I have hepatitis c and I want to have smart liposuction. I was told that lidocaine could cause liver failure. Please advise

Lidcocaine is metabolized by your liver. When smart lipo is performed under local anesthesia, a large dose of lidocaine is typically given. This is a huge metabolic task for a healthy liver. If you have hep C, your liver is not healthy and cannot handle this huge task without risking additional liver damage and lidocaine overdose. The risk of liver failure is real. The only option would be lipo under epidural or general anesthesia without lidocaine assuming that your hepatitis has been treated adequately.

Typically it would be recommended that you got medical clearance from the doctor following you with your Hepatitis. If you're cleared, the plastic surgeon would likely suggest for you to have general anesthesia where less lidocaine needed to be utilized. Thank you for your question!Melinda Lacerna, MD FACS