Liposuction procedures are among the most popular cosmetic procedures that patients undergo each year as they look to improve the contours of their body, finally relieve themselves of the extra fat that won't seem to budge despite hard work with proper diet and exercise and seek to boost their self-esteem.
Liposuction methods are varied and there are many techniques available and each doctor's choice of method will depend on a number of factors.
One of the factors that most affects the patient during the process itself is which type of anesthesia will be used to numb the patient during the liposuction. The two main options for liposuction anesthesia include the use of a local, or tumescent, anesthesia, and a general anesthesia. There are some significant differences between the two options and how they come into play during a successful liposuction procedure.
General Anesthesia
Many doctors would suggest that patients seeking an aggressive liposuction, meaning they are seeking fat removal in somewhat large portions from more than one area of the body, are best suited to general anesthesia. When general anesthesia is used, patients tend to be more comfortable and less likely to move around during the procedure which can allow the doctor to focus on the task at hand. Some patients feel a little queasy when they're able to tell, to some degree, what is happening during the liposuction as they may feel some movement and sensations with local anesthesia.
There are some risks of general anesthesia that aren't as much of an issue with local anesthesia. General anesthesia carries a much higher risk of mortality. The anesthesia itself is not so much the problem as it is the ability for the doctor to undertake a much more aggressive approach, and in some cases, a far too aggressive approach where multiple unrelated procedures might be performed on the same day. It's so important to choose a doctor who is trustworthy and cautious and performs procedures with care and consideration.
Local Anesthesia
With local anesthesia, targeted liposuction removal is much easier and the patient needn't go completely under to have the procedure done. This makes it much easier for the patient to recover and return to their normal activities. Many doctors might suggest that when undergoing liposuction, the removal of as much fat as possible shouldn't be the goal anyway and that it's just as much about how much fat is left behind, and where, that will provide desired results.
A main risk with local anesthesia is the possibility of the patient experiencing some discomfort during the liposuction due to an inadequate local anesthesia amount.
The bottom line concerning anesthesia is trusting your doctor and what he or she recommends as the best course of action for your liposuction as an individual patient with individual needs.