Anesthesia Options for Liposuction Procedures

The origins of liposuction can be traced back to the 1920s, when French surgeon Charles Dujarier removed fat from the leg of a ballerina. Fortunately, the procedure has come a very long way since then. In the 1970s, two doctors working in Italy invented the cannula, which is the thin metal tube through which body fat is removed. In the 1980s, another French surgeon, Yves-Gerard Illouz, refined the technique even further by injecting fluid into the fat tissue, thereby breaking it up and making it easier to remove. By the late 1990s, ultrasound was being used to help break down the fat tissue even more.

Today, the liposuction procedure can be performed more safely, with more fat being removed while making it safer for patients. Nevertheless, prospective patients may still be concerned not just about the procedure itself, but also about the available choice of anesthetics.

Liposuction Procedure

In a liposuction procedure, the cannula is inserted into targeted areas of the body to remove stubborn pockets of fat that have not responded to a regular exercise routine and a sensible diet. The fat is then gently vacuumed out of the body. In some cases, either ultrasound or low level lasers may assist by first melting the fat, making it easier to remove.

Choices of Anesthesia

General: Just as for other surgical procedures, patients are completely unconscious with general anesthesia. This type of anesthesia is not only the most expensive, but can also be the most dangerous for patients, both during and after the procedure. General anesthesia may present a higher risk of uncontrolled bleeding or sudden drops in blood pressure, heart rate, or respiratory rate during the procedure. Patients may also have bad reactions when coming out of general anesthesia, which can include dizziness, nausea, or vomiting. General anesthesia should only be administered by a qualified professional.

Twilight sedation: With twilight sedation, the patient will not feel any pain sensations, but will still be awake. However, there will be no memory of the actual procedure. Twilight sedation has the benefit of allowing for similar procedures to what can be done with general anesthesia, but is less risky. Patients are also far less likely to have adverse reactions such as nausea, dizziness, or vomiting.

Local anesthesia: Local anesthesia is used for a type of liposuction called tumescent liposuction. In this procedure, a mixture of a local anesthetic (usually lidocaine) and epinephrine is injected into the areas of the body where the fat is to be removed. This causes the skin to swell and tighten, bringing the fat closer to the surface for easy removal. The biggest advantage of local anesthetic is that the patient is fully conscious and can monitor the progress of fat removal during the procedure.

Modern anesthesia has come a long way in terms of effectiveness and safety. Drs. Crawford and Bailey can offer patients a variety of options in terms of anesthesia, depending upon medical history and patient preference. Contact Crawford Plastic Surgery today to learn more.