Would you recommend a patient having Vaser to flanks and abs to have twilight sedation/general anaesthetic rather than local?

Hi Sincere758501,
Local anesthesia is a type of anesthesia that numbs only the specific area of the body being treated. It is often used for minor surgical procedures such as dental work or minor skin procedures. The advantage of local anesthesia is that it avoids the risks associated with general anesthesia, such as breathing difficulties, nausea, and other side effects.
Twilight anesthesia, also known as conscious sedation, is a type of anesthesia that combines local anesthesia with intravenous medication to produce a state of deep relaxation and sedation. You may be awake and responsive during the procedure, but you will not feel pain or discomfort.
General anesthesia is a type of anesthesia that puts you into a deep sleep during the procedure. It is usually reserved for more complex procedures or when local or twilight anesthesia would not provide adequate pain relief or relaxation.
Lyrica is a medication used to treat nerve pain and seizures. It may interact with anesthesia, so it is important to discuss your medication with your surgeon and anesthesia provider. Your surgeon may also recommend that you stop taking Lyrica before the procedure.
The decision to choose the type of anesthesia for your procedure depends on several factors, including the complexity of the procedure, your medical history, and your personal preference. It is essential to have a detailed discussion with your surgeon and anesthesia provider to weigh the risks and benefits of each type of anesthesia and make an informed decision.
With the extent of your surgery, I will recommend twilight sedation/general anesthesia for best efficacy and safety for your surgery.
Sincerely,Dr. Mark Tseng

Hi, thanks for your question.
The decision to use local anesthesia, twilight sedation, or general anesthesia 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 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 anesthesia for Vaser liposuction in limited areas such as the neck, arms, and flanks. However, I commonly use general anesthesia 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 anesthesia, they can remove fat but cannot perform body contouring very well due to the level of discomfort during the procedure.
Vaser liposuction with twilight sedation or, better yet, general anesthesia, allows the surgeon to perform fat removal and also body contouring and middle to high definition Vaser, as the patient is completely asleep, and the consultant anesthetist looks after the patient's vital signs and respiratory support.
It is important to discuss the anesthesia options with your surgeon and anesthetist and ask any questions you may have to ensure you understand the risks and benefits of the different options. I hope this helps.

Best wishes,
Dr Giuseppe Fiore