How Many Pounds of Fat Can be Removed With Liposuction?

Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess fat from various parts of the body, including the abdomen, hips, thighs, arms, and neck. The procedure involves the use of a cannula, a thin, hollow tube, to suction out unwanted fat. However, it is not a weight loss surgery.

At Urbaniak Plastic Surgery in Largo, FL, board-certified plastic surgeon Roderick M. Urbaniak specializes in performing breast, body, and face procedures, including liposuction.

One of the most common questions people have about liposuction is how much fat can be removed during a single procedure. The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the patient's overall health, body size, and the amount of fat to be removed.

How many pounds of fat can I lose with liposuction?

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), a liposuction procedure can remove up to 11 pounds of fat. However, many treatments remove less, and liposuction is not performed for weight loss but rather for body sculpting and contouring.

The amount of fat that can be safely removed during a liposuction procedure is limited by several factors, including the patient's overall health, body size, and the surgeon's expertise.

How do I know if liposuction is right for me?

One major factor to consider when it comes to removing fat with liposuction is the patient's overall health. Patients who are significantly overweight or obese, have a history of heart or lung problems, or suffer from other health issues may not be good candidates for liposuction. In these cases, Dr. Urbaniak may advise the patient to lose weight through diet and exercise before undergoing the procedure.

Liposuction is typically reserved for patients within 10 to 20 pounds of their ideal body weight who have no plans to gain or lose a significant amount of weight after the procedure.

Is liposuction a way to get in shape?

Liposuction should not be used as a substitute for diet and exercise. The procedure can only remove a limited amount of fat and will not address underlying health issues such as obesity or poor diet.

Additionally, the results of liposuction are not permanent. While fat cells are removed, you can develop new fat if you consume more calories than you burn. Your long-term results will depend on your ability to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen.

What types of liposuction does Urbaniak Plastic Surgery offer?

Dr. Urbaniak offers three types of liposuction procedures at his office in Largo, FL.

1) Tumescent liposuction

This technique uses saline solution, local anesthesia, and adrenaline in the treated area so Dr. Urbaniak can maneuver the cannula, suction excess fat, and improve body contour.

2) Power-Assisted liposuction

Power-assisted liposuction (PAL) employs a suction cannula that vibrates rapidly to loosen fat cells before suctioning them away. This method can cause less trauma to the surrounding tissue and is performed in conjunction with the tumescent technique.

3) Ultrasonic liposuction

Ultrasonically-assisted liposuction (UAL) is a newer method that uses ultrasonic energy to break up thicker, stubborn areas of fat that do not respond well to traditional liposuction methods. Following UAL, traditional liposuction is used to remove the loosened fat. This is particularly useful for tricky areas where fat is fibrous.

Sculpt your body with liposuction in Largo, FL

If you're interested in sculpting your body and you're close to your ideal body weight, liposuction can help you complete your body transformation goals. It's a great way to remove the stubborn fat pockets that don't respond to diet and exercise.

To see if you're a candidate for liposuction, request a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Roderick M. Urbaniak today at Urbaniak Plastic Surgery in Largo, FL.