Dear Ferrarifeast,the choice of anesthesia will depend on type of surgery, body area, length of procedure, etc. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon and anesthesiologist. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Liposuction of small areas or limited liposuction (which includes touch-ups) can be performed under local anesthesia in an office setting. Because so much local anesthesia is required to provide satisfactory anesthesia for liposuction of the calves and knees, it may be safer and more comfortable for you to perform the procedure with light general anesthesia or sedation. It can still be performed as an outpatient but you should not plan on driving yourself home after the procedure.