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

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

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