Liposuction was first performed under general anesthesia. These early procedures resulted in extensive bleeding and bruising and lengthy recovery times. In the late 1980s, Dr. Jeffrey Klein applied a common concept in dermatology – using tumescent fluid – to liposuction. This allowed surgeons to perform liposuction using only local anesthetic, but what’s more, it also greatly reduced bleeding, bruising, and overall recovery time compared to those early procedures.
Today, liposuction patients under general anesthesia or local anesthesia receive tumescent fluid as part of their operation. However, there are still some key differences between procedures using each type of anesthetic and what can be accomplished with each. Based on personal preference, your specific body goals, or your budget, one type of anesthesia may be better suited to you.
Liposuction Under Local Anesthesia
Liposuction under local anesthesia is performed by many surgeons both here in Houston, TX, and across the globe. Its main benefits are patient peace of mind (some people don’t like the idea of “going under”), lower cost, and less risk.
Benefits of Local Anesthesia
Greater peace of mind – some patients find the idea of general anesthesia uncomfortable, and recovery from general anesthesia can be a disconcerting experience
No risk of complications associated with general anesthesia
It’s less expensive since an anesthesiologist is not required
Traveling to a hospital or surgery center is not required
Surgeons generally use smaller cannulas, which results in less risk for scarring, bleeding, and bruising
Downsides of Local Anesthesia
Performing lipo under local anesthesia may limit the size of cases or the number of areas that can be done in one procedure, both for patient comfort and due to the potential for lidocaine toxicity.
Liposuction Under General Anesthesia
Liposuction under general anesthesia is still considered by many surgeons to be the preferred way to perform liposuction – it’s definitely easier for the surgeon, as they don’t have to worry about making sure the surgical area is completely numb. The main benefit for patients is that it allows for larger cases to be performed in one procedure – and of course, if being awake during surgery sounds scary to you, then general anesthesia might be preferable.
Benefits of General Anesthesia
You won’t feel or hear a thing! If you’d rather be asleep for your liposuction procedure, then general anesthesia is the clear choice
More body areas can be treated in one procedure – if you want “full body” lipo (4+ areas) performed in one procedure, you’ll need general anesthesia
Downsides of General Anesthesia
There are always some risks and potential complications associated with general anesthesia
Recovering from general anesthesia takes time and will come with the usual side effects of drowsiness and nausea immediately following the procedure
It’s more expensive! Having an anesthesiologist on hand, plus the costs of a surgery center will mean there’s a big price difference
Surgeons often use larger cannulas during cases with general anesthesia. This requires larger incisions, and these larger cannulas have the potential to cause more bleeding and bruising, which can lengthen recovery time.
When to Choose Local or General Anesthesia for Your Liposuction Procedure
Some surgeons may insist that general anesthesia is the only way – that simply isn’t true. If you only want one area suctioned, such as the chin, arms, or love handles, then your surgeon will likely recommend local anesthesia. For smaller cases and smaller areas (like the chin), general anesthesia simply isn’t necessary and shouldn’t be used. However, if you want a lot of areas done, then general anesthesia may be preferable. Getting more than three areas suctioned in a single procedure may not be possible using local anesthesia – of course, it all depends on the size of your case and the areas you’re treating.
Generally, this is a decision that comes down to personal preference. If you want to be asleep for the whole procedure, stick with general anesthesia! If going under sounds scary and you’d rather be awake (with a mild oral sedative), then lipo under local anesthesia is probably the right choice for you.
If you want a lot of areas done but don’t want to go under or would like to be asleep but only want a single area suctioned, then unfortunately you’re going to have to choose what’s more important for you. At the end of the day, the type of anesthesia you choose is a personal choice, but it should be an informed choice based on your goals and preferences so that you can be sure you’re comfortable throughout the process and get the results you want.