Large Volume Liposuction is it Safe?

With many advances in the field of Liposuction, larger quantities of fat can be removed safely and with less blood loss. The actual process of large volume liposuction is much more difficult than traditional liposuction which removes smaller amounts of fat. This newer procedure takes out greater quantities of fat and is an entirely different physiological process. These advances have taken place over less than twenty years and are starting to make liposuction a very popular cosmetic procedure; in addition to that, large volume liposuction has become popular and more readily available.

A Specific Procedure?

While no standardized definition of large volume liposuction exists, large volume liposuction is commonly recognized as total fat removed during the Liposuction procedure or more specifically 5 liters of total volume.

Know your Doctor

A newer concern with the increase and availability in such cosmetic procedures is that large volume liposuction results in increased complications with inexperienced doctors performing such procedures. This can range from smaller and non-life threatening complications to the worst complication possible, death.

Big Business

With Cosmetic Surgery becoming a big business, a vital element is often overlooked, which is careful patient selection because large volume liposuction is not for everyone. It is also important for patients to be realistic about their expectations and the limitations of large volume liposuction; keeping in mind that liposuction is still a body contouring method and not suitable as a weight loss alternative.

Small Scale Liposuction vs. Large Scale Liposuction

The difference between smaller scale and larger scale liposuction has to be recognized; otherwise the complications can be disastrous and possibly result in death. One concern during the surgery is fluid overload and another significant concern during the procedure is maintaining the appropriate core body temperature of the patient.  Patients under anesthesia they are prone to hypothermia due to the work done on large portions of the body.

Not a Cure, but a Step in the Right Direction

Large volume liposuction while not a cure for obesity, it can be used as a tool to enhance an obese patient’s body to help achieve a more positive outlook and a motivator to a more healthy and rewarding lifestyle. One doctor’s opinion is that it is better to remove larger quantities of fat from fewer sites on the body, suggesting three or four.

Closing Statements

With the introduction of new and larger scale liposuction surgeries, many opportunities are opening up for different patient’s needs and desires, and along with this comes different health and safety concerns for both the patient and the doctor, and new ways of performing an old cosmetic procedure with many different options available today.