Can you have chin lipo under local anesthesia while pregnant?

Question

Hello, I am wanting to get lipo under my chin for a small amount of submental fat. I just found out I am about 8 weeks pregnant, would many or some doctors perform a small procedure on a pregnant patient under local? I read multiple sources that state local does not harm or affect a fetus.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Elective and cosmetic surgeries are not recommended during pregnancies. Aside from possible complications, your results could be compromised due to the weight changes you may endure post-pregnancy. If you experience weight gain, pregnancies, or any other drastic body altering changes following #liposuction, it is very possible the results may be compromised.  Hence, it is usually recommended that patients who have recently experienced weight loss and massive weight loss (#MWL) remain consistent at their weight for at least six to twelve months prior any cosmetic surgery. Such will better ensure longer lasting results of the procedure without risking the fluctuation and stretching of the skin tissue. It is better to wait until after your pregnancy to undergo such cosmetic procedures.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I would not perform an elective procedure on a pregnant patient.  In fact, I have had some patients scheduled for surgery and not know they were pregnant until my nurse collected the pregnancy test urine sample a few hours prior to the schedule surgery.  They were very disappointed that they would have to postpone the surgery for six months after delivery and have completed breastfeeding.  But I do not want to expose the baby to the stress of surgery, side effects of anesthesia, or medications that might cause harm.
Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA

Larry Lickstein, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your pregnancy!  While you are correct that local anesthesia is generally thought to be safe during gestation, you need to also consider the other medications that may be indicated (such as pain meds and antibiotics), as well as the potential for a complication that could require additional treatment or procedures.  Best to wait until after you have had your baby.  While safety is the primary rationale behind this recommendation, it also makes sense to wait when you considered that your face will change significantly during the next seven months.   Best of luck with your pregnancy!

David Hartman, MD, FACS (license suspended) · Answer

I certainly would not have any procedure done until the embryo is at least out of 1st trimester.  Also, since your body is going through such rapid and dramatic change right now anyway, I'd say it is best to wait until after the pregnancy, even perhaps until after breastfeeding (if that be the case).  As far as fullness under the chin goes, Precision Smart Lipo does a wonderful job of creating a natural looking sculpting in the submental area. It is a perfect local anesthetic case w/ easy recovery. Good luck.

Can you have chin lipo under local anesthesia while pregnant?

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