I will be having Liposuction Performed on my Abdomen and Love handles i was told I will be getting a IV sedation is this safe? I had General Anesthesia for Breast Reduction but im kinda nervous are the meds the same?
May 8, 2021
Answer: IV sedation is very safe and effective for liposuction procedures
Dear Missy, I understand your concerns with regards to your upcoming surgery. Liposuction can be done under a general anaesthetic, IV sedation (a neurolept anaesthetic) or just local anaesthesia, depending on the size of the area that is being treated. At the time of your procedure, local anaesthesia and tumescent formula will be used. Tumescent formula is a mixture of an IV fluid (ringers lactate), local freezing (xylocaine) and a medicine that decreases swelling and bruising (epinephrine). This medicine is placed in the fat that is going to be liposuctioned and makes the procedure completely comfortable. The neurolept is used at the beginning of the case to allow this medicine to be infiltrated without discomfort and occasionally during the procedure if you feel anxious or have any discomfort. You will be given suplimental oxygen and all the same monitors and safety equipment will be employed during IV sedation that were used during your general anaesthetic. Many patients find that the IV sedation is a very enjoyable experience and the recovery is even less than one experiences with the GA. Start looking forward to your new shape. Dr. Scott Barr
Helpful 3 people found this helpful
May 8, 2021
Answer: IV sedation is very safe and effective for liposuction procedures
Dear Missy, I understand your concerns with regards to your upcoming surgery. Liposuction can be done under a general anaesthetic, IV sedation (a neurolept anaesthetic) or just local anaesthesia, depending on the size of the area that is being treated. At the time of your procedure, local anaesthesia and tumescent formula will be used. Tumescent formula is a mixture of an IV fluid (ringers lactate), local freezing (xylocaine) and a medicine that decreases swelling and bruising (epinephrine). This medicine is placed in the fat that is going to be liposuctioned and makes the procedure completely comfortable. The neurolept is used at the beginning of the case to allow this medicine to be infiltrated without discomfort and occasionally during the procedure if you feel anxious or have any discomfort. You will be given suplimental oxygen and all the same monitors and safety equipment will be employed during IV sedation that were used during your general anaesthetic. Many patients find that the IV sedation is a very enjoyable experience and the recovery is even less than one experiences with the GA. Start looking forward to your new shape. Dr. Scott Barr
Helpful 3 people found this helpful
May 4, 2012
Answer: A little IV sedation for liposuction is far safer than general anesthesia.
As you read everywhere now, the trend is that liposuctions by the expert liposuction surgeons are being done under tumescent local anesthesia by itself or with a little IV sedation which works just fine and makes for a pleasant experience with a huge safety factor and faster recovery and usually better results. Many docs who still do the old fashioned lipo under gen anesthesia with big brutal canulas don't tend to know how to inject tumescent local anesthesia in a painless fashion so they tell their patients it is a painful procedure that way when just the opposite is true. Also under gen anesthesia, you can't stand the patients up or have them sit up or turn in all the positions to see and work on the lipo areas easily and meticulously to get the best results. Don't be worried. You should have a great experience. Sincerely,
David Hansen,MD
Helpful
May 4, 2012
Answer: A little IV sedation for liposuction is far safer than general anesthesia.
As you read everywhere now, the trend is that liposuctions by the expert liposuction surgeons are being done under tumescent local anesthesia by itself or with a little IV sedation which works just fine and makes for a pleasant experience with a huge safety factor and faster recovery and usually better results. Many docs who still do the old fashioned lipo under gen anesthesia with big brutal canulas don't tend to know how to inject tumescent local anesthesia in a painless fashion so they tell their patients it is a painful procedure that way when just the opposite is true. Also under gen anesthesia, you can't stand the patients up or have them sit up or turn in all the positions to see and work on the lipo areas easily and meticulously to get the best results. Don't be worried. You should have a great experience. Sincerely,
David Hansen,MD
Helpful