How much fat can be removed during liposuction?

This is a question that many patients interested in liposuction ask. It would be great if we could give you a specific number, but unfortunately we can’t.
The amount of fat that can be safely removed during liposuction depends entirely on the individual patient. We can remove as much as can safely be done.
If too much fat is removed from one area, the blood supply to the skin can be affected leading to a loss of skin or contour irregularities. If too much is removed from multiple areas, too much blood will be lost, the heart will have to work harder, the patient will be anemic, lightheaded, and go into shock.
On the other hand, if too little fat is removed then there will be insufficient improvement.
Florida is the only jurisdiction where there is a “rule” to remove a maximum 5 litres of fat. It is not clear whether this is pure fat or fat aspirate (fat mixed with blood).
Many people use this 5 litres “rule” as a maximum amount of fat removal, but it really depends on the size of the patient. Removing 5 litres from someone weighing 100lbs will put them into shock, but removing 5 litres from someone weighing 200 lbs may be very safe.
So, the short answer is “it depends.” Only a qualified surgeon can determine this when assessing a patient.