Liposuction is a common cosmetic procedure that aims to remove excess body fat through suction techniques. For those with larger areas of fat to remove, large-volume liposuction may be an appropriate option.
It’s important that patients considering liposuction consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in liposuction surgeon to determine their candidacy and the safest approach.
What is Large-Volume Liposuction?
Large-volume liposuction removes substantially more fat than traditional liposuction, typically 4 to 5 liters of fat in a single session. It differs from traditional liposuction in both the volume of fat removed and the techniques used.
Traditional liposuction utilizes suction cannulas to remove smaller quantities of fat from under the skin. Energy–assisted liposuction employs heat from ultrasound, radiofrequency, or laser energy to break up fat cells before they are suctioned out, allowing for the removal of larger volumes of fat more efficiently.
Large-volume liposuction may be well-suited for individuals with significant fat deposits that have been resistant to diet and exercise routines. We will have an in-depth conversation to ensure that this is the saftest, most appropriate approach for your individual situation. When multiple body areas are targetted, a medical or bariatric surgery-based approach may be a better option as liposuction is not a weight loss procedure.
Large volume liposuction may be an appropriate option for someone with specific target areas that they would like to significantly reduce in size. In these cases, we will often use energy-based procedures to break down fat and minimize blood losee to mazimize the effectiveness and safety of the procedure.
Large Volume Liposuction Procedure
Before performing a large volume liposuction procedure, Dr. Smith carefully measures and marks the treatment areas to achieve an excellent result. These markings serve as the “road map” that will guide Dr. Smith’s expert technique. Dr. Smith also takes before and after photos of the treatment regions for comparison.
While smaller liposuction procedures may be carried out using local numbing solutions or “twilight anesthesia”, larger volume lipo cases are generally performed under IV sedation (“twilight anesthesia”) or general anesthesia. Through discreet, minimally visible entry points, tumescent fluid is then carefully administered into the targeted zones using specialized cannulas.
Once the tumescent solution takes effect, surplus adipose tissue is expertly evacuated from the designated regions using a slender, hollow metal instrument referred to as a cannula.
Your state during the process will determine how much fat can be safely removed in one procedure. Dr. Smith will follow these limits to protect your health and safety during large volume liposuction.
Throughout the procedure, which typically takes a couple hours, Dr. Smith will work with a board-certified anesthesiologist to actively monitor your vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels. This close monitoring helps ensure your body can tolerate the liposuction and recovers well after the fat removal process.
Types of Liposuction Techniques
A variety of liposuction techniques exist and suit different body areas and volumes of fat targeted for removal. Traditional,or “dry”, liposuction relies solely on suction via cannulas to break up and extract fat pockets from underneath the skin, and is rarely used in advanced liposuction procedures.
Modern techniques include:
| Technique | Description |
| Power-assisted liposuction (PAL) | Incorporates a vibrating cannula to break up fat stores before suction. Since fat is physically easier to extract with this technique, the surgeon can focus on precisely contouring the treatment area. |
| Tumescent liposuction | Carefully delivers a numbing, blood vessel constricting solution into fatty layers to minimize bleeding risks and enable highly precise sculpting. |
| Laser-assisted liposuction (LAL) | Utilizes controlled laser heat energy to liquefy fat prior to vacuuming. Designed to enhance contouring along with skin tightening effects. The laser energy stimulates collagen production, which encourages skin tightening after the procedure. Smart Lipo is the most popular form of LAL. |
| Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL) | Transmits sonic waves through cannulas to selectively target fibrous fat, like in men’s breast tissues or upper backs in men and women. Today’s latest generation of UAL is VASER liposuction. |
| Radiofrequency-assisted liposuction (RFAL) | Utilizes heat generated by radiofrequency energy to melt fat and tighten skin. The two most popular forms of RFAL are BodyTite (a bipolar deliversy system) and JPlasma (a unipolar delivery system). We strongly prefer BodyTite due to its excellent safety profile. |
Benefits and Aesthetic Outcomes
Beyond simply removing unwanted fat, large-volume liposuction provides both functional and aesthetic advantages that can significantly improve patients’ well-being and quality of life.
| Benefits |
| Significant and long-lasting contour changes by removing excess fat cells |
| Improved daily quality of life by reducing issues like inner thigh chaffing or rashes in skin folds |
| Can help problem areas fit into standard clothing sizes |
| Boosted self-esteem and confidence from sculpted, proportional body shape |
| Empowerment to make and maintain healthy lifestyle changes |
Post-Op Care and Recovery Tips
Wear Compression Garments
Compression garments will be provided for you to wear for several weeks after surgery. These garments help reduce swelling, promote healing, and improve the contour of treated areas.
Rest and Avoid Strenuous Activity
Rest with the exception of easy walks for the first 48 hours after the procedure. Thereafter, it is generally reasonable to return to a desk job. Gradually going back to daily activities to remain comfortable and minimize soreness. The healing process can take several weeks to months, depending on the extent of the procedure.
Follow Postoperative Care Recommendations
Specific postoperative care instructions will be provided including incision site care, pain management, and follow-up appointment scheduling. Following these is important for proper healing and to ensure a safe recovery.
Consult with Your Primary Care Physician
Your PCP can monitor vital signs and blood pressure, provide medical oversite as needed, and help manage any underlying conditions affecting your recovery.
Determining the Best Path Forward
Large-volume liposuction offers transformative results when performed safely and skillfully by an experienced plastic surgeon. By meticulously removing multiple liters of stubborn fat stores at once, natural, balanced contours can be revealed like never before when diet and exercise may have fallen short on their own.
If you have areas of disproportionate fullness resistant to traditional weight loss efforts, consulting a liposuction expert could provide just the solution you are looking for. Discuss your goals and medical profile openly with a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon to determine if you are a good candidate.
Dr. Darren M. Smith has helped countless men and women sculpt their figures through minimally invasive body contouring techniques. To learn more about how large-volume liposuction could transform your silhouette, schedule your confidential consultation with his practice today. Your ideal figure might be closer than you think.
