Large volume usually refers to more than 5 liters removed at one time. Many surgeons now stop at or under this number. Some, however will remove as much as ten liters of fat during one liposuction session believing that it is not any riskier to remove more in healthy patients at one time.
Most surgeons do not agree today, however and they will do more than one session if there is more than 5 liters to be removed. Reasons for this include "less risk" for patients in the opinions of many surgeons. Over the last ten years there has been a trend to do under 5 liters at one time and to do more cases awake. This is what many patients request as well - to be awake. New advancements in lipo devices has made this possible - TickleLipo, SmartLipo, Body Jet, etc. In some states, the OR must be "certified" if more than 5 liters is removed which is another reason for smaller cases.
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