How long does tachycardia from liposuction Epinephrine last?

Question

I know there's a lot of epi used in lipo. I read that Epinephrene can peak in plasma 5 hours after. Will my heart be racing even after surgery?

Dana Goldberg, MD · Answer

While it's true that plasma levels of local anesthesia can peak several hours after surgery, this refers mostly to the lidocaine (or anesthesia portion). Epinephrine has a shorter half life (meaning it's broken down more quickly), so it's unusual to notice a significant heart rate change hours after surgery. Since the concentration is lower than traditional local anesthesia and it's injected into the fat (and not into the mouth) its effects are less than you'd notice at the dentist.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Epinephrine is often a component of the tumescent solution used during liposuction.  It's purpose is to help control bleeding during the procedure.  While it can raise your heart rate and blood pressure, you will be monitored for safety during and after the procedure by trained medical staff.  I encourage you to discuss your concerns with your surgeon.  it is important that you feel comfortable and confident as you prepare for surgery.

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

Tachycardia (an abnormally fast heart rate) caused by epinephrine used during liposuction typically doesn't last very long. Here's a general timeline and factors that can influence the duration:

Duration:
Immediate Effect: The tachycardia usually begins shortly after the administration of epinephrine.
Short-Term: The effects of epinephrine generally wear off within minutes to a few hours, depending on the dose and individual patient factors.
Monitoring: Patients are often monitored during and after the procedure to ensure that any side effects, including tachycardia, are managed promptly.
Factors Influencing Duration:
Dosage: The amount of epinephrine used can impact how long its effects last. Higher doses might cause more prolonged effects.
Individual Sensitivity: Some patients may be more sensitive to epinephrine and experience longer-lasting effects.
Metabolism: The rate at which your body metabolizes and clears the drug can vary, affecting how long the tachycardia lasts.
Overall Health: Patients with certain medical conditions, especially those related to the cardiovascular system, might experience different durations and intensities of tachycardia.
Managing Tachycardia:
Medical Supervision: It's crucial to be under medical supervision during and after the procedure to monitor and manage any side effects.
Medication: If tachycardia persists or causes significant discomfort, medical professionals might administer medications to help slow the heart rate.
Hydration and Rest: Ensuring adequate hydration and rest can help your body recover more quickly.
When to Seek Help:
Persistent Tachycardia: If the fast heart rate continues for an extended period or is accompanied by symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness, seek medical attention immediately.
Post-Operative Concerns: Always discuss any concerns or unusual symptoms with your healthcare provider after the procedure.
In general, while tachycardia from epinephrine used in liposuction is usually short-lived, it's important to be monitored by healthcare professionals to ensure your safety and address any complications promptly.

Andrew Ray, DO · Answer

With a regular epinephrine, this can be the case, however, because the epinephrine is combined with such a large volume of tumescent solution those kind of the side effects are minimal.

In surgery we do you want to be careful if you're having awake liposuction, as there is a much greater chance of having very high volumes of lidocaine during the procedure, this is because it is harder to maintain patient comfort when they are fully awake. High dose of lidocain can also cause tachycardia.

It is my opinion if you were going to have liposuction in multiple areas to have a general anesthesia to improve comfort, and to decrease the chance for lidocaine toxicity.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

Tumescent lipo is so safe and the amount of epi and lidocaine is so diluted that it is unusual to get any tachycardia during or after lipo. This is unlike the tachy you get at your dentist which is full strenght epi.

How long does tachycardia from liposuction Epinephrine last?

Answers (7)

Answer: General Anesthesia vs. Local

Answer: General Anesthesia vs. Local

Answer: Most patients don't get tachycardia from tumescent liposuction.

Answer: Most patients don't get tachycardia from tumescent liposuction.

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Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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How long does tachycardia from liposuction Epinephrine last?

Answers (7)

Answer: General Anesthesia vs. Local

Answer: General Anesthesia vs. Local

Answer: Most patients don't get tachycardia from tumescent liposuction.

Answer: Most patients don't get tachycardia from tumescent liposuction.

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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