How Much Fat Can Be Removed During Liposuction?
Dr. Schwartz customizes each liposuction procedure to target your problem areas and help you achieve your goals. His ultimate goal is to provide a slimmer, more contoured appearance. The amount of fat removed during liposuction varies based on the following factors:
- The area being treated
- Your amount of body fat
- The type of liposuction used
- Your treatment goals
- Your safety and well-being
Although outpatient liposuction offers many advantages over “conventional liposuction” (which uses large cannulae under general anesthesia) including safety, lack of need for hospital admission, and rapid postoperative recovery time, Dr. Schwartz is limited to the amount of fat he can remove in his office setting; 5-6 liters is a safe estimate. “Mega-liposuction” (8-10 liters) must be performed with the larger cannulae under general anesthesia in a surgery center or hospital. An experienced surgeon like Dr. Schwartz can make a recommendation after assessing your unique situation and will explain if his procedure can help you achieve your fat loss goals. You may find that a small amount of targeted fat removal can give you a noticeably more sculpted shape in particular areas.
How Does Liposuction Work for Fat Removal?
Liposuction usually uses a tiny cannula inserted through a small incision to break up and remove stubborn fat. The liquefied fat is then drained from the body by being gently sucked away. No stitches are needed.
Types of Liposuction
Dr. Schwartz uses several types of what is known as tumescent liposuction, depending on your treatment plan. With tumescent liposuction, the area surrounding the fat layers is filled with a combination of sterile saline and local anesthestic. The fluid protects your tissues while minimizing swelling and bleeding. He will choose the procedure that works best for your goals and lifestyle. Available types of liposuction include:
Tickle Lipo (Vibration-Assisted Liposuction)
Dr. Schwartz prefers this type of liposuction in many situations. It uses high-speed vibrations to break up fat cells gently and can be used in small, delicate areas such as the knees, male breasts, etc.. Lipomatic® also works for people with a higher amount of body fat than other types of liposuction. Its gentle energy preserves skin elasticity and stimulates collagen, so your skin naturally tightens as it bounces back. Vibration-Assisted Liposuction uses gentle infrasonic vibration-assisted energy to break down fat while keeping the connective tissue intact. The liquefied fat is then drained from the body by being gently sucked away. As this form of liposuction does not use any type of heat as its energy source, there is no chance of skin burn or injury, as there can be with laser and ultrasound technology. Because this procedure assists in the stimulation of collagen in the treated area for up to six months post-treatment, excessive skin folds with large volumes of fat evacuated often tighten during this period. With PAL, patients that did not previously qualify for outpatient lipo procedures (those within thirty pounds of ideal body weight) now can have larger volumes of fat evacuated.
VASERlipo®
VASERlipo® (Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction) uses ultrasound energy pulses that disrupts and “melts” the fat cell membranes into a liquefied fat before it is evacuated. The cannula easily removes damaged cells and fluid with minimal tissue trauma, resulting in a gentle procedure. It is a perfect form of liposuction for hard-to-treat areas such as the chin, neck, cheeks, knees, calves, and ankles, as well as denser pockets or larger volumes of fat. Because a large amount of heat is created during ultrasonic liposuction, there is a much greater risk for burns, blistering or scarring, thus making it absolutely necessary for special precautions, and that your procedure is being performed by a skilled and experienced surgeon, such as Dr. Schwartz.
ProLipo™ Laser Lipo
This type of liposuction uses thermal energy to heat and break apart fat cells, making them easy to remove. As an added benefit, this thermal energy causes collagen fibers in the skin to contract and triggers the production of new collagen. Laser lipo can leave the treated area looking firmer and more toned.
