Are antibiotics required for Vaser liposuction?

Question

Wondering if it's possible (and safe) to have Vaser liposuction without having to take antibiotics? I've had awful reactions to antibiotics in the past, so that would be a deal-killer for me.

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Antibiotics are given IV before the procedure even starts. Your reaction to antibiotics needs to be discussed in detail at your consultation. The surgeon needs to know what kind of reactions you had to which class of antibiotics. Sometimes, women get a yeast infection from antibiotics and that is easily treatable. VASER liposuction or any liposuction technique is based on introducing a cannula through small skin opening (0.5-1.0cm) and there's wide undermining under the skin flap. If you get an infection, that would be a true "deal-killer" for you. You can get necrotizing fasciitis, gangrene and death potentially. The risk:benefits of using antibiotics is extremely low in major liposuction and fat transfer procedures.I specialize in VASER Hi Def Lipo (VHD) body sculpting and fat grafting to create youthful, athletic bodies. This is major surgery with very rewarding results, but I would not do it without preop and a short postop course of antibiotics. It is easier to prevent an infection than to treat one after it caused major tissue loss.See a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in advanced body sculpting techniques for an in person consultation/evaluation. God luck.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello squeetsIf your surgeon prescribes them for you, always visit or contact your  surgeon about  this concern.

W. John Bullis, MD · Answer

A short course of antibiotics is considered "standard of care" for any liposuction procedure, with the exception of very small-volume liposuction, such as for use in fat-grafting to the face or for acquisition of adipose-derived stem cells.  Antibiotics are given in order to lower the risk of infection.  Most liposuction surgeons use a short course of oral antibiotics beginning the night prior to the procedure, but ideally a single dose of IV antibiotics should be given just before the procedure.  Even with using antibiotics and adhering to sterile technique, infection can still happen, although is exceedingly rare.  This shouldn't have to be a deal-breaker and there should be some antibiotic that you could tolerate.  Discuss your specific concerns with your surgeon.  I also recommend taking a powerful probiotic during and after taking any antibiotic, as these antibiotics tend to kill the beneficial bacteria we have in our GI tracts.

Philip Conrardy, MD · Answer

Prophylactic anabiotics for liposuction is important. There are many different families of antibiotics. If you are allergic to one specific family, there are several alternatives.

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

Vaser liposuction does not require antibiotics but if you are expecting a large volume of fat transfer it is routine to wash the fat cells with antibiotics.

Kristine Brecht, MD (license suspended) · Answer

Yes, liposuction is a surgical procedure and antibiotics before and after are protective from infection, which can happen in even with the best sterile techniques. Standard of care, best practices.Talk with your surgeon about the reactions you had so meds can be used to prevent adverse effects.Choose an expert. Best. Dr BrechtSeattle, Wa

Are antibiotics required for Vaser liposuction?

Answers (6)

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