Liposuction is a very safe procedure so long as one has ensured that the procedure and patient have been properly selected.Liposuction of small areas can be safely done with local anesthesia. IF one is considering large or multiple areas to be liposuctioned it will be safer and easier for the patient to consider a general anesthetic. Your plastic surgeon can asses and suggest what is right for you.
It takes a very specific patient to be able to tolerate liposuction under local anesthesia. This procedure can be lengthy, because the surgeon needs to inject the tumescent solution very slowly. Tou need a very patient patient. Deaths have occurred when overdoses of lidocaine were administered or too much fat was removed without regard to changes in fluids and electrolytes in the body. Most if not all board cerrtified plastic surgeons should be aware of these risks and know how to prevent these complications.