Liposuction is one of the renowned cosmetic surgery options for anyone looking to loose weight and target stubborn fatty tissue in a safe, effective way.
Like any other surgical procedure, liposuction requires anesthesia to numb the targeted area and prevent patients from experiencing pain or discomfort during their surgery.
However, most patients are unaware the general anesthesia is not the only option for undergoing an invasive cosmetic procedure. The use of only local anesthesia has become more and more popular for liposuction patients due to short recovery time and reduced risk of allergic reactions.
If you’re considering pursuing liposuction for body contouring in the future, there are a few important things to know about your local anesthetic options.
How Is A Liposuction Procedure Performed?
Liposuction is a common cosmetic procedure that removes excess fat cells from in often hard to reach places, like the abdomen, buttocks, and thighs. Thankfully, liposuction techniques have evolved over the years and the procedure is now among the least invasive cosmetic procedures.
Generally, surgeons perform liposuction by inserting a long tube into the targeted area and using suction to remove fat. In doing so, patients see instantly visible weight loss results and are able to achieve their body goals in a fraction of the time.
Types of Liposuction:
Depending on your goals and health needs, you might choose from a few different liposuction procedures.
Suction-Assisted Liposuction
This is the most traditional type of liposuction, sometimes referred to as syringe liposuction, it utilizes a mixture of salt water and other medications to dissolve fat cells while the plastic surgeon removes excess fat through the suction mechanism.
Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction
Often call Vaser Liposuction, this type of liposuction procedure targets fat cells using ultrasound technology, creating a more precise application.
This can often be used in conjunction with suction-assisted liposuction to create a more streamlined process.
Laser-Assisted Liposuction
Like ultrasound liposuction, laser liposuction uses additional technology to dislodge fat cells and make the fat removal process swift and seamless. In both cases, the fat is broken down and then removed through a small tube via suction.
Power-Assisted Liposuction
Power-assisted liposuction uses a back-and-forth motion to break stubborn fat down, allowing it to be removed through a thin tube. Some patients say that this option results in less swelling that traditional liposuction, and may even create more accurate results.
Tumescent Liposuction
Tumescent liposuction has become increasingly popular in recent years, and this technique is often performed with local anesthesia alone. Rather than creating one large incision, this procedure uses smaller incisions to target the desired body areas.
During the process, the patient will be injected with a tumescent fluid (saline and adrenaline), allowing fat to be removed quickly and easily.
Does Liposuction Use Local or General Anesthesia?
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to be put to sleep to undergo liposuction. Sedation has been commonly used to improve patient comfort and prevent injury during the procedure, but local anesthesia has also proven to be effective for all types of liposuction procedures, especially tumescent liposuction.
While some surgery center providers still require general anesthesia, more plastic surgeons are embracing the benefits of local anesthesia liposuction.
Before you can make the right choice for yourself and your body, you and your plastic surgeon will need to consider the pros, cons, and potential complications that each type of anesthesia brings.
General Anesthesia Pros:
Many people experience fear and anxiety around surgery, even with minimally invasive procedures like liposuction. With general anesthesia, sedation allows patients to be asleep during the procedure, keeping them completely numb and preventing them from panicking and compromising the procedure.
Typically, general anesthesia will be performed in a hospital or surgery center, which often makes patients feel more at ease and comfortable. As soon as they’re awake, patients will be well taken care of the surgical staff and will be ready to begin the recovery process.
Risks of General Anesthesia:
That said, general anesthesia comes from some concerning side effects. Depending on the type of anesthetic used, some patients can experience negative reactions that disrupt their cosmetic surgery. Some of the most common reactions to general anesthesia include:
- Anaphylactic shock
- Nerve damage
- Dizziness upon waking
- Nausea
- Aches and pains
- Headaches
- Feeling cold
- Itchy skin
If you or your family have a history of allergic reactions to general anesthesia, let your surgeon know immediately so they can recommend the best course of action for you.
Local Anesthesia Pros:
Alternatively, local anesthesia only numbs a small portion of the treated area and gives patients the option to stay awake during the entire procedure. Some surgeons prefer this method because it allows the patients to move certain parts of their body to better enhance the procedure.
Liposuction under local anesthesia has also been shown to have fewer severe side effects since the treatments are administered to one part of the body, rather than completely rendering the patient unconscious.
Risks of Local Anesthesia
Even so, local anesthesia still involves some potential complications. Some of the most common side effects include:
- Burning sensation at the injection site
- Not feeling completely numb
- Panic during the procedure
- Muscle spasms
- Soreness in the treated area
- Dizziness
- Headaches
One of the main things to consider is whether or not you may become squeamish during the procedure. Many patients become considered about staying awake during their operation, but you may be suprised to find that local anesthesia liposuction isn’t as invasive as you may expect.
Your doctor should thoroughly prepare you for liposuction and what to expect during your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of local anesthesia liposuction?
Local anesthesia liposuction can be administered either by being injected or as a topical treatment, making it more cost-effective than general anesthesia. However, your overall costs will vary based on your unique needs.
What is the recovery time for local anesthesia?
One of the main benefits of local anesthesia is that it significantly reduced the recovery time in patients. You’ll still need to wait a few weeks before you return to your normal routine, but most patients report that the feel fully recovered in less time than those who used general anesthesia.
Will I have loose skin after liposuction using local anesthesia?
The likelihood of loose skin after liposuction, regardless of the type of anesthesia used, depends on various factors such as skin elasticity, amount of fat removed, and individual healing process.
Who is a good candidate for liposuction using local anesthesia?
Choosing between local or general anesthesia is a big decision. The ideal candidate for local anesthesia is someone who is already in good health and will be able to be cooperative throughout the liposuction procedure.
Liposuction risks tend to increase in patients who are removing large volumes of fatty tissue, and good candidates are patients who are committed to maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine after their procedure.
Contact Dr. Charles Galanis|Beverly Hills CA
Still looking to know more about the use of local anesthesia? Dr. Charles Galanis is an expert at providing both general and local anesthesia solutions for patients from around the world from his state-of-the-art surgery center in Beverly Hills.
If you’re struggling to decide which anesthesia is best for your liposuction procedure, he and his staff will work closely with you to evaluate your health history, body goals, and potential risks.
To learn more about his services and to schedule a risk-free consultation, connect with Galanis Plastic Surgery today.
References
https://www.healthline.com/health/cosmetic-surgery/tumescent-liposuction
