Do I have to be put to sleep for large volumes of liposuction? (Photo)

Question

I recently had a baby and am unable to lose fat on my abdomen and want a flat stomach again. I live in NY and I think the maximum amount of fat that can be removed while awake, won't give me the results I am trying to achieve.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

The maximum amount of liposuction is the same for being put to sleep or not.  If more is needed procedures can be done a day a part, and this is done in my practice while awake giving very good results.  I suggest seeing someone who specializes in hi definition procedures.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Andrew Jimerson, MD · Answer

That is a great question.  There are many doctors and many centers who perform liposuction under conscious sedation meaning you are sleepy, but still awake. There are some benefits to conscious sedation as opposed to general anesthesia (completely unconscious).  Procedures performed under conscious sedation typically cost less because they do not require the presence of an anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist, recovery time in the office is generally quicker (you wake up faster) and there is less anesthesia-associated risk.  Unfortunately, I personally find it difficult to perform large volume liposuction without general anesthesia.  Liposuction is uncomfortable and without putting my patients completely asleep I have found they are too uncomfortable to tolerate having a large volume of fat removed.  In my Atlanta area surgery center, I generally reserve conscious sedation procedures for people who only need a small treatment area or those who cannot have general anesthesia.Additionally, I suspect based on your photos that liposuction alone will not give you the flat stomach you are looking to achieve. The presence of stretchmarks on your abdomen and flanks indicates that your skin has been stretched to the point of damage.  It is unlikely that it will snap back after the fat is removed.  If you are done having children, you may wish to consider a tummy tuck to remove excess skin and repair abdominal muscles that have been damaged due to pregnancy.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

Liposuction of any magnitude that covers numerous body areas is always best done under a general anesthetic. While liposuction can be done under local anesthesia in the right patient for smaller amounts of fat removal, truly large volume liposuction is best done under a general anesthetic.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I perform a lot of liposuction and I do it both under general and under local. It really depends upon the patient and their overall tolerance. Best of luck.

Scott E. Kasden, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi nikki2224I am not sure if large volume lipo would be the right thing for you.  I don't know how long ago you gave birth, and what your weights pre and post partum are nor do I know your height to calculate your BMI.In general, it is possible to do lipo without general anesthesia.In your case, you may very well need lipo.  I am concerned about the ability of your skin to shrink down after lipo.  I am also concerned that your abdominal wall was stretched from pregnancy, and this will not be helped by lipo.I suggest that rather than picking a procedure that you would like to achieve your result, you get evaluated and with the guidance of your p.s., choose the correct procedure to correct the problems to achieve your results safely, and least invasively.sek

Do I have to be put to sleep for large volumes of liposuction? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Liposuction

Answer: Liposuction

Answer: Large volume lipo and correct procedue

Answer: Large volume lipo and correct procedue

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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

Do I have to be put to sleep for large volumes of liposuction? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Liposuction

Answer: Liposuction

Answer: Large volume lipo and correct procedue

Answer: Large volume lipo and correct procedue

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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