Lipo Treatment

Ideal candidates for liposuction with local anesthesia are generally anyone in overall good health who is at or near their ideal weight but is still struggling with unwanted pockets of fat that diet and exercise have been resistant to.  

For larger patients, whose BMI are over 30, liposuction under local anesthesia can be carried out.  Up to 5 liters of fat and liquid can be removed in a single setting. This can take off up to 10-12 lbs total in one setting for some individuals. While this might not achieve their final goal weight and look,  this can help them jumpstart into a healthier lifestyle following a better diet and exercise regimen after the procedure.

Because you are not being put under general anesthesia, you don’t have to fast before the procedure, but that doesn’t mean there is no preparation needed. You’ll need to stop smoking if you’re a smoker, avoid alcohol, and stop taking any blood thinners one to two weeks prior to surgery.

You’ll also want to make sure you prepare your space. You’ll want to have a comfortable area to rest and recover in. You’ll also want to pick up any prescriptions you’ll need. Make sure to also stock up on plenty of healthy food and snacks, as you won’t want to head to the grocery store during the first few days of your recovery.

You’ll also need a friend or family member to drive you home after the procedure.

At your consultation, we’ll give you instructions on everything you’ll need to know to prepare for the liposuction procedure.

The liposuction procedure will begin with the administration of some oral medications and then after a short while, a small amount of local anesthesia will be injected into the proposed access incisions. Once the local anesthetic has taken effect, several small access incisions will be made in the targeted areas. Then we’ll inject tumescent fluid, which includes lidocaine and epinephrine. This will reduce any excess bleeding and bruising and will numb the treatment areas. 

A cannula (thin tube) will be inserted into the targeted area and will be manually moved back and forth to loosen and break up the fat cells. The fat will then be suctioned out. The incisions will often be left open to drain the remaining liquid when the procedure is complete. Absorbent dressings will be placed over the incision sites and a compression garment will be applied.

In total, the procedure can take between 1-3 hours, depending on the number of areas treated and the amount of fat removed.