by Dr. Bunkis & Dr. Ekstrom
This is a holy time of year in which followers of the Muslin, Jewish and Christian religions celebrate a major event.
Our Muslim brethren are celebrating Ramadan, a period of fasting and spiritual growth, which is one of the “five pillars of Islam”. Our Jewish neighbors are celebrating the Passover – a feast which commemorates the Israelites exodus from Egypt, their transition from slavery to freedom. And Christians celebrate Easter, one of the most important days on the Christian calendar, which marks the resurrection of Jesus on the third day after his crucifixion. Each religion preaches a mission of love, but how they have each persecuted others in the name of religion in the past!
Regardless of the celebration, special customs, fasting, foods and sharing the Holiday with family are of prime importance. Drs. Ekstrom and Bunkis visited their 96-year-old Mom’s this past week as part of their celebrations and it brought to each of us how wonderful, frail and fleeting life may be. No matter how you celebrate, go out there and enjoy – and remember, to love and respect all of our neighbors!
How much liposuction can be safely performed at one time? By Dr Compoginis
Spotlight on Plastic Surgery – How much liposuction can be safely performed at one time?
by Juris Bunkis, M.D., F.A.C.S.
I’m often asked if I can suck “all” of the fat out during consultation for liposuction. The answer is no for both technical and safety issues. It is impossible and dangerous to suck out 100% of the fat from one area. Too much liposuction can damage the overlying skin and potentially cause skin death. Even the most aggressive liposuction will always leave some fat cells behind. They are simply too small and too numerous to remove all of them. Second, we as board certified plastic surgeons are limited by guidelines that are in place to reduce adverse events.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is the largest and most respected group of board certified plastic surgeons in the U.S. The ASPS recommends that in the outpatient setting liposuction be limited to 5 liters. For reference 5 liters of fat translates to roughly 9-10 lbs. Liposuction beyond 5 liters can lead to adverse events such as the need for a blood transfusion and low blood pressure. Unique situations in which liposuction can be performed in the in-patient hospital setting during which a patient is admitted, monitored, and potentially receive blood transfusions, oxygen therapy and resuscitation, then more than 5 liters could be suctioned out at one time.
Female in her 50’s with minor abdominal laxity, before and after an abdominal free float abdominoplasty – marked improvement but no visible scars when wearing underwear/two-piece bathing suit (Actual patient of Dr. Bunkis)
Despite our desire to deliver excellent results during surgery, it is our responsibility to uphold safety over outcomes. With this simple guideline in place the literature suggests less than 1 person per 1000 will have a major complication during liposuction. Medical tourists to other countries may find these recommendations and guideline more lenient and 5 liters is often surpassed. Below is a pleasant 27 year old female who successfully had 5 liters of liposuction without compilations.
If you want to see if you can have any part of your body improved, contact us for a consultation:
For CA, please call 949-888-9700 or visit www.orangecountyplasticsurgery.com
Or for MA location, call 508-755-4825 or visit www.salisburyps.com
You can write to
Dr. John Compoginis at Contact Us Form
Dr. Staci Compoginis at Contact Us Form
Dr. Deborah Ekstrom at mds@salisburyps.com
or Dr. Juris Bunkis at Contact Us Form
