How Much Fat Removal With Liposuction is Safe?

A study published in the September issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery has found that the amount of fat that can be safely removed during liposuction depends almost entirely on the BMI of the patient. Researchers at Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago analyzed data from more than 4,500 liposuction patients and found that complication rates were more than two-times higher in patients who had higher BMIs, requiring larger amounts of fat be removed for ideal contouring. This study is consistent with others that have suggested liposuction is not a safe method of weight loss.

Board-certified McLean plastic surgeon Dr. Roberta Gartside cares deeply about the health and safety of our patients. While risks for liposuction complications are small – at 3.7% even among people with higher BMIs – Dr. Gartside makes sure our patients are physically prepared for their procedures well before their surgery date. If you are not currently a good candidate for liposuction due to weight issues, Dr. Gartside can provide you with information about safe weight loss methods to help reduce your BMI and, along with it, potential liposuction risks.

If you are interested in learning more about the advanced liposuction techniques offered by Dr. Gartside, please contact New Image Plastic Surgery Associates today. We maintain offices in McLean and Reston to better serve people living throughout Virginia and Washington DC.