Liposuction Under Local Anesthesia

The most popular surgical procedure today is liposuction. It can be performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia depending on the exact procedure.

Liposuction is often combined with other procedures to achieve desired results, most commonly alongside a tummy tuck, facelift or body lift. When performed in conjunction with other plastic surgery procedures, liposuction is most commonly performed under general anesthesia for comfort and safety reasons. In some cases, such as a mini face lift with chin liposuction, the procedure can be performed under local anesthesia under the care of an experienced plastic surgeon.

When liposuction surgery is performed on its own, your surgeon will decided whether it is best to perform the procedure under general or local anesthesia. This decision is made based on the amount of fat to be liposuctioned and the intensity of the procedure required to achieve the desired result.

When to Choose Liposuction Under Local Anesthesia

Liposuction under local anesthesia is best suited for less invasive procedures and small areas of fat. Procedures that can be performed under local anesthesia include chin liposuction, minimal upper or lower abdominal liposuction, minimal liposuction of the hips or flanks, or liposuction of “bra fat”.

Benefits of Liposuction Under Local Anesthesia

Many patients prefer local anesthesia to general anesthesia because:

• There are fewer risks involved
• Less time is required for recovery
• It is less expensive than general anesthesia

However, it is important to note that general anesthesia is often preferred by surgeons because it allows for a more efficient procedure. By using general anesthesia as opposed to local anesthesia surgeons are able to more quickly and more precisely perform liposuction surgery without causing pain or discomfort for the patient. General anesthesia is always used for more intensive procedures including liposuction of multiple areas or areas receiving a significant amount of liposuction.

Local Anesthesia Risks & Side Effects

Significantly less risk is involved when using local anesthesia as opposed to general anesthesia, but it is important to remember to closely flow your surgeons instructions to ensure your safety.  The most common side effect of local anesthesia is nausea, vomiting and mild sleepiness. More serious complications are extremely rare and can be prevented by choosing a qualified surgeon and fully disclosing all medical conditions and medications to your surgeon prior to your surgery. Toxicity can occur when a large concentration of anesthesia is found in the blood stream. This can also occur if too much is absorbed too fast due to a medical condition or unfavorable drug interaction.

Signs of Mild Toxicity:

• confusion
• feeling light headed
• impaired memory
• hyperventilation
• impaired coordination or vision

Signs of Severe Toxicity

• Ringing in the ears
• Muscle spasms or twitching
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness

If you experience any of the above symptoms, please seek immediate medical attention or call 911.