However, if a large volume of fat will be removed, or if the liposuction is being performed in conjunction with other procedures, a stay in a hospital or overnight nursing facility may be required. Various types of anesthesia can be used for liposuction procedures. Together, you and your surgeon will select the type of anesthesia that provides the most safe and effective level of comfort for your surgery. If only a small amount of fat and a limited number of body sites are involved, liposuction can be performed under local anesthesia, which numbs only the affected areas. However, if you prefer, the local is usually used along with intravenous sedation to keep you more relaxed during the procedure.
Regional anesthesia can be a good choice for more extensive procedures.
One type of regional anesthesia is the epidural block, the same type of anesthesia commonly used in childbirth. However, some patients prefer general anesthesia, particularly if a large volume of fat is being removed. If this is the case, a nurse anesthetist or anesthesiologist will be called in to make sure you are completely asleep during the procedure. Healthy, normal-weight people with elastic skin and pockets of excess fat are good candidates for surgery. The surgeon inserts a cannula through small incisions in the skin.