Do I need local or general anaesthetic for Vaser Liposuction?

Hello thanks for your question. Upper & lower abdomen , flanks vaser liposuction is typically performed under general anesthesia. This approach allows for a more comfortable experience for the patient, as it ensures they are completely unconscious during the procedure.

Vaser Liposuction is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to remove unwanted fat deposits from specific areas of the body using ultrasound technology. Whether you need local or general anesthesia for Vaser Liposuction depends on various factors, including the extent of the procedure, your pain tolerance, and your surgeon's recommendation.

Here's a breakdown:

Local Anesthesia: Vaser Liposuction can often be performed under local anesthesia with sedation. Local anesthesia numbs the targeted area, allowing the surgeon to perform the procedure while you remain awake but comfortable. Sedation can help you relax during the procedure. Local anesthesia is typically suitable for smaller areas of liposuction or for patients who prefer to avoid the risks associated with general anesthesia.
General Anesthesia: In some cases, especially if the procedure is more extensive or involves multiple areas of the body, your surgeon may recommend general anesthesia. General anesthesia induces a state of unconsciousness, so you are unaware and do not feel any pain during the procedure. It allows the surgeon to work more extensively and efficiently, and it may be preferred for patients who are anxious about the procedure or who have a lower pain tolerance.
Combination of Anesthesia: Some surgeons may use a combination of local anesthesia and sedation, along with general anesthesia, depending on the specific requirements of the procedure and the patient's preferences.
Surgeon's Recommendation: Your surgeon will assess your individual circumstances, including the areas being treated, your medical history, and your preferences, to determine the most appropriate type of anesthesia for your Vaser Liposuction procedure. They will discuss the options with you and make recommendations based on safety and efficacy.
It's crucial to have a thorough consultation with your surgeon to discuss your goals, concerns, and the details of the procedure, including anesthesia options. Your surgeon will provide personalized recommendations to ensure the best possible outcome and safety for your Vaser Liposuction.

In regards to the anesthesia, in our practice we can do either local or general anesthesia. If you have a small area that you are considering, then it may be reasonable to just use the tumescent solution as the anesthesia. The tumescent solution is the fluid that we use to inject under the skin to do the liposuction. This solution contains local anesthetic. However, if you wanted to have a more aggressive liposuction, including using VASER, and really etching out the abdomen and other musculature, then it may be more comfortable for you to have it done under general anesthesia. In our practice, we normally do general anesthesia, because we are very aggressive in our VASER liposuction packages that we offer. I HOPE THIS HELPS.

VASER lipo can be performed under local anesthesia. What you need to consider is whether you are an anxious person or stoic. In addition, you should choose a center that is experienced in performing VASER under local using nitrous gas to ease your discomfofr. Please consider a virtual consultation from a high definition body contouring specialist.

Dear parsons7,

Thank you for your question regarding Vaser Liposuction anesthesia. The choice of anesthesia really depends on the specifics of your procedure, your overall health, and of course, your comfort level.

In your case, as you are considering Vaser Liposuction for multiple areas including your flanks and both the upper and lower abdomen, I would strongly recommend general anesthesia. The reason for this recommendation is twofold:

Procedure Duration: Treating multiple areas can be a lengthy process. While under local anesthesia, you would be conscious and might feel uncomfortable during this extended period. In contrast, general anesthesia will ensure you are asleep and comfortable throughout the procedure, making the experience more tolerable for both you and your surgeon.

Pain Management: Vaser Liposuction, particularly when performed over several areas, can cause significant discomfort that may be too intense to handle under local anesthesia alone. General anesthesia eliminates this concern by putting you to sleep and providing a much higher level of pain control.

While these are general recommendations, it's crucial to discuss anesthesia options in detail with your surgeon. They can offer a more personalized recommendation based on their understanding of your specific situation and professional experience.

Remember, whether you opt for local or general anesthesia, the most important thing is your safety. Make sure your procedure is being conducted in an accredited surgical facility by a board-certified plastic surgeon to ensure the highest standards of care.

Best of luck with your procedure.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

In my experience, general anesthesia is best for liposuction. Abdomen and flanks can get uncomfortable.

Especially larger or multiple areas which can become intolerable under local only and not be able to be treated as they should be. In that scenario, most patients don’t like the idea of returning a second time to finish under anesthesia.

Also with anesthesia, you will receive IV fluids which are important.

An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon is recommended to discuss your options and expectations.

Hi thanks for your question.
The decision to use local anaesthesia, twilight sedation, or general anaesthesia during a Vaser liposuction procedure is a personal one, and this decision should be made between the patient and the surgeon based on several factors, such as the the complexity and extent of the procedure (number of areas treated), the patient's medical history and medications, and their level of anxiety or discomfort.
In my clinical practice, I use local anaesthesia for Vaser liposuction in limited areas such as the neck, arms, and flanks. However, I commonly use sedation or general anaesthesia when I perform Vaser liposuction in several areas of the body, especially the upper/lower abdomen, flanks, and back (known as the 360-degree approach). In my opinion and experience, when a surgeon uses local anaesthesia, they can remove fat but cannot perform body contouring very well due to the level of discomfort for the patient during the procedure. Vaser liposuction with twilight sedation or general anaesthesia, allows the surgeon to perform fat removal and also body contouring and middle to high definition Vaser, as the patient is completely sleep, and the consultant anaesthetist looks after the patient's vital signs and respiratory support. It is important to discuss the anaesthesia options with the surgeon and anaesthetist and ask any questions you may have to ensure you understand the risks and benefits of the different options. It is also important to have aftercare and follow-up visits with the surgeon after 1 week, 6-8 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months.
I hope this helps. Best wishes, Dr Giuseppe Fiore

Local anesthesia is often sufficient for smaller areas or for patients who prefer to stay awake during the procedure. With local anesthesia, the treatment area will be numbed, and you'll be conscious but won’t feel any pain. This option allows for a quicker recovery and fewer risks associated with general anesthesia.

General anesthesia is typically recommended for larger areas or more extensive procedures, such as full-body contouring or when multiple areas are treated simultaneously. With general anesthesia, you’ll be completely unconscious during the surgery, ensuring comfort for longer, more complex procedures.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on the areas being treated, your overall health, and your preferences. It’s important to discuss these factors with your surgeon to determine the most appropriate option for you.

The choice between local or general anesthesia for Vaser Liposuction is often based on individual factors and preferences. Here are some considerations:
Local Anesthesia with Sedation:Typically involves numbing the targeted areas with local anesthesia.You may also receive sedation to help you relax during the procedure.Allows for a quicker recovery compared to general anesthesia.Suitable for smaller treatment areas or individuals who prefer to be partially conscious during the procedure.
General Anesthesia:Renders you completely unconscious throughout the procedure.Often preferred for larger treatment areas or when the patient prefers not to be aware of the surgery.Requires a longer recovery period compared to local anesthesia.
The decision is influenced by factors such as the extent of the treatment, personal comfort, and the surgeon's recommendation. During your consultation with the surgeon, they will assess your health, discuss your preferences, and recommend the most suitable anesthesia option based on your specific case.
Feel free to share any concerns or questions during your consultation to ensure you are well-informed and comfortable with the chosen approach. Each individual's experience and preferences vary, so the choice of anesthesia is tailored to meet your needs and ensure a safe and successful procedure.

Thank you for your question. VASER Liposuction can be performed under both local and general anesthesia. At my practice, we specialize in 'Awake VASER Liposuction' performed under local anesthesia. This approach allows you to remain comfortable during the procedure and typically results in minimal downtime. The 'awake' method also provides an additional advantage of patient interaction, which can lead to improved results. However, the decision should be made based on individual health profiles and comfort levels, and always in consultation with a cosmetic surgeon.