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.

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.

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.