What Type of Anesthesia is Used for Non-Surgical Fat Reduction Treatments?

Learn about different types of anesthesia used in non-surgical fat reduction treatments such as general anesthesia, local anesthesia and intravenous sedation.

What Type of Anesthesia is Used for Non-Surgical Fat Reduction Treatments?

The procedure of non-surgical fat reduction was initially done with a regional nerve block or general anesthesia; however, now a tumescent technique is used for local anesthesia. There are various types of liposuction, each of which utilizes the application of energy to remove fat. Under general anesthesia, you will be completely unconscious and asleep. This is preferable for longer or more complex procedures, such as a face-lift or a combined procedure.

Throughout the procedure, an anesthesiologist will be present and the airway will be monitored. General anesthesia keeps you comfortable throughout the surgery and side effects, such as nausea, are proactively controlled with intravenous medications during surgery, as well as with topical and oral medications, as needed. The experience for the patient is more or less the same with intravenous sedation as with general anesthesia, although patients may become excited during the procedure. The main difference is that all medications are administered intravenously. The surgeon and anesthesiologist will determine if intravenous sedation or general anesthesia is preferable for surgery. This procedure can be done with local anesthesia, which is injected into the treatment area below the chin.

This light causes the selected fat cells to create small openings and release some of their contents, helping to reduce their size. Instead of eliminating or destroying fat cells, photon lipolysis, or “red light therapy”, causes light to pass through the skin at specific wavelengths using a specialized lamp. Injectable fat-reducing treatments, such as Kybella, require advanced knowledge of anatomy and should only be performed by a qualified cosmetic surgeon or a provider with equivalent training and experience. Nearly all plastic surgeons only perform breast remodeling surgical procedures with the patient under general anesthesia. Ultrasonic fat reduction uses highly focused sound waves to break down the walls of the fat cells in the area to be treated, thus releasing fat from the inside to be metabolized by the body and reducing the size of the fat deposit. Thanks to new technologies, it is now possible to reduce accumulated fat pockets and improve body contour without the need for surgery, scarring or downtime. Safety and efficacy of bilateral submental cryolipolysis with quantified three-dimensional images of fat reduction and skin tightening.

As you may well know, plastic surgeons currently also offer a number of completely non-surgical beauty treatments. Ultrasound energy is transmitted through the skin, causing rapid pressure changes that cause fat cells to break down without damaging surrounding tissues. During the period of swelling, the area may look fuller than before treatment, but as the fat cells are destroyed and the inflammation subsides, most patients see results 6 to 8 weeks after treatment. While there are some surgeons who can perform individual surgeries, such as breast augmentation or liposuction, using only intravenous sedation with local anesthesia, a makeover for moms is a more complex surgery involving several areas of the body and, as a result, it is safer and wiser to keep the patient under general anesthesia. A specific laser wavelength is introduced through the skin, heating the fatty tissues to the point where the fat cells begin to break down. In surgical liposuction, the surgeon inserts instruments into a layer of fat and uses a tube to separate the fat cells and remove them by suction.

While it's beneficial to understand the basics of different types of anesthesia, a medical professional is uniquely qualified to determine the safest and most appropriate option for you. A certified anaesthetist administers medication intravenously or through an inhaled mask and once you are unconscious will constantly monitor your vital signs including heart rate, blood pressure and breathing throughout the surgical procedure. Deoxycholic acid is a natural substance in the body that helps break down fat for digestion. While it's beneficial to understand different types of anesthesia available for non-surgical fat reduction treatments, it's important to consult with a medical professional who can determine which option is best suited for you.

Rachel Greenweig
Rachel Greenweig

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