Is is possible to do lipo without epinephrine & how much does the epinephrine affect heart rate?

Question

I am scared about the cardiac effects of epinephrine. Is it possible to do liposuction with just lidocaine? How much does the epinephrine affect heart rate?

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

Liposuction without epinephrine in the solution can result in more blood loss. Epinephrine is meant to constrict the small blood vessels passing through the fat so that at the time liposuction is done there is minimal blood loss. The lidocaine is meant to help with the postoperative discomfort. Epinephrine does increase patient’s heart rate, but only a very small amount is used and some of that is removed at the time of liposuction. I am not aware of anybody not using epinephrine in their solution, however, I am aware of people not using lidocaine in the solution and only using epinephrine because of its benefits with minimizing blood loss.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The purpose of epinephrine in the tumescent solution is to help control bleeding during liposuction by constricting the blood vessels.  This also can help minimize bruising. The amount added to the solution is controlled.  Epinephrine can affect the heart rate.  If you have specific concerns I encourage you to discuss them with your surgeon.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding the possibility of performing liposuction without epinephrine and the effects of epinephrine on heart rate.

Epinephrine is a critical component of the tumescent solution used in liposuction. It serves several important functions:

Vasoconstriction: Epinephrine constricts blood vessels, reducing blood loss during the procedure and minimizing bruising.
Prolonged Anesthesia: It prolongs the effects of lidocaine, allowing for a longer duration of anesthesia.
Reduced Systemic Absorption: By constricting blood vessels, epinephrine reduces the rate at which lidocaine is absorbed into the bloodstream, lowering the risk of lidocaine toxicity.
Liposuction Without Epinephrine:
It is technically possible to perform liposuction without epinephrine, but it is not commonly recommended due to the following reasons:

Increased Bleeding: Without epinephrine, there is a higher risk of bleeding and bruising during and after the procedure.
Shorter Duration of Anesthesia: Lidocaine alone may not provide prolonged anesthesia, potentially leading to increased discomfort during the procedure.
Higher Risk of Lidocaine Toxicity: The absence of epinephrine could lead to a faster absorption of lidocaine into the bloodstream, increasing the risk of toxicity.
Effects of Epinephrine on Heart Rate:
Epinephrine can cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. This is a natural response due to its stimulating effect on the cardiovascular system. However, when used in the controlled environment of a surgical procedure and administered by an experienced, board-certified surgeon, the risk is minimized. The dosage is carefully calculated to balance its benefits while minimizing potential side effects.

If you have specific concerns about the cardiac effects of epinephrine, it’s crucial to discuss them with your surgeon. Your surgeon can assess your overall health, review any underlying medical conditions, and provide personalized advice. They may also consider alternative approaches or adjustments to the standard protocol to ensure your safety and comfort.

In summary, while it is possible to perform liposuction without epinephrine, it is generally not recommended due to increased risks. Epinephrine is used to enhance the safety and effectiveness of the procedure, and its effects on heart rate are carefully managed by experienced medical professionals.

Good luck. I hope I’ve answered your question regarding the feasibility of liposuction without epinephrine and its effects on heart rate.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS
Plastic Surgeon

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

The amount of epinephrine in tumescent solution shouid not cause any problems. Some patients may have had reaction to epinephrine with dental procedures but in that case the epinephrine is mire concentrated and more readily absorbed

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

If you have no heart issues, then you may notice only a slight increase initially when epinephrine is used. Using it makes the surgery safer and much less bloody. If you do have heart tissues, then perhaps elective surgery is not best for you.

Is is possible to do lipo without epinephrine & how much does the epinephrine affect heart rate?

Answers (5)

Answer: Liposuction

Answer: Liposuction

Answer: Surgery

Answer: Surgery

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Is is possible to do lipo without epinephrine & how much does the epinephrine affect heart rate?

Answers (5)

Answer: Liposuction

Answer: Liposuction

Answer: Surgery

Answer: Surgery

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tumescent Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.