Lidocaine in tumescent lipo - curious about the safety

Thank you for your question regarding the safety of lidocaine in tumescent liposuction.

Lidocaine is indeed a crucial component of the tumescent solution used in liposuction procedures. The tumescent technique involves injecting a solution of saline, lidocaine, and epinephrine into the fatty tissue before liposuction. This solution helps to numb the area, reduce bleeding, and facilitate fat removal.

Lidocaine, when used appropriately, is generally safe. However, like any medication, it must be administered within safe limits to avoid potential toxicity. Here are some key points to consider:

Dosage and Administration: The maximum recommended dosage of lidocaine varies depending on factors such as the patient’s weight, overall health, and the specific areas being treated. Your board-certified surgeon will calculate the appropriate amount based on these factors.

Safety Protocols: Experienced surgeons follow strict protocols to ensure that the lidocaine levels remain within safe limits. This includes monitoring the total amount injected and considering the cumulative effect of the solution.

Monitoring: During the procedure, your surgeon and the medical team will closely monitor your vital signs and overall response to the anesthesia. This helps to quickly identify and address any adverse reactions.

Experience Matters: The fact that your surgeon has 25+ years of experience and specializes in mommy makeovers is reassuring. Experienced surgeons are well-versed in the safe administration of tumescent liposuction and managing any potential risks associated with lidocaine.

While there are risks associated with any surgical procedure, the tumescent technique is widely regarded as safe when performed by a qualified and experienced surgeon. The key risks associated with lidocaine toxicity include symptoms such as dizziness, tinnitus, and, in severe cases, cardiac issues. However, these are rare when the procedure is done correctly.

If you have specific concerns, I recommend discussing them directly with your plastic surgeon. They can provide detailed information on the measures they take to ensure your safety and address any additional questions you may have.

Good luck. I hope I’ve answered your question regarding the safety of lidocaine in tumescent liposuction.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS
Plastic Surgeon

There is a calculation that can be done to determine the safe amount of lidocaine to use in the fluid used in liposuction, which is based on your weight. This should easily be calculated by your surgeon and or anesthesiologist so that you receive the correct, or slightly less, amount that would be safe for you. Lidocaine is helpful in the postoperative recovery as it helps with the discomfort after the surgery.

This is an area that has been studied extensively by checking blood levels of lidocaine after liposuction. As long as standard protocols are followed tumescent liposuction has been shown to be quite safe

Tumescent liposuction is very safe. It allows for larger fluid volumes with very dilute lidocaine.

In my experience, we place less lidocaine in larger volume cases ans we add more and keep the total amount suctioned to a safe level- generally less than 5000cc.

(Problems can arise if the proper formula/ ratios are not followed and patients are not monitored closely during and after liposuction).

Further discussion with your plastic surgeon is recommended.

Lidocaine is an integral part of the tumescent solution. While there are risks to any surgery, there are protocols that are put in place with the amount of lidocaine used for a particular patient. The patient's weight determines the appropriate dose to be used. I encourage you to speak with your surgeon about your concerns. It is important that you feel comfortable and confident as you prepare for surgery.

The safe amount of lidocaine to use is calculated based on your weight. Most surgeons, especially using general anesthesia, use an amount much less. After surgery, you will be grateful to have some lidocaine still working.

Lidocaine is not a regulated drug and does not require a prescription to purchase.
Lidocaine like many substances can be dangerous in certain amounts.
Most plastic surgeons understand safety limits with the use of local anesthetic drugs.
There are always risks with all surgical procedures.
Lidocaine toxicity is probably not high on the list of things patients should be concerned about before getting Liposuction.
it is true that people have died from lidocaine toxicity, but the chance of that happening is exceedingly small.
What patients should be concerned about in my opinion is first and foremost, understanding their own candidacy for Liposuction so they have a good understanding of what kind of results are possible.
The second variable is vetting their providers for Liposuction, skill and experience.
Delivering consistent quality, Liposuction results is more difficult than most people realize.
The number of plastic surgeon who truly mastered Liposuction is in a small minority.
Not everybody seeking Liposuction is a good candidate for this procedure.
a patient who is an excellent candidate for Liposuction has the potential of having excellent results if they select their provider correctly.
A patient who is an excellent candidate can also be left disfigured if their provider selection is not done well.
A patient who is not a good candidate for Liposuction doesn’t have the potential for getting a quality outcome regardless of who does the procedure.
To find the best provider, I suggest patients schedule multiple in person, consultations with plastic surgeons in their community, who seem to have extensive experience with Liposuction.
During each consultation, ask each provider to open up their portfolio and show you their entire collection of before and after pictures of previous patients, who had similar body characteristics to your own.
Understanding your own candidacy, and provider selection are the most important variables.
The chance of having lidocaine toxicity is unlikely.
Best,
Mats Hagström, MD