Liposuction is a well known procedure for removing targeted areas of fat. Many new technologic developments have occurred in liposuction, including the use of ultrasonic, laser and water-based methods to assist the fat extraction. While these methods may impact efficacy, they do not influence safety. The safety of liposuction has been clearly shown to be a factor of the volume of fat removed. High volume liposuction has been shown to be more physiologically challenging to the body, increasing complication and morbidity rates. High volume removal is most commonly defined as anything more than 5 liters of liposuction aspirate which includes fat, wetting solution and blood. To reduce complications, particularly from inexperienced or inadequately trained liposuction providers, some states have established laws that strictly prohibit large volume liposuction to be performed.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana