Are You Put To Sleep For Liposuction?

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by Dr. Steven Wallach

Liposuction is an outpatient surgery typically carried out in a doctor’s office. What does it do? Liposuction removes excess fat from targeted areas of the body, including the stomach, buttocks, thighs, back, and chin, among other areas. It all depends on the area you’re looking to address.

Because of its surgical nature, many people wonder if they must be put to sleep for liposuction.

Are Patients Put to Sleep for Liposuction?

The answer is it depends. Some patients prefer one type of anesthesia over the other. It can also depend on how intensive the procedure is. But you do not have to be put under general anesthesia for liposuction procedures. Doctors can perform liposuction under local anesthesia while patients are awake. Most of the time, patients are given a mild sedative to help them relax during liposuction treatments.

Either have the procedure under general or local anesthesia, you will need someone to drive you home afterward.

You will need time to recover after liposuction before returning to your routine. You can feel pretty sore for the first few days after the procedure.  Most people can return to work after two to three days, depending on the treatment areas. In fact, many can go back to physical activity like the gym within 1-2 weeks.   Most of the swelling from liposuction will take six to eight weeks to subside. 

Liposuction Treatment Areas

Liposuction can target many areas of the body, especially those that have not responded well to diet and exercise. Each patient will go through a consultation appointment to learn about the options and determine their treatment locations.

Some of the areas that can be treated with liposuction include:

• Love handles
• Arms
• Bra rolls
• Abdomen
• Thighs(Inner and Outer)
• Chest
• Chin and Neck

Dr. Wallach will discuss your problem areas and determine which will respond best to liposuction treatments.

Types of Liposuction Procedures

You have more than one option for liposuction treatments. At Steven Wallach, MD we offer a variety of liposuction options.

Traditional Liposuction

Traditional liposuction uses a cannula to loosen stubborn unwanted fat and then uses a vacuum to suction it out, leaving you with a more contoured appearance.

VASER Liposuction

VASER stands for vibration amplification of sound energy at resonance. The sound energy waves break down fat cells, making the fat easier to remove. This procedure can be done under local anesthesia

Power-Assisted Liposuction

This form of liposuction uses a traditional cannula, but it is power-assisted and moves on its own, making breaking up fat more effective. This procedure is commonly performed under local anesthesia.

Laser-Assisted Liposuction

Laser-assisted liposuction (also called SmartLipo) relies on a laser to heat up and emulsify the fat and make it easier to remove. It also tightens and tones the skin for a more sculpted appearance.

Schedule a Consultation

You do not need to worry about being put to sleep for liposuction. Although these procedures are surgical, they are less invasive than traditional cosmetic surgeries, so we only need to use a local anesthetic.If you have tried dieting and exercising and your fat is not responding in some areas, liposuction may be your answer. Call the office today or use our online contact form to schedule a consultation appointment to get started. Dr. Wallach will happily consult with you and discuss your liposuction options.