Liposuction is the gold standard when it comes to body contouring. Most of us carry excess fat in certain areas of our body such as the abdomen or outer thighs. Sometimes, this fat can be reduced by adopting a more healthful diet and regular exercise routine. But what if your weight is stable, your muscles are toned and you still have unwanted lumps and bumps? This is known as “fit fat”.
Liposuction is a surgical procedure to remove these stubborn pockets of fat for good. And while there are some very effective non-surgical body contouring procedures on the market these days, none are as powerful or precise as liposuction.
But liposuction is surgery. And, for many patients, one of the downsides of surgery is that it often needs to be performed under general anesthesia. This can result in a longer recovery time, nausea and sometimes, a sore, bruised throat. Thankfully, however, board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sean Doherty offers his patients the option of liposuction under local anesthesia where appropriate.
Candidate for Liposuction Under Local Anesthesia
Determining whether or not you are a candidate for liposuction under local anesthesia will require an in person exam. During your initial consultation, Dr. Doherty will listen to what bothers you about your body contour. He will perform a complete physical exam and together, you will come up with the best treatment plan for your anatomy, needs and goals.
Liposuction under local anesthesia really depends on the amount of fat that needs to be removed. If you have a lot of fat in multiple areas of your body then the procedure will take longer. And, in order to make this safe, you will need to be under general anesthesia. However, if your fat is more localized or you just have a few small pockets of excess fat then it is typically perfectly safe and acceptable to perform your liposuction procedure under local anesthesia.
Liposuction Under Local Anesthesia Before & After Photos
*Each patient is unique and individual results may vary
General Anesthesia vs. Local Anesthesia
General anesthesia involves a mask being placed over your face and inhaling a drug that puts you into a deep sleep. With local anesthesia, there is no deep sleep. Dr. Doherty will prescribe a pain pill as well as something to help you relax. You will take these in the office, an hour before your procedure. Then, once you get to the operating room, he will inject a numbing medicine directly into the treatment area. Referred to as tumescent fluid, this numbing medicine is comprised of lidocaine and epinephrine. The first numbs the area so that you feel minimal discomfort while the second helps to decrease both bruising and swelling.
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Liposuction Under Local Anesthesia Before & After Photos
*Each patient is unique and individual results may vary
Benefits of Liposuction Under Local Anesthesia
There are quite a few benefits to having your liposuction procedure performed under local anesthesia such as:
- risk of complications is greater with the use of general anesthesia
- shorter recovery time
- less chance of post op nausea
- often less expensive
- can be done in the office or surgery center, no hospital
More and more of Dr. Doherty’s Boston area patients are electing to have their liposuction procedures done under local anesthesia. They appreciate the fact that since they stay awake, they are more aware of their surroundings which allows them to more quickly return to their normal activities.
Liposuction Procedure Under Local Anesthesia
Dr. Doherty offers his patients a wide variety of different liposuction techniques such as tumescent liposuction, laser liposuction and syringe liposuction. The right one for you is going to depend on your anatomy, goals and needs. He performs all of his liposuction under local anesthesia procedures in an accredited surgical center.
After taking a prescription pain med and something to help you relax an hour before surgery, Dr. Doherty will inject the treatment area with a numbing medicine. Then, he makes a series of tiny incisions in the targeted area. He will then insert a hollow tube called a cannula. Your unwanted fat cells are sucked through the cannula by means of an attached pump. The end result is a smoother, slimmer you.
To find out more about liposuction under local anesthesia with Dr. Sean Doherty at his Boston or Chestnut Hill office, contact us today or call (617) 450.0070 to schedule a consultation.
Liposuction Under Local Anesthesia Before & After Photos
*Each patient is unique and individual results may vary
