What Is Large Volume Liposuction and Is it Right for You?

If you’re the discerning type that likes to wait a generation or two before trying a new technology, there’s good news on the liposuction front.

Not only has the procedure become far more safe and effective, but the amount of fat it can remove has increased. Thanks to advances in liposuction equipment technology, plastic surgeons today can remove over five liters or ten to eleven pounds of fat. The standard amount removed is two to three liters of fat or five to seven pounds. The American Society of Plastic Surgery’s current guidelines define five liters (ten pounds) as “large-volume” or “plus-size” liposuction. Success with higher volume procedures has prompted more patients to seek liposuction that can make a big difference.

What Large Volume Liposuction Can Do for You

With large volume liposuction (LVL), plus-sized people have an effective option to rid themselves of excessive weight and the issues it causes.

With its ability to remove eleven pounds of fat, large volume liposuction can do more than slim and trim. Many mommy makeover and tummy tuck candidates start to recognize their pre-baby body shape once they have undergone large volume liposuction. Candidates often lose two or three dress sizes, while men struggling with tenacious “love handles” can finally enjoy the trim waist that tucks right into their slacks.

In addition to removing bulges, large volume liposuction can also help women reach the stylish hourglass figure made popular by celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Cardi B. Advances in natural fat preservation technology has improved the post-removal survival of one’s natural fat tremendously. It allows surgeons today to save the fat harvested from hips, belly, and thighs and transfer it to breasts and buttocks to create voluptuous curves, without the risks often posed by silicone implants. Because it is the patient’s own tissue, fat transfer involves no risk of rejection or allergic reaction.

Today, most of this additional volume achieved through fat-grafting is permanent. The body quickly sends veins carrying oxygen-rich blood into the living fat tissue, establishing it in its new location.

Impact of Large Volume Liposuction on Health

Doctors were initially concerned after finding evidence suggesting that fat is metabolically active and impacts cardiovascular and metabolic health. They wondered whether removing too much fat would impact insulin resistance, heart and vascular health, and/or metabolic balance. Indeed it does, but, in a beneficial way.

Researchers reviewed 12 studies involving 364 patients. They found that, following large volume liposuction, cholesterol levels decreased and insulin resistance levels increased (a good thing). They concluded, “LVL can affect cardiovascular risk factors, metabolic balance, and insulin resistance in positive ways.”

The American Society of Plastic Surgery tells us that the average fat removal involved in liposuction is two liters or about four and a half pounds. Given that liposuction only really started becoming popular in the early 2000s, it makes sense that most surgeons chose to go slow in ramping up the amount of fat removed. At this time, there is no concrete evidence suggesting a cut-off point where patient safety is at risk.

Best Candidates for Large Volume Liposuction

Most plastic surgeons mandate that patients seeking large volume or plus size liposuction must be within 50 pounds of their goal weight. Patient weight should have been stable within the previous few months. Surgeons won’t operate on those they perceive are using liposuction as a primary weight-loss tactic. Finally, those with severe cardiovascular disease, coagulation disorders, asthma, and patients who are pregnant must forego this procedure.

Plus Size Liposuction: Getting the Optimal Outcome

Best figure results occur when large volume liposuction candidates opt to add skin excision (dummy tuck) and even a repair of the abdominal wall muscles to the fat removal.

The abdominal wall is made up of rectus abdominis muscles that run from sternum to pubic bone. These muscles are separated right to left and held together by a band of tissue called a linea alba. When the linea alba is overstretched in pregnancy, weight-lifting, or massive weight gain, the two sides of the muscles separate and the belly bulges outward. In addition to distorting the physique, this bulge can impact posture and trunk strength, causing pain in the back and hips and even bowel and bladder issues. Your surgeon will examine your physique closely to determine whether you will have the best outcome by adding repair of these muscles and skin excision or a tummy tuck to your large volume, plus size liposuction.

Pick Your Plastic Surgeon Carefully

In choosing large volume or plus size liposuction, always choose a board-certified plastic surgeon who can prove extensive experience in this procedure as it will most likely involve general anesthesia. Most standard liposuction procedures can be carried out using only local anesthesia. Explore reviews on Google, RealSelf , and other physician review sites. Ask the physician if he or she uses the best in large volume liposuction and lipofilling equipment. Liposuction can be a tiring exercise for a surgeon, and large volume liposuction even more. State-of-the-art liposuction equipment reduces equipment vibration, keeps noise levels down, and streamlines the surgeon’s movements. All of these advantages ensure the surgeon can maintain optimal focus and energy.

Get the Details on Large Volume Liposuction from Your Favorite Plastic Surgeon

Surgeons who insist on the highest quality large volume liposuction equipment demonstrate their commitment to the best patient outcomes.