Do I need to go under general anaesthesia for fat transfer to lips?

Question

I was wondering if I would need to go under general anaesthetic to get fat transfer from my stomach to my lips or can this be achieved within a short surgery using local anaesthetic? also is it a short recovery?

Trevor M. Born, MD · Answer

Dear newmesurgeryThank you for your question!Contouring of your lips can be done with local anesthesia, some IV sedation or general anesthesia.  If you are having micro fat grafting- and depending on the number of areas, you may choose to have a little medication to make the procedure comfortable.With Warm RegardsTrevor M Born MD

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

Good question.  No, you do not need to go under general anesthesia for fat transfer to your lips. In general, this procedure can be done under local anesthesia or twilight anesthesia (IV sedation).  It really depends on how much fat you are having transferred, your comfort level and any other procedures you are having at the same time.  It is best to schedule a consultation to discuss your options.Good Luck.

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

We usually do this with just local anesthesia.  The only discomfort is the injection of local anesthesia into the lip area which is quick.  The actual lipo is usually not painful at all. Lips can get very swollen for a few days, so expect to look overcorrected.

Michael M. Omidi, MD, FACS · Answer

Generally the procedure is performed with local anesthesia.  Some oral sedation (pills such as vicodin, ativan or xanax) can be helpful particularly for the harvesting of the fat.   Best of luck. Dr. Michael OmidiAn in-person exam with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the best way to assess your needs and provide true medical advice.

Barry M. Weintraub, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry. Lip augmentation can be detailed and complex. The lip anatomy is in the center of the face and particularly sensitive. There is a cupids bow with two philtral columns as well as a philtrall dimple. The upper lip should be two thirds the size of the lower lip. Lip augmentation using Juvéderm or Restylane is commonly performed using topical numbing cream with most successful results. If you choose to have more permanent lip augmentation employing fat transfer from the abdomen, it is my best advice to undergo twilight sedation so that you do not feel the fat extraction from the abdomen nor do you feel the placement of the extracted fat in the lips through a blunt cannula. Fat augmentation of the lips can be most satisfying and has a longer-lasting effect. The key to beautiful lip augmentation is a less is more approach towards natural beauty. Thank you so very much for the opportunity to answer your question. Sincerely.

Andrew Kornstein, MD, FACS · Answer

I prefer general anesthesia for a number of reasons,the most important of which is the ability to contour adjacent areas that can make the lip region look and age more naturally.Hope this helps

Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACS · Answer

This is easy done in the office with local anaesthesia using lidocaine. Patients tolerate this better than a dental appointment.Good LuckStephen M. Davis, MD, FACSGreen Hills Plastic Surgery

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Fat transfer to the lips can be done under local in the right patient.  Many times local anesthetic blocks can be performed to anesthetize the lips and allow for the fat transfer

Anh Lee, MD, FACS · Answer

No you do not have to undergo a general anesthesia and often times it is usually done in the office as a small amount is needed.  Unless you want the added benefit of undergoing liposuction in general.  The recovery is short if just a small amount of fat is harvested and you may experience bruising and swelling in the lips and the area that is liposuctioned.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

During my residency training, we did all liposuction procedures with patients asleep. During the last five years, I have done 95% of my liposuction procedures with patients awake. In my opinion, there are many benefits to keeping people awake for the procedure.Fat grafting to the lips is a very small, limited area. It should not be difficult to perform this with minimal discomfort in an office setting.I typically start by using a powerful topical anesthetic. After that, I inject a very small amount of numbing medicine into the lips.The injection has two drugs. One is called epinephrine. Epinephrine causes blood vessels to tightly constrict, temporarily shutting down the blood supply to the lips. This decreases the chance of bruising drastically. I typically mix the medications myself to come up with the ideal ratio.The area where the fat is harvested is small and can easily be anesthetized with local anesthesia.For some patients, the anxiety of having procedures warrants some level of sedation. A small amount of sedation can certainly make the procedure a little smoother for everyone.Best of luck,Mats Hagstrom, M.D.

Do I need to go under general anaesthesia for fat transfer to lips?

Answers (10)

More Facial Fat Transfer Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (10)

More Facial Fat Transfer Questions

Bony upper chest? (photo)

How to prevent fat absorption after fat transfer to lips?

Can fat transfer be reversed?

My facial fat transfer failed. Can additional fat transfer be done under light sedation?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS