently alter the results of liposuction. If a woman has liposuction and subsequently becomes pregnant, gains weight, gives birth and finally loses the excess weight of pregnancy, then her original liposuction improvements will return, just as if she had never been pregnant.
9. How much fat can be removed? How many pounds?
The maximum amount of fat that can be removed safely is probably about 6 to 8 pounds (3 to 4 liters). The greater the volume of fat removed on a single day the greater the risk of serious complications. If a patient requires removal of more than 6 to 8 pounds of fat, it is safest to divide the liposuction into separate surgical procedures each separated by 3 to 4 weeks.
10.How long will it be until I see results?
Most patients will see 90% of their ultimate liposuction results with in one to three months after surgery. For the first few weeks after surgery there is postoperative swelling. The rate at which this swelling subsides depends on the surgeon’s surgical technique and method for postoperative care. Ultrasonic assisted liposuction (UAL) is associated with prolonged postoperative swelling. When the surgeon’s operative technique uses adits (round holes) that are left open, instead of linear incisions closed with stitches, patients can expect to see 90 % of the ultimate results within four weeks. When the surgeon closes the incisions with stitches, swelling usually resolves within 8 to 12 weeks.
11. Will liposuction help cellulite (cottage-cheese like dimpling) or sagging skin?
No. Cellulite or sagging skin usually does not improve to a significant degree after liposuction. Liposuction improves the shape of the body, but does not significantly improve the quality of skin texture
12. Will liposuction improve the fat stomach I acquired after my last baby?
Yes. Liposuction typically provides excellent improvement of the abdomen after pregnancy. In fact, for the vast majority of patients, liposuction provides a better and more natural appearance than a tummy tuck.
Liposuction Weight Loss Calculator
Can you get lipo with a high BMI?
What is the ideal BMI for liposuction?
My bmi is 35 can i get a liposuction?
The body mass index (BMI) is a measurement of an individual’s weight according to his or her height. It is widely used as an indicator of the amount of a person’s body fat. There are better ways to measure body fat specifically, but determining a person’s BMI is fast and serves as an easy screening method.
What BMI do you need for liposuction?
| Normal BMI | 18.50 – 24.99 | |
| Overweight | ≥25.00 | |
| Pre-obese | 25.00 – 29.99 | |
| Obese | ≥30.00 | |
| Obese I | 30.00 – 34.99 | |
| Obese II | 35.00 – 39.99 | |
Obese III ≥40.00
Patients who are close to their normal weight are the best candidates for liposuction. But, obese people (whose BMI is high) are not good candidates for this procedure because results are usually not very satisfying and the risk rate is higher.
BMI Ranges
BMI of 18 and under: You may be underweight for your height. If your BMI is under 18, you should consult with your doctor about your overall health. Smoking, a history of poor nutrition, and eating disorders can cause a person to be underweight, and these all increase the risks of any surgery.
BMI of 19 to 24: Having a BMI in this range is considered to be good. You are in a healthy weight range. Most people who are at a healthy weight for their height are good candidates for plastic surgery.
BMI of 25 to 29: Having a BMI in this range puts you in a category generally thought to be overweight. If you are interested in a procedure such as liposuction, your surgeon might advise you to lose enough weight to be within 20-30 pounds of your healthy weight range before having surgery.
BMI of 30 to 39: A person with a BMI in this range is considered to be “obese.” People with a BMI in this range are at high risk for developing weight-related health problems. Again, a person has to be within about 30 pounds of their “healthy” weight before plastic surgery.
BMI of 40 and above: A person with a BMI in this range is considered to be “morbidly obese.” People with a BMI in this range carry a severe risk of potentially fatal weight-related health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and joint problems. Morbidly obese people who fall in this range will rarely be accepted as candidates for cosmetic plastic surgery.
Relation between BMI and Plastic Surgery
In general, the higher your BMI is the more likely you are to have health problems that are related to your weight, such as diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems. Other problems that are often seen in people with a high BMI are asthma, sleep apnea, and gastroesophageal reflux.
Your BMI is your weight in kilograms divided by the square of you height in meters. Even If you live in Europe and are used to thinking in kilos and meters, figuring out your BMI takes a calculator. However, we have made it easy by providing a BMI calculator for you. Just enter your weight in pounds and your height in feet and inches and it will calculate your BMI.
Generally, body contouring plastic surgery procedures such as liposuction surgery, abdominoplasty, and lift procedures (thigh lift, body lift, arm lift) are reserved for people who are within 15% to 20% (or 20 to 30 pounds) of their goal weight. These procedures are not intended as weight loss surgery. If you have these surgeries and later lose a lot more weight, you may have to redo the surgery.
Many plastic surgeons do not recommend liposuction for anyone more than 20 to 30 pounds over their ideal weight for their height. This approximately translates to a BMI of between 28 and 33.
Plastic surgery is not a substitute for losing weight through other means, such as diet and exercise or weight loss surgery. Generally, a person with a BMI over 30 (obese) or 35 (clinically obese) is at greater risk during any surgery. There is a greater chance of a complication from the procedure and from the anesthesia. As noted before, obesity is often linked to diabetes, circulatory problems, and other health issues, which are further complications for surgery.
What is the maximum amount of fat that can be removed with liposuction?
Right now, surgeons follow guidelines that set a maximum extraction limit of 5,000 milliliters of fat (11 pounds) for all patients, regardless of variations in weight or body fat status. But the new study suggests surgeons could use a patient’s body mass index (BMI) to determine how much fat extraction is safe.
High BMI Liposuction: safety issues
As mentioned earlier, liposuction is not the best option for people with high BMI. According to the standard guidelines of liposuction, a safe amount of fat removed during liposuction should not exceed 5.000 ml in a single procedure. 5.000 ml of fat is equal to about 11 pounds (or 5 kilograms). So, if your BMI is high and you have for example 44 pounds (or 20 kg) of excessive weight, the loss of this amount of fat will probably be barely noticeable and the result will not satisfy you.
Also, obese people are considered to be poor candidates for liposuction because other diseases accompany their high BMI, for instance, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and higher risk of stroke make the surgery more risky and complicated.
What is large volume liposuction?
A removal of more than 5.000 ml of total fluids is called the large volume liposuction. These fluids include fat, wetting solution (a mixture of saline, adrenaline and local anaesthetic) and blood. The large volume procedure is more complicated and physiologically different as compared to conventional liposuction. Moreover, the candidate for this procedure is a person who has excessive fat but is overall healthy.
Is large volume liposuction dangerous?
The harm-benefit ratio of the large volume liposuction is disputable. This procedure is accompanied with a high risk of serious complications and mortality. The major complications are mostly related to the changes of fluid balance or damage to the circulation and include necrosis of the skin or underlying tissue, severe bleeding, pulmonary embolus, deep vein thrombosis, hypovolemic shock, unplanned blood transfusion, fat embolus and death.
There are also minor complications which include contour irregularities, seromas, complicated wound healing accompanied with prolonged swelling and scar formation and changes in sensation of the operated area. Additionally, skin elasticity issues are common after the removal of large volume of fat.
What alternatives do you have?
If you are considering losing weight with an assistance of surgery, you should choose bariatric surgery. This is a weight loss surgery that includes various procedures such as gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, gastric band and gastric balloon. Consult your doctor to choose the best option for you.
What BMI do you need for liposuction?
| Normal BMI | 18.50 – 24.99 | |
| Overweight | ≥25.00 | |
| Pre-obese | 25.00 – 29.99 | |
| Obese | ≥30.00 | |
| Obese I | 30.00 – 34.99 | |
| Obese II | 35.00 – 39.99 | |
Obese III ≥40.00
Patients who are close to their normal weight are the best candidates for liposuction. But, obese people (whose BMI is high) are not good candidates for this procedure because results are usually not very satisfying and the risk rate is higher.
10 common question about BMI
1. Is there a weight limit for liposuction?
Right now, surgeons follow guidelines that set a maximum extraction limit of 5,000 milliliters of fat (11 pounds) for all patients, regardless of variations in weight or body fat status. But the new study suggests surgeons could use a patient’s body mass index (BMI) to determine how much fat extraction is safe.
2. Does liposuction help belly fat?
Why You’ll Still Need to Exercise After Liposuction. June 15, 2012 — Liposuction can help get rid of muffin tops, love handles, and other pockets of fat. But new research shows that removing fat from your abdominal area may cause you to gain dangerous visceral or belly fat.
3. How Much Can liposuction remove?
Liposuction can’t take off that extra 50 pounds you’ve put on over the last 10 years. Generally, the amount of fat removed during a typical liposuction surgery ranges from 1 to 10 pounds.
4. How much weight can you lose with lipo?
Ideally a patient should weigh less after liposuction by an amount equal to the weight of the removed fat. Thus, after 150 pound woman has two liposuction surgeries, where each surgery removes 4 pounds of fat (total of 8 pounds, equal one gallon), she should ideally keep her weight at or below 142 pounds.
5. How can I reduce my stomach fat?
Here are 20 effective tips to lose belly fat, backed by scientific studies. Eat Plenty of Soluble Fiber. … Avoid Foods That Contain Trans Fats. … Don’t Drink Too Much Alcohol. … Eat a High-Protein Diet. … Reduce Your Stress Levels. … Don’t Eat a Lot of Sugary Foods. … Do Aerobic Exercise (Cardio).
6. Does Lipo get rid of cellulite?
Bottom line: While liposuction can remove unwanted fat very effectively, it’s not recommended for getting rid of cellulite. It can make the dimpling more obvious. Adding a laser treatment to liposuction, however, may help get rid of cellulite.
7. Which is better tummy tuck or liposuction?
For most patients, a tummy tuck is the surest way to achieve this result. Liposuction is a wonderful tool for removing fat in areas of the body with tight skin, such as the hips, saddleback and flanks. … In contrast, abdominoplasty removes not just the fat but also the extra skin and tightens up the muscles.
8. Is liposuction a good idea?
Liposuction permanently removes fat cells, altering the shape of the body. However, if the patient does not lead a healthy lifestyle after the operation, there is a risk that the remaining fat cells will grow bigger. The amount of fat that can be safely removed is limited.
9. How dangerous is liposuction?
As with any major surgery, liposuction carries risks, such as bleeding and a reaction to anesthesia. Possible complications specific to liposuction include: Contour irregularities. Your skin may appear bumpy, wavy or withered due to uneven fat removal, poor skin elasticity and unusual healing.
10. Can you get liposuction if you are obese?
Generally, people of normal weight who have localized areas of protruding fat achieve the most desired results, however, persons who are slightly overweight can also benefit from liposuction. The best candidates for liposuction include the following: Normal-weight (or slightly-overweight) people.