Liposuction How Much Can Be Removed

For decades, the role of liposuction in weight loss has been debated. The original application and intent of fat extraction was for a body contouring goal. The utility of many tools has been expanded with the growth of experience by time and number of artists. Use has led to abuse, but also evolution. The early adopters and their aesthetic community have long held that “liposuction is not a weight loss procedure”. Publicly this was their position but privately an awareness of patients being benefitted from liposuction techniques in a weight loss role was growing.

So how much weight loss can you lose with liposuction anyways? It is still a generally held belief that weight loss has a multifaceted solution. Diet, exercise, and good healthy habit formation remain the cornerstones. In some cases, bariatric surgery becomes a practical if not essential element. The reformation of the skin envelope and body contouring then becomes the goal after baseline weight is achieved. Resectional surgery of cutaneous elements combined with liposuction has been the traditional “next step” in finishing the transformation. In this guide, we review the aspects of Liposuction How Much Can Be Removed, how much fat can be removed with lipo 360, what type of fat is removed during liposuction, and What is the maximum weight you can lose with lipo?

A different approach has accumulated enthusiasm with early adjuvant use of liposuction, along with diet and exercise. Experience of large volume fat extractions limited by individual state statutory volume guidelines has evolved from the expansion of liposuction practices. Each liposuction event may result in a maximum of 4000-5000cc of fat being removed. It is not uncommon for some patients to lose 20-30 pounds following liposuction with maintenance of a well balanced healthy life style.

While the most common goal of liposuction retains a body contouring focus, some patients are seeking and receiving a primary weight loss framework. Current state and community standards do limit the increments of fat extraction to 8-10 pounds per event.

Liposuction How Much Can Be Removed

One common question our prospective patients ask is “How much fat will liposuction remove?” The most important concept to understand is that liposuction is a body contouring procedure and not a weight loss procedure. Most weight loss programs center around a patient’s weight, easily measured by standing on a scale. However, weight is affected by many variables relating to the composition of the body (water, muscle, bone, and fat). Most liposuction patients want to change the shape of a certain area or areas of their body. So, the more specific question is, how much will the area that the patient wants to reduce change. The goal of liposuction is not a goal weight but rather a goal shape.

As for any cosmetic surgery procedure, an in-person examination with a plastic surgeon is the best way to determine realistic expectations. However, there is a simple maneuver that a patient can perform to determine how much fat can be removed from an area. The patient should use their thumb and index finger to pinch the tissue in the area of potential liposuction. The thickness of the tissue is a good representation of the volume of fat is in the area and consequently how much fat can be removed to reshape the area. The weight of the fat removed is generally only 1-2 pounds per area and not nearly as important as the volume of fat removed from the area.

Remember, liposuction is a targeted fat removal procedure to contour the shape of the body and not a weight loss treatment. Skilled liposuction in areas like the abdomen, flanks, love handles, arms, chin, inner and out thighs can drastically change a patient’s figure and enhance an entire silhouette and to create aesthetically pleasing contours.

Example: Fat Liposuction Removes (Per Body Area)

Note: These estimates are for a female patient with a weight of 150 pounds and a height of 5’5″. The below quotes are for removed fat only and does not count the additional tumescent fluid removed during a liposuction procedure.

Liposuction is Body Contouring Not Weight Loss

As you look at the above numbers, you’re probably thinking something along the lines of “wow that’s not a lot of weight taken off.” You’re very right!

Remember liposuction is not a weight loss treatment. It’s a fat loss treatment that is performed to enhance and contour specific targeted areas of the body. Skilled liposuction providers are able to transform bulging areas into tight, lean contours. Removing isolated fat pockets from specific body areas, say 2 pounds of fat from the flanks or 3 pounds of fat from the thighs, can drastically change a patients figure and enhance an entire silhouette.

Dr. McGee has been practicing plastic surgery for more than 18 years in all areas of the field, including cosmetic surgery and reconstructive breast and facial surgery. Dr. McGee is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery. He has numerous hospital affiliations in the Round Rock and greater Austin areas and is a member of the American Society of plastic Surgeons, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgeons and Austin Smiles.

how much fat can be removed with lipo 360

Unfortunately, this is a tough question to answer. The truth is, there’s no way of knowing exactly how much fat a person will be able to have removed during liposuction without actually doing the procedure. In other words, we know the amount only when we measure it as it is removed during surgery.

Furthermore, it’s important to note that Portland liposuction is not a weight loss solution. While it can get rid of unwanted fat in small to modest amounts, if you have considerable weight to lose, it’s best to go the route of a healthy and well-balanced diet program, combined with regular exercise.

With that said, below, we’ll attempt to answer the “how much weight can liposuction remove” question as best we can.

What Is the Maximum Amount of Fat That Can Be Removed With Liposuction?

Generally speaking, the maximum amount of fat that can be removed with liposuction is 5000 ml. That’s roughly 11 pounds on the scale. This amount is actually quite significant. 5000 ml is equal to five liters. So, imagine two and a half 2-liters of soda from the grocery store. You can technically do away with this much fat (in most cases).

On the other hand, not all patients should have this much removed. It truly depends on the contours of your body, your current and desired proportions, and what the condition of your skin is. Good liposuction surgeons will ensure that you have the necessary skin elasticity so that it “bounces back” or retracts after the fat is taken out. If this is not ensured, you may run the risk of having excess, sagging skin after liposuction.

What Is the Maximum Weight for Liposuction Patients?

There is not a set maximum weight for liposuction. In other words, liposuction can technically be performed safely on patients of any size or BMI.

Still, most plastic surgeons do have a cut off BMI of around 30 for their patients. Weight in pounds is not used because BMI is a more accurate representation of a patient’s fat distribution. BMI takes into consideration sex, height, age, and muscles mass.

Patients with a BMI of more than 30 may be disqualified from liposuction for two reasons.

First, someone who has a BMI of over 30 may be at higher risk for surgical complications. For these patients, blood flow is reduced in fatty tissue, which can slow healing and is more likely to lead to incision site infection. There is also a higher frequency of type II diabetes in overweight and obese individuals, and diabetes itself can lead to complications after invasive surgery.

Next, overweight and obese patients will likely not see major results from liposuction. The procedure is more for reducing small pockets of unwanted fat. Someone with a more considerable amount of fat on their body will have a harder time achieving the results they’re looking for.

What Makes the Best Candidates for Liposuction?

Generally speaking, anyone who has “stubborn fat” that they can’t get rid of by themselves (through diet and exercise) could be a good candidate for liposuction. The procedure itself is not a weight loss method, but it can manually remove fat cells.

Here are several factors that make a good candidate for liposuction:

Good Physical Health

Patients should not have any active infections or serious medical conditions. Patients with diabetes, autoimmune diseases, cancer, and other illnesses will likely be disqualified from surgery.

Normal Weight Range

As stated above, it’s good for patients to be within a normal weight range for their body type, sex, age, and height.

Elastic Skin

It’s important that the patient’s skin be elastic and relatively firm. To test your own skin’s elasticity, pinch the skin (and some of the underlying fat) gently.

Choose skin on your stomach, cheek, or upper arm. If the skin you pinched bounces back quickly, it has a good amount of elasticity.

Realistic Expectations

Minor imperfections can often drive us crazy, and although it’s good to seek improvement for ourselves, it’s also important to be level-headed and realistic. Liposuction can certainly increase your self-esteem and boost your confidence. But it can’t solve all your problems, nor should it.

Can the Fat Removed Through Liposuction Come Back Later?

In addition to receiving an estimation on the weight of fat that can be removed in a given liposuction session, many of our patients also want to know how much weight can be removed permanently.

In other words, will any of the fat come back after the procedure, and if so, how much?

The answer is yes and no.

While liposuction does permanently remove a set number of fat cells (cells that will never come back), you can certainly still gain weight after liposuction. So yes, technically, the fat can come back.

At the same time, because we permanently removed those fat cells from your treatment areas, if you gain weight after liposuction, chances are you’ll still keep your post-lipo proportions. That is, the fat that comes back will form more readily on other parts of your body.

Let’s say you got liposuction on your abdomen, then went on a long vacation, enjoying margaritas and ice cream sundaes daily. Perhaps you gained five pounds. In this case, all of the fat cells on your body would get a little bigger. The five pounds would be spread out over your whole body. Because you’d had liposuction on your abdomen, however, you’d now have fewer fat cells there. Therefore, you wouldn’t gain as much weight in your abdomen as you might have pre-liposuction.

But then, let’s say you continued gaining weight and ultimately gained 20 pounds. In this case, it would be possible for new fat cells to develop in the abdomen (and elsewhere). And this may ultimately sabotage your initial liposuction results.

Have More Questions About Liposuction

Whether you’re simply looking for more information about liposuction or you’re sure you’d like to move forward with this procedure, Dr. Aric Aghayan can help.

Dr. Aghayan is a board-certified plastic surgery specializing in liposuction in the Portland, OR area. He would be happy to discuss your candidacy, options, and goals with you at an upcoming consultation appointment. Call Après Plastic Surgery today to schedule yours!

what type of fat is removed during liposuction

Visceral fat is found primarily in the abdominal cavity. Wrapping around organs, this type of fat can cause the waist to expand and produce a larger overall frame. It can also increase risks for type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.

In some individuals, visceral fat can be found in the arteries as well.

Targeting visceral fat helps reduce your risks for various illnesses and diseases, and is necessary for peak physical health.

Subcutaneous fat is the visible, jiggly, and squishy fat you can feel through your skin. This type of fat produces aesthetic inconsistencies, but poses no threat to physical health. It is this type of fat that liposuction removes.

Targeting subcutaneous fat helps produce a more attractive frame and may improve physical abilities and comfort.

What Does Liposuction Do?

Liposuction can be used on any body part to eliminate exercise and diet-resistant subcutaneous fat deposits. Removing unsightly surface fat helps to reveal underlying definition and curves, improve clothing options, and create a more physically and emotionally comfortable appearance.

Liposuction makes the frame more attractive. It does not reduce the health risks of visceral fat.

Addressing Visceral Fat

Liposuction will not remove visceral fat. The only way to address this more dangerous type of fat is through lifestyle changes. These include:

It should be noted that, while liposuction will not remove visceral fat, it can improve range of motion and make exercising more comfortable. This can act as a springboard for a more vigorous and intense exercise routine that targets dangerous visceral fat and helps improve your general health.

Contact Altos Oaks

Are you ready to learn what liposuction can do for you? Call Altos Oaks Plastic Surgery at 650-934-7020 to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons today.

and What is the maximum weight you can lose with lipo?

One of the most frustrating parts of trying to contour your body through a strict diet and regular exercise is that you can’t spot-reduce fat. Where your body stores fat is determined by hormones, including stress hormones, and genetics. Similarly, genetics determine where your body will burn fat from when you’re at a caloric deficit. That’s why Southwest Michigan Plastic and Hand Surgery in Portage, MI proudly offers liposuction.

Liposuction, sometimes referred to as lipo, is a fat removal procedure that has been used for decades. It is FDA-approved to remove excess subcutaneous fat deposits from areas of concern in most adults. However, it is not safe and effective for everyone. Today, we’re looking at how much weight you can lose from this procedure, what contour improvements you can expect, and who generally qualifies. Read on to learn more.

How Much Weight Can You Lose From Liposuction?

You can generally expect to lose between one and three pounds of fat from liposuction if you are already at your goal weight. If you are not yet at your goal weight, you may be able to lose closer to 10 or 11 pounds from lipo safely depending on your body mass. We recognize that one to 11 pounds is a large range; we can give you a much better idea of how much weight you should expect to lose after we have evaluated your areas of concern and body mass.

How Soon Will I Be Able To See My Results?

You may notice that your treated areas feel slimmer once you have woken up after surgery. However, it will be a little while before you can see your final results. You will need to wear a compression garment for three to six weeks post-op to help your skin heal faster from the incision. You can remove this garment while showering, but you shouldn’t be surprised if it takes around a month for you to fully enjoy the results of the fat removal.

How Long Will the Results of My Procedure Last?

Lipo improves your contours in just a couple of simple steps. Once you have been prepared for surgery, an incision is made in your area of concern, and a cannula with a suction device is inserted into the incision. A significant portion of the subcutaneous fat in the area is suctioned out of your body so there are fewer fat cells in the area of concern. Unlike every other type of cell in your body, fat cells cannot be regenerated.

In other words, the number of fat cells you have in your body when you are 25 years old is the maximum number of fat cells you will ever have. Since this procedure suctions out fat cells and your body can’t produce more fat cells, there will forever be fewer fat cells in your treated area. However, your contours may change if you eat at a caloric surplus because the remaining fat cells in the treated area can expand to store the excess energy.

Where Can This Procedure Be Used?

You can use liposuction to remove unwanted subcutaneous fat from just about anywhere. However, it is very important that you attend an initial evaluation to verify that lipo will be right for you; if there is too much excess fat in an area of concern, you may not be satisfied with the results of your procedure. Furthermore, this procedure may not be very effective if there is very little subcutaneous fat in your problem area.

Typically, men use lipo to remove unwanted fat from their chest, flanks, and lower back. Women usually use lipo to remove excess fat from their upper arms, lower abdomen, and bra line. However, lipo can be used to remove unwanted fat from smaller areas, like the submental region, underarms, and backs of the knees. Furthermore, lipo may be the ideal body contouring solution for you if you have excess fat in your calves or thighs.

How Many Inches Can I Expect To Lose?

You shouldn’t be surprised if you lose an inch or two after getting lipo. Typically, an inch of fat is around five pounds. Therefore, if you lose five pounds of fat from this procedure, you will lose roughly one inch from your area of concern. If you lose 11 pounds of fat, you will lose approximately 2.2″. While it may not seem like this procedure results in a lot of inches lost, you will be amazed by how much more confident you feel post-op.

How much-localized fat this Liposuction procedure can remove depends on many factors, including the size of the area of concern. Lipo can remove around 26% of the localized fat in a large area, like the back, chest, or stomach. If you’re targeting a small area, like your chin or neck, an astonishing four-fifths of the localized fat can be removed. Even if you don’t lose a lot of inches or pounds, your contours will drastically be changed for the better.

Am I a Good Candidate for This Procedure?

To reiterate, you need to attend an initial evaluation to verify that lipo will be safe and effective for you. As a general rule, we look for people who are no more than 30 pounds from their goal weight, relatively healthy, and concerned about areas with at least an inch of pinchable fat but not too much fat. However, in addition to your physical health and body composition, we must consider your mental health.

The best lipo candidate is confident they can do a pretty good job maintaining their weight post-op. If you gain a few pounds of fat after your procedure, you may remain satisfied with your new and improved contours. However, if you gain 13 or 14 pounds of fat post-op, you may need a follow-up procedure. It is also important to note that you should only get lipo for yourself, not a relative or romantic partner.

Will I Qualify for This Procedure If I Plan To Get Pregnant in the Future?

This procedure is not appropriate for women who are pregnant or nursing or recently stopped nursing. If you want to be pregnant and are not actively taking steps to prevent pregnancy, you will not qualify for this procedure. On the other hand, if you are currently taking steps to prevent pregnancy but want to become pregnant once you’ve recovered from your surgery, you may be a good fit.

Just keep in mind that a follow-up procedure may be necessary depending on how much fat you gain during your pregnancy. A lot of the weight women gain while they are pregnant is from extra blood circulating throughout their body. If you monitor your caloric intake closely, it is possible that you will not gain any fat at all throughout your pregnancy. If you don’t have a handle on your caloric intake, though, you may gain several pounds of fat.

How Will I Need To Prepare for My Surgery?

One of the steps we will take to verify lipo will be safe for you is advising you on all of the preparation steps you will need to take in advance of your surgery. If you can’t abide by all of the preparation guidelines, you will be considered a poor fit for this procedure. One of the most important preparation steps expected of you is to not smoke or drink alcohol prior to the operation. Nicotine and alcohol can wreak havoc on your blood pressure.

Also, you will need to minimize UV exposure to mitigate the risk of skin irritation. We can’t perform your surgery on your scheduled date if your skin is irritated. Another important preparation step you must take is to make sure you are well-nourished and hydrated when you come in for your operation. Whether you have to fast pre-op depends on the type of anesthesia administered.

Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today

If you’re at your goal weight and just need to improve your contours by removing excess fat deposits, you may be able to lose between one and three pounds from liposuction. If you still have quite a bit of weight to lose, it may be safe for 10 to 11 pounds of subcutaneous fat to be removed. To find out whether this fat removal procedure is right for you, book an appointment with us now at Southwest Michigan Plastic and Hand Surgery in Portage, MI.