High-BMI Liposuction in Atlanta, GA

High-BMI liposuction (also known as high-volume lipo, hourglass lipo, plus-size liposuction or high-volume liposuction) is a plus-size plastic surgery procedure performed on patients who require a greater-than-average amount of fat removal in order to effectively contour their bodies. In this case, “plus-size” is defined by BMI, and references women and men who are in the “overweight” or “obese” BMI categories. “Large-volume” generally means 5L or more, but it varies based on an individual’s needs. It is sometimes referred to as “mega liposuction,” “extreme liposuction” or “aggressive liposuction”; however, our doctors do not use these terms as they do not perform surgeries that are risky or unsafe, as these terms imply.

There is no set BMI limit for high-BMI lipo at our practice. When you schedule your initial consultation with our doctors, you will be assessed holistically as unique. BMI is a part of the overall assessment, but no magic number automatically disqualifies patients from undergoing plus-sized liposuction.

High-BMI liposuction is safe for patients who qualify, as they have already received medical clearance from their primary care physician to undergo surgery prior to the procedure’s performance.

Most of our patients come to us for high-BMI lipo because they want to contour specific areas of their body, such as their stomach, flanks, back and thighs. However, plus-size liposuction can have other benefits that directly and positively affect patients’ overall health and wellness. In fact, studies have shown that plus-size liposuction can result in pulse rate reductions, decreases in systolic blood pressure, and improvements in blood glucose levels. For some, plus-size liposuction is an investment that can affect both their self-confidence and their health.

Lipo 360 is a type of circumferential liposuction that addresses the entire midsection — 360 degrees — to remove excess fat from the stomach, hips, flanks (waist), and back. While high-BMI liposuction can be a 360-degree procedure, not all lipo 360 procedures are high-volume. This is because anyone with any excess fat they wish to remove — even if it’s as little as 1/2 a liter — and is healthy enough for surgery may opt for Lipo 360. High-BMI liposuction, on the other hand, always means that the amount of fat removed is greater than five liters.

Plus-size lipo is not a substitute for weight loss; it is a procedure to help smooth and shape the body. However, removed fat cells cannot regenerate, and new fat cells cannot grow in their place, making it more challenging to gain weight in the future in areas where fat has been removed. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that the remaining fat cells can expand. So, while weight gain is less likely within areas where liposuction has been performed, gaining weight after liposuction, especially in the surrounding regions, is still quite possible when a healthy lifestyle isn’t maintained.

All high-BMI liposuction is performed under general anesthesia at one of our partner hospitals. Our doctors will discuss specifics with you before your surgical date, but most patients can go home the same day, and we generally recommend taking one to two weeks off of work post-surgery. The time varies depending on the area or areas being treated and the fat volume removed. Most patients will need to refrain from strenuous activity and exercise for about four weeks. After six weeks, most swelling and bruising will have generally subsided, at which point liposuction results become more evident.

High-BMI lipo and plus-size tummy tucks are very different procedures. One is not better or worse than the other; instead, they are considered complementary procedures. Most patients — standard or plus-size — see the most dramatic results when they choose to undergo both. This is because liposuction can remove fat, but it will not tighten loose skin. Conversely, plus-size tummy tucks and extended abdominoplasties cannot remove fat, and only address excess skin while tightening abdominal muscles. At your consultation, Dr. Abboushi or Dr. Singh will speak with you about your goals and then work with you to find the best option for your needs.