How Much Weight Can You Lose From Liposuction?

Considering liposuction in order to lose weight? How much weight can you lose through liposuction?

In general, the liposuction procedure can remove a maximum of 5 litres of fat — for Americans, around 11 pounds — during one surgery.

But liposuction is not recommended as a weight loss procedure. Liposuction is a popular body contouring procedure that removes excess fat cells in targeted sections of the body to provide patients with a more defined silhouette. 

In this article we will answer the question how much weight you can lose from the liposuction procedure, why it is not recommended for weight loss, and provide all the information you need to know about the recommended BMI for treatment and how long liposuction results last. Our double board-certified surgeon at the CREO Clinic, Dr. Omar Tillo, specialises only in body contouring surgeries from the neck down. Having performed hundreds of successful liposuction treatments and other plastic surgeries, he has developed the skills and expertise to artfully shape and accentuate different parts of a patient’s body to deliver their ideal results.

Is Liposuction A Good Way to Lose Weight?

Liposuction doesn’t result in a significant weight loss, nor is it performed for this reason. This is a common misconception around liposuction, namely, that the treatment is a quick way to fix weight problems.

Rather, liposuction is a body contouring surgery that removes pockets of fat cells in targeted areas of the body. This is an ideal treatment for patients looking to achieve a more defined silhouette and get rid of stubborn fat that is resistant to both healthy diet and exercise. 

The fat that is removed with liposuction is known as subcutaneous fat, while visceral fat (located around the organs) cannot be treated with liposuction. Visceral fat can only be minimised through a consistent healthy lifestyle. 

The Approved Amount of Weight That Can Be Removed Through Liposuction

As mentioned, liposuction is aimed at removing stubborn fat from areas that are difficult to address such as the lower abdomen, thighs, and the underside of the upper arms. 

The problem with using liposuction to lose weight is that these areas of the body only contain a small amount of the total fat you are trying to lose. Therefore, even if you have them all treated, it’s unlikely to result in a drastic change in your overall weight. 

In general, liposuction can remove a maximum of 5 litres of fat — for Americans, around 11 pounds — during one surgery. This makes it an ideal procedure as part of a body contouring strategy, or alternatively, after you’ve reached your desired weight to attain final sculpting results. 

What is A Good BMI for Liposuction?

To safely undergo liposuction at the CREO Clinic, patients will need to have a BMI of less than 35. This is because patients above this cut-off are at risk of several serious complications such as chest infections and clotting. 

Body Mass Index (BMI) is an important factor to consider before undergoing liposuction as the procedure requires the patient to meet a pre-set criteria to ensure they’re suitable and safe for surgery. 

It’s important to note that while it’s safe to have the procedure at this BMI, it’s not necessarily ideal for body contouring purposes (which requires a BMI closer to 30). To check your BMI and ideal weight range for surgery, you can use our online BMI calculator. 

How Long Do Liposuction Results Last? 

Liposuction permanently removes excess fat cells, meaning your results will last for as long as you’re able to maintain a healthy lifestyle and continue improving upon the results you’ve achieved.

You are less likely to gain weight in the areas treated by liposuction, but you may still see deposits of fat in the areas that haven’t been treated. Therefore, if you’re unable to stick to the right lifestyle following the procedure, the final results of your treatment may be affected. 

Discuss Your Liposuction Options with CREO Clinic

For further information on liposuction surgery at the CREO Clinic, contact us to schedule a 1-on-1 consultation with our surgeon, Dr. Tillo. 

With years of experience performing liposuction, he will be able to assess your suitability for the procedure and determine the best surgical approach and liposuction technology required to produce your desired results.