Liposuction: What Kind of Anesthesia is Used For Liposuction Procedures? By Abigail Aaronson At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

If you are thinking of liposuction, you may be worried about the pain factor involved. One of your first questions might be about a general or a local anesthetic is used during the procedure. The truth is that there are several different anesthetics that can and may be used during the same treatment.

A lot of it depends on the area being treated, the patient and the technique used. Here are some of the common uses of anesthetics in liposuction:

General anesthesia is typically used for most liposuction procedures. Using this means that the patient is completely out for the treatment. Some areas require they still be awake to make the procedure safer. For example, the patient has to lie on her side to have the flanks worked on. Under a general, there is a risk of rolling over or dislodging the breathing tube in the middle of the procedure.

For some techniques, only a general anesthetic can be used. The dry, wet and super wet techniques must use general anesthesia, although the dry technique is an antiquated method and not used anymore. Another technique that typically uses a general anesthetic is the power-assisted liposuction procedure.

The tumescent technique relies solely on local anesthesia for its treatment. In fact, it uses a local on the outside as well as an injected mixture of lidocaine and epinephrine into the treatment area. The patient can be completely awake for this procedure. Of course, if they are too nervous about it, a general can be used.

Keep in mind that the risk of complications increase with the use of general anesthesia during liposuction. There is always a chance that you will have reaction to the anesthesia and it can cause problems ranging from a mild allergic reaction to even death. So, if you have a choice, local is the way to go.

If you decide on a technique that uses general anesthesia, be aware that you may need to stay over a night for optimal recovery. Under a local, the procedure can be done in the surgeon's clinic and you can go home as long as someone is there to drive you. Recovery time is also faster under a local and the risk of blood loss is reduced.

Once you've decided that you're going to have liposuction, choose a qualified plastic surgeon that is board certified and licensed to practice. Ask him what techniques he uses and what anesthetics he recommends for each.

Ask about his experience in performing this procedure and look at his before and after portfolio. Don't be afraid to ask him questions. Your safety is his number concern and, if it puts your mind at ease, he should be more than happy to answer all of your questions.

Tell him about any medical conditions or prescriptions you are taking, especially if you are going to be put under with a general. Let him know of any allergic reactions you've had in the past to anesthesia, general and local.

Liposuction is a great way to give your body a slimmer shapelier look when diet and exercise fail. Knowing your options about anesthesia is a step towards choosing the right technique for you.

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