Large volume lipoplasty.

As experience accumulates, previously held beliefs about the risks and dangers of large scale lipoplasty are being challenged. We present our experience with over 300 patients who underwent large scale suctions ranging in volume from 2500 to 8000 cc. We have found that the incidence of postoperative complications does not correlate directly with the volume of fat extracted. Preoperative fluid loading, adequate intraoperative fluid management, and the liberal use of autologous whole blood transfusions appear to reduce the risks of large scale suctions. It is the belief of the author that, when indicated, single stage lipoplasty of greater than 2500 cc is an appropriate alternative to staged procedures, and can be safely undertaken when adequate provisions are made for blood replacement.