How Much Fat Can Be Removed With Liposuction?

Liposuction is a popular way to reduce fat from various areas of the body. It's often thought that the more fat you have in one area, the more it will shrink after surgery. While this might be true to a small extent, there are some limitations on how much fat can actually be removed with liposuction treatment at Omar Ahmed, M.D.

Are you ready for a slimmer look but still have questions or concerns about body contouring with liposuction? Meet with board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgical specialist Dr. Omar Ahmed. We can explain the benefits of surgery and how we achieve safe and successful results in Pasadena, CA.

How does liposuction work?

Liposuction is a procedure performed using general anesthesia, which means you'll be asleep throughout the process. This makes it possible to remove fat and make small adjustments with minimal discomfort. After creating the necessary incisions, Dr. Ahmed inserts a thin tube called a cannula. This is attached to a large suction device that removes the unwanted fat. Once the desired look is achieved, our surgical team carefully seals the incision and prepares patients for recovery.

How much fat can you remove?

We know it’s not a satisfactory answer, but the amount of fat removed during body contouring depends on each patient. At Omar Ahmed, M.D., our goal is to create personalized results tailored to your unique needs and goals. We can make a more specific estimate during your initial liposuction assessment. Here are some factors we consider before deciding how much fat to remove in Pasadena, CA:

• Your current age, weight, and health

• The amount of fat you have in the targeted area

• Whether we perform fat removal surgery in one or multiple areas

• Your desired results

What if you remove too much fat?

It's possible to remove too much fat during a liposuction treatment. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends removing no more than five liters, or 11 pounds, of excess fat and fluids. Any more than that increases your risk of complications.

Patients should keep in mind that removing the maximum amount of fat is not always best for their health or results. You may have unnatural contours or sagging skin in the treatment area. Try thinking of liposuction as a body sculpting tool, not a weight-loss method. You may be surprised to find that removing even a small amount of fat can make a big difference.

What results can I expect from liposuction?

You may see small changes six weeks after body contouring, but full results can take 6 – 10 months. Since fat removal surgery isn't a weight-loss method, you should continue working toward achieving your health and wellness goals. This includes maintaining a consistent exercise routine along with eating balanced meals at home. Continue making smart lifestyle choices and working with Dr. Ahmed for advice on how to maintain your results long-term.

Learn about fat removal surgery

Liposuction is one of the most requested ways to remove fat and feel better about your body in Pasadena, CA. If you’re interested in learning about what liposuction treatment entails or if it might be the right choice for you, contact Omar Ahmed, M.D. to schedule an assessment with Dr. Omar Ahmed. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about this body contouring procedure.