IV sedation or general anesthesia for liposuction 360 including arms?

Question

Don’t really want to go under general so I guess my question is can a Lipo 360 be done under local anesthesia? Had general once before and a few months later developed a viral pericarditis. Dr said It could have happened because of the general anesthesia but they were not sure.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

PSs vary in their opinions regarding whether one type of anesthesia is better than another for liposuction.   I do not use local exclusively unless a small area of liposuction is planned.  If the procedure is performed with oral or IV sedation, there can be pain and awareness of the procedure.  I prefer general anesthesia so that patient absolutely has no awareness and feels no pain.  With the amount I liposuction and the results I try to achieve, I do not want to have anything prevent me from getting the best result.Inform you PS of your viral pericarditis so that he and your cardiologist can take steps to reduce your chance of having another acute episode.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Steven Varkony, MD · Answer

Most plastic surgeons prefer general anesthesia, especially
for larger surfaces. However, this can vary from surgeon to surgeon depending
on the area. It is best to consult with your plastic surgeon to discuss
alternative options for surgery.

Carmen Kavali, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.Local anesthesia is an option for liposuction in small areas, due to the limitation on the amount of numbing medication you can receive.  If you wanted to do liposuction of your back, abdomen, and arms, you would likely need to stage the procedures into 2 or 3 sessions to avoid lidocaine toxicity.  This will extend your recovery time, as you can't recover all at once, but it would be your safest option if you really want to avoid general anesthesia.Best of luck,Dr. Kavali

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

Depending on the needs, medical condition of the patient, and the scope of the procedure, the patient, surgeon, and anesthesiologist can work together to identify the best possible type of anesthesia. As a patient, you would want to choose a center that is credentialed for all levels of anesthesia and that an MD Anesthesiologist will be providing the anesthesia.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I have performed liposuction under local, sedation, and general. It all depends upon the individual...

IV sedation or general anesthesia for liposuction 360 including arms?

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Answer: IV sedation or general anesthesia for liposuction

Answer: IV sedation or general anesthesia for liposuction

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Answer: Liposuction and anesthesia

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IV sedation or general anesthesia for liposuction 360 including arms?

Answers (7)

Answer: IV sedation or general anesthesia for liposuction

Answer: IV sedation or general anesthesia for liposuction

Answer: Liposuction and anesthesia

Answer: Liposuction and anesthesia

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lipo 360

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.