How Much Fat Can Be Removed During Liposuction?

Liposuction is an effective way to remove stubborn pockets of fat that have been resistant to diet and exercise, helping you achieve a more toned, sculpted figure. One of the most common questions Dr. Chiaramonte hears during consultations involves how much fat can be removed during a liposuction procedure. While there are general guidelines for the upper limits of fat removal, this is ultimately a decision that must be made on a case by case basis according to the unique needs and goals of each patient.

In general, it’s best to remove no more than 6,000 ml (approximately 12 lbs.) of fat/fluid during a single liposuction procedure. Keep in mind that this doesn’t mean you will lose 12 lbs. during your procedure. It means that the total amount of fat, blood, and bodily fluids being removed will equal no more than 12 lbs.

Removing Larger Quantities Of Fat Isn’t Always Ideal

It’s important to understand that removing the maximum amount of fat isn’t necessarily going to deliver the best possible results. Liposuction isn’t a tool for weight loss. It’s a body contouring procedure that’s intended to provide subtle improvements in your figure by removing targeted pockets of fat from specific areas of your body. If your goal is to lose weight, then liposuction is most likely not right for you. You’ll need to reach your target weight before Dr. Chiaramonte will consider you a suitable candidate for the procedure.

In many instances, removing a smaller amount of fat will deliver more natural looking results and maintain optimal levels of safety. If your desired results can be achieved by removing 3-4 lbs. of fat/fluid, then there’s no reason to remove 10-12 lbs.

Risks Associated With Removing Too Much Fat

There are several issues that may occur if you remove too much fat during your liposuction procedure. You may face an increased risk of achieving an unattractive outcome, leaving you with lumps or hollow dimpling of the skin. However, the more important reason to avoid removing too much fat is that you face an increase in safety risks.

While liposuction is an incredibly safe procedure, the risk of complications is much greater when you remove an excessive amount of fat. Potential health risks may include:

  • Adverse reactions to anesthesia
  • Infection
  • Dehydration-induced shock
  • A build-up of too much fluid that may impact breathing
  • Fat embolism (a small amount of emulsified fat entering the blood stream)
  • Blood clots
  • Seroma and hematoma formation

When you remove a larger amount of fat, your procedure becomes longer and more involved. This can also impact your recovery time.

Achieving The Beautiful Results You Deserve

Dr. Michael Chiaramonte is a board certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience performing liposuction procedures. Patient safety is one of our top priorities, and Dr. Chiaramonte will never recommend removing more fat than is appropriate for your unique situation. By choosing to remove a more moderate amount of fat, he can deliver beautiful, natural looking results that will put the finishing touches on your fitness efforts.

Contact Our Maryland Plastic Surgeon

Please contact Bella Cosmetic Surgery using the form on this page or call 301-567-6767 today to schedule your liposuction consultation. Dr. Chiaramonte serves patients in Maryland, Washington DC and Northern Virginia.


Schedule A Consultation
FILL OUT THE FORM OR CALL US
WHAT HAPPENS IN A CONSULTATION?
  • Get to know our Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons.
  • Help them understand you and your goals.
  • Learn about our services and specialties.
“Incredible Results. Professional And Thorough
Consultations. Amazing, Kind And Knowledgeable Support Staff.”

–N.A., Mommy Makeover Patient

HOW MAY WE HELP?


    * All indicated fields must be completed.