Is Large Volume Liposuction Dangerous?

Large volume liposuction can be a dangerous procedure if it is performed by a less-experienced surgeon. Large volume liposuction tends to refer to any liposuction procedures that remove more than five liters, (about ten or eleven pounds) of fatty tissue. On the other hand, when a plastic surgeon has developed a proficient skill in large volume liposuction, the concerns of safety are minimized and the outcomes can be truly incredible. Due to the large amount of fat removed during large volume liposuction, a hospital stay and general anesthesia are typically required for the procedure. The liposuction doctor that you choose, after doing research into his or her credentials should be able to address these issues and any other concerns you may have about large volume liposuction, including; liposuction alternatives, liposuction recovery for your particular surgery, and whether or not you are even a good candidate for the procedure. The average amount of fatty tissue recommended for removal at one time is usually between 2-3 liters of fat; however, this varies from state to state. Any liposuction procedure can have complications, including fatalities. Many of these have been associated with large-volume liposuction.

Large-volume liposuction has been arbitrarily defined by the American Society of Plastic Surgery Task Force on Lipoplasty, and the Plastic/Cosmetic Surgery Committee of the Medical Board of California, as greater than 5000 cc, and asked surgeons not to remove any more than that, except under specific circumstances such as in a hospital type setting. A study of 181 patients who have had greater than this amount removed in a single procedure, had zero deaths, although a few had complications. If this procedure is treated with the respect it deserves, large-volume liposuction can be performed fairly safely. If the liposuction doctor uses sound surgical judgment, appropriate technique, and does not try to cut corners to save money for the patient by performing this surgery in negligible settings.

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.