How to Make Large Volume Liposuction Safe for the Larger Tummy

The Risks of Liposuction for Overweight Patients

Large volume liposuction for people who may be overweight or even obese according to their body mass index (BMI) can be more complicated, take more time, and incur more risk than those who are at a lower, stable weight. In addition to obesity itself, people who are overweight are more likely to have other underlying health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or difficulty with mobility.

These risk factors make plastic surgery procedures like lipo more likely to result in serious complications, which is why large volume liposuction should only be undertaken after careful consideration and evaluation by a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Ditesheim. Dr. Ditesheim has the expertise and experience to make this cosmetic surgery procedure safe for plus-size patients who want to get rid of excess fat.

Making Large Volume Liposuction Safer

By using tumescent liposuction techniques along with modern technologies, liposuction procedures have become much safer and tolerable in recent years. Taking the following three precautions can further help make this high-risk, large volume liposuction procedure safe for all sizes.

AVOID GENERAL ANESTHESIA

One of the major risk factors for any surgical procedure is the use of general anesthesia. Complications from anesthesia are more likely with people who are overweight or have underlying medical conditions like asthma, high blood pressure, or poor circulation.

One way to avoid needing general anesthesia during large volume liposuction is to use a gentle technique and water-assisted liposuction. Aquashape liposuction is a gentle procedure that makes it easier to achieve large volume fat removal. In this procedure, a precise and gentle jet of water separates soft tissue from layers of fat, making the procedure more efficient and increasing patient safety.

Because Aquashape is a gentler approach to fat removal, it is possible to have this procedure awake, with local anesthesia rather than general anesthesia. This means being able to drive immediately, maybe going out to lunch after the surgery, and having a more predictable return to work and daily activities.

REMOVE A LIMITED AMOUNT OF FAT

To be more confident of a shorter recovery and safer procedure, a limited amount of fat should be removed from large volume liposuction patients. Liposuction that removes a limited amount of fat (3-5 lbs) has less risk and a shorter recovery time than removing 10 lbs or more at one time. Removing more fat at one time causes more blood loss and more stress to the body.

CONSIDER MORE THAN ONE STAGE

Staging means that two smaller operations remove the unwanted fat rather than one larger operation. Smaller operations that avoid general anesthesia still produce significant improvement while having less risk and easier recovery.

The unknown variable for every patient is how your body will heal from any given procedure. Patients with larger tummies can have swelling that can last for weeks to months. By staging, you can get to the same goal with less risk and less recovery. We understand cost is likely a factor in your decision to undergo large volume liposuction, so you can learn more about the costs of costs of liposuction from our blog.

Schedule a Consultation

People who are overweight who are looking for a permanent way to get rid of excess fat should always seek the advice of a board-certified plastic surgeon prior to committing to treatment. During a medical evaluation, Dr. Ditesheim can examine your anatomy and take your medical history to ensure that liposuction is right for you.

Not everyone who has excess fat is a good candidate. The best candidates for large volume liposuction are those without excess skin or who need skin tightening, as these may be better served by other procedures. To learn more about your liposuction options, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ditesheim by calling our Charlotte, NC office or contacting us online to schedule your appointment.