Large-volume liposuction (also known as high-volume lipo or plus-size liposuction) is a plastic surgery procedure performed on plus-sized patients who require a greater-than-average amount of fat removal in order to effectively contour their bodies. In this case, “plus-size” is defined by BMI, and references women and men who are in the “overweight” or “obese” BMI categories. “Large-volume” generally means 4L or more, but it varies based on an individual’s needs.
How do I know if I qualify for large-volume liposuction?
Is there a BMI limit for high-volume liposuction?
There is no set BMI limit for large-volume lipo at our practice. When you schedule your initial consultation with our doctors, you will be assessed holistically as a unique individual. BMI is a part of the overall assessment, but there is no magic number that automatically disqualifies patients from undergoing plus-sized liposuction.
Is large-volume lipo safe?
Large-volume liposuction is safe for patients who qualify, as they have already received medical clearance from their primary care physician to undergo surgery prior to the procedure’s performance.
What are the benefits of liposuction for plus-sized individuals?
Is large-volume liposuction the same as Lipo360?
Lipo 360 is a type of circumferential liposuction that addresses the entire midsection — 360 degrees — in order to remove excess fat from the stomach, hips, flanks (waist) and back. While large-volume liposuction can be a 360 degree procedure, not all Lipo 360 procedures are high-volume in nature. This is because anyone with any amount of excess fat they wish to remove — even if it’s as little as 1/2 a liter — and is healthy enough for surgery, may opt for Lipo 360. Large-volume liposuction, on the other hand, always means that the amount of fat removed is greater than 4L.
Can high-volume lipo help me lose weight?
Plus-size lipo is not a substitute for weight loss; it is considered a “contouring” procedure to help smooth and shape the body. However, fat cells that are removed cannot regenerate and new fat cells cannot “grow” in their place, making it more difficult to gain weight in the future in areas where fat has been removed. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that the remaining fat cells can expand. So, while weight gain is less likely within areas where liposuction has been performed, gaining weight after liposuction, especially in surrounding areas, is still quite possible when a healthy lifestyle isn’t maintained.
How long does it take to recover from plus-size liposuction?
Is large-volume lipo better than a plus-size tummy tuck?
High-volume lipo and plus-size tummy tucks are very different procedures. One is not better or worse than the other; instead, they are considered complementary procedures. Most patients — standard or plus-size — see the most dramatic results when they choose to undergo both. This is because liposuction can remove fat, but it will not tighten loose skin. Conversely, plus-size tummy tucks and extended abdominoplasties cannot remove fat, and only address excess skin while tightening abdominal muscles. At your consultation, Dr. Abboushi or Dr. Singh will speak with you about your goals and then work with you to find the best option for your needs.