Liposuction and Breast Feeding

asked 1 year ago by Reemy
Latest answer by Alan Engler, MD
Question viewed 378 times
Tags: breast feeding, local anesthesia

I want to do liposuction under local anesthesia note that I am breastfeeding my child at the age of 9 months, is there a danger for the child of anesthesia? Is it possible pregnancy again after the operation??

10 answers to Liposuction and Breast Feeding

Liposuction - During Breast Feeding? Under Local Anesthesia?

Hi Reemy, This does not sound like a good idea to me. Even under local anesthesia there are medications injected into the body. These typically include lidocaine (which is like novocaine) and epinephrine (which is another name for adrenaline). Sometimes some other medications are used, such as oral Valium and/or a muscle relaxer. And afterwards, you may need a pain reliever, including some that are synthetic narcotics (such as Vicodin or Percocet). NONE of those... more

Alan Engler, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Surgery while breastfeeding not a good idea

Even if you have nothing but local anesthesia, some of the medication (lidocaine, epinephrine) does get into your blood stream and breast milk. The levels would likely be low, but why take the risk? It would be best to wait to have any surgery until after you have finished breastfeeding. Or at least to just pump your breast for the first two to three days after surgery and toss the breastmilk, giving the baby formula during that time.

Debra J. Johnson, MD
Sacramento Plastic Surgeon

Surgery and breast feeding

The easy answer is that it's best to wait until the completion of breast feeding before undergoing elective surgery. One concern is that medications given to the patient may be passed to the baby through the breast milk. Another issue is that the mother's body will likely change after she completes breast feeding. In cases where a mother is still considering elective surgery while breast feeding, it's reasonable to involve the baby's pediatrician in the... more

David Stoker, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Do not do liposuction while breastfeeding.

Hi. 1) Any unnecessary procedure should be avoided until you finish breast feeding. 2) Board certified plastic surgeons do not do liposuction under just local anesthesia. You need at least sedation along with the local anesthesia. The alternative is light general anesthesia, which is equally safe. 3) You can certainly get pregnant after liposuction. Based on our experience doing liposuction in New York City, the results of... more

George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Liposution and breast feeding

In my practice I would delay your liposuction even under local until you had completed your breast feeding. I would not feel it acceptable to do this with any risks to the breast milk. I'm very conservative.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Liposution and breast feeding

Liposuction under local only, perhaps smaller areas and volume should not interfere greatly with liposuction. If you are concerned about medication or antibiotics you can pump and discard until your system is clear. Liposuction is not a form of birth control, and pregnancy is quite possible after your procedure so take care. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd

Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Liposuction and breast feeding

As liposuction is not a treatment that is designed to improve a life-threatening disorder, it should not be done during breast feeding as the procedure is elective for cosmetic indicaitons and there is no reason to jeopardize your baby's health.

Ronald Shelton, MD
Manhattan Dermatologist

Liposuction timing after breast feeding

You should not have liposuction while breast feeding. The medications given to you during this procedure may linger in your system for a while. Why not wait a short while more?

Elizabeth S. Harris, MD
San Antonio Plastic Surgeon

Lipo and breast feeding

I recommend you wait untill you are no longer breast feeding befor doing liposuction. There should be no problem with further pregnancies because of prior liposuction.