Local Anesthesia vs. General Anesthsia

Author Rod Davis, PA-C, Director of Surgery at Pacific Lipo

Liposculpture under local anesthesia is the safest way to have liposuction. However, there are some people who may find it more uncomfortable than most other patients. I once performed a procedure on a patient who shared with me (after starting her procedure) that she always has difficulty when going to her dentist and requires multiple injections of the anesthetic to complete her dental procedures. Such people are commonly referred to as “lidocaine resistant” and may have a more comfortable experience if they were under general anesthesia (sleeping). However, general anesthesia is less safe and much more expensive. There were a handful of times when we stopped for a few minutes to add extra anesthetic during this person’s procedure but this is expected. She was still able to complete her procedure and even drive herself home afterwards. She scheduled another procedure in our office immediately afterwards. :)

Many members of our staff, including myself, have had a liposculpture (lipo) procedure. Most patients anticipate that lipo will not be a completely pain-free event for every patient but neither is laser hair removal, waxing, Botox, dental procedures, etc. So like many other procedures, one should have some expectation of momentary discomfort but most patients are pleasantly surprised.

The numbing phase tends to be the only uncomfortable part but normally just last for 5-10 minutes. Anyone can view website videos of actual patients having the same procedure that this person had but they are clearly comfortable and experiencing no pain while having their problem areas reshaped. Please visit Pacific Lipo's YouTube Channel to see patients having a procedure.

As for the incisions, we do not use stitches which allows for a couple of days of drainage (lessens swelling and bruising). Therefore, the incisions are still a little stretched immediately following the procedure. They normally heal about the size of a freckle and sometimes fade significantly but that takes some time. The incisions do shrink, bruising does fade, and the discomfort usually passes after a 2-6 weeks. To view before and photos of what incisions and results may look like immediately after our procedures (1 week later, 1 month, and several months after) , please visit Pacific Lipo's Photo Gallery.

Consultations are free and pricing is all-inclusive.  Please call a Pacific Lipo Patient Coordinator at (858) 427-8899 for details or to scheduled a complimentary consultation.

A Few Reasons Why Liposculpture Results May Be Less Than Perfect

Author Rod Davis, PA-C, Director of Surgery, Pacific Lipo

There are many different reasons that someone may end up with less than perfect results from a lipo procedure.  He or she may have looser skin or pre-existing stretch marks which is a sign that the desired amount of post-liposuction skin tightening may not be possible.  Some people may have had prior surgeries with large amounts of scarring which could significantly limit the potential for smoothness after a lipo procedure.  Some patients may not have followed important aftercare instructions or follow-up regularly with office visits/phone calls as instructed.  Some patients do not continue to exercise or diet afterwards to ensure optimal results.  As with any procedure in any office, results may vary.

Before/After Abdominal Liposculpture by Rod Davis, PA-C

I invite anyone to view Pacific Lipo's Before and After Photos to get a better idea of how results do vary for patients with different body types, prior surgical scars, varying degrees of skin laxity, etc.  Although results may vary, one can still appreciate the significant improvement that may be achieved when the procedure is performed by an experienced liposuction specialist.  That being said, patients must keep in mind that not everyone will be completely thrilled with their results, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that the technique used by the liposuctionist was poor.  Sometimes our bodies don’t heal as nicely as we would all hope.  The goal of any lipo procedure is to help every patient look much better but unfortunately not every patient will feel better despite all reasonable efforts.

Before/After Chest Liposculpture by Rod Davis, PA-C

Contact Pacific Lipo for a free consultation with our specialist Rod Davis, PA, Director of Surgery.  Lock in our Spring rates while they last. 858.427.8899 or visit www.pacificlipo.com to view before and after photos of actual patients.

There is only one Pacific Lipo and we are located in San Diego, CA. So don’t be fooled by our competitors! Call today to speak with one of our Patient Coordinators (858) 427-8899.

To ask Physician Assistant Rod Davis a liposuction question – email rod@pacificlipo.com. Rod Davis is the Director of Surgery at Pacific Liposculpture in La Jolla, California. To view before/after photos of Rod’s work, visit the photo gallery @ www.pacificlipo.com.