Background: There is concern in the literature regarding the use of large volume liposuction (> 5L total aspirate). We report our experience over a 15 year period. Methods and Materials: A retrospective chart review was performed for patients from 1990 to 2005. Results: Sixty two patients underwent high volume liposuction. Combined procedures were performed on 19 (31%) patients. The mean volume of total aspirate was 8L (5.0 – 11.7L). The mean operative time for liposuction alone was 218 minutes and for combined procedures was 319 minutes. Complications included post-operative anemia requiring blood transfusions (n=5), and hematoma requiring operative evacuation (n=1). Two patients who had transfusions had previous gastric bypass and all were peri-operatively anemic. There was no statistical difference for complications between patients who underwent liposuction alone or as part of a combined procedure (p= 0.88). The mean follow up was 38 months. Seventy seven percent of the patients either maintained or lost weight at 1 year and 18% required further liposuction. Conclusions: Large volume liposuction is safe when performed in healthy patients under strict guidelines. One needs caution when operating on gastric bypass patients. Combining cosmetic procedures with high volume liposuction in certain situations is also safe.
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