What Kind Of Anesthesia Do They Use For Liposuction?

Liposuction is a constantly growing field, with many advances in technique and technology

over the last few years--the old tumescent method is now joined by a number of newer ones, including custom accoustic, water-assisted, and laser liposuction (also know by the brand names SmartLipo, ProLipo, CoolLipo, LipoLite, and LipoTherme). Every year, it seems that more and more people turn to liposuction (also known as lipoplasty or suction lipectomy) in order to fine tune and improve teir appearance.

Lipoplasty is a surgical procedure in which small incisions are made around and over a certain target area. Small, hollow tubes called cannulas are inserted into these incisions by the surgeon. As the surgeon moves the cannulas back and forth through the layers of fat, the cannulas suction fat out of the body. Although modern liposuction techniques involve much less pain and trauma than the techniques used when liposuction was first invented, the procedure still requires some form of anesthesia to numb pain.

When suction lipectomy was first invented, it required the use of general anesthesia. However, the invention of the tumescent method in the 80's opened the way for lipoplasty solely under local anesthetic. In the tumescent method, large amounts of fluid are injected into the target area, causing the fat to tumesce, or become firm and swollen. This makes it easier to remove the fat. Included in the liquids injected are local anesthetics which numb the area.

The tumescent method typically doesn't require a separate anesthesiologist. The operating surgeon typically knows enough about anesthetic to numb the area properly without a specialist's assistance.

Since the development of the tumescent method, a number of other methods (such as laser lipectomy, custom acoustic liposuction, the water jet method and power assisted liposuction) have also been developed. Most of these techniques can also be performed under nothing more than local anesthetic.

When a lipoplasty is performed under local anesthesia, the patient is frequently given some sort of sedative or anti-anxiety medication as well. This helps the patient to remain calm during the surgery, which makes the surgery easier for him or her to go through. A calm patient also helps the operating surgeon to be able to do a better job during surgery.

However, sometimes doctors perform procedures under general anesthesia. Sometimes general anesthesia is required for specific procedures, such as one new technique for treating "muffin top" that is currently being lanced in Britain.

Other times, doctors perform procedures under general anesthesia at the instigation of the patient. Sometimes when a patient feels that they will be completely unable to remain calm and rational enough during surgery, a doctor will agree to use general anesthetic.

While most doctors agree that liposuction can be performed with an acceptable degree of safety under general anesthesia, it is safer to use local anesthetic if possible. Most deaths caused by liposuction have happened during the use of general anesthesia.

If you want to know more about the anesthesia used during lipoplasty, ask a surgeon in your area. Many surgeons offer free consultations to potential clients.

by: Christian Heftel

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