Most liposuction procedures, especially Lipo 360, are done under general anesthesia. This allows your surgeon to target fat more aggressively, treat multiple areas thoroughly, and keep you comfortable and safe during a procedure that can last several hours.
Larger cosmetic surgery procedures like Liposuction, usually should not be done fully awake. They involve:
- More fat removal
- More areas being treated at once
- Longer time in the operating room
For this level of sculpting, staying comfortable and still the entire time is crucial. That’s why Dr. Anh-Tuan Truong and Dr. Kevin Lin typically recommend general anesthesia for liposuction procedures at our downtown Chicago clinic.
What type of anesthesia is used for liposuction?
For most plastic surgery procedures at Chicago Breast & Body, patients have general anesthesia. This means:
- You’re completely asleep and unaware during the procedure
- You don’t feel pain while surgery is happening
- Anesthesia is given through an IV, inhaled gas, or a combination of both
- Your breathing and vital signs are closely monitored by an anesthesia professional
General anesthesia is often the safest and most predictable option for:
- Lipo 360
- Chest sculpting (gynecomastia correction)
- Breast augmentation
- Tummy tucks
- Breast lift (mastopexy) or Internal Bra Lift
- Breast Reduction
Local anesthesia with sedation may be an option at some clinics. This is sometimes called conscious sedation. With sedation:
- You feel relaxed, drowsy, and may “doze”
- You might hear voices or respond to simple questions
- You usually don’t remember much of the procedure
- You continue to breathe on your own
Sedation alone is not ideal for liposuction, because if the procedure becomes more intense or longer than expected, you may still feel pain or discomfort. For comprehensive 360° contouring, Dr. Truong and Dr. Lin prefer general anesthesia to keep you fully comfortable while they focus on shaping your figure.
Is anesthesia safe?
It’s normal to feel nervous about anesthesia. Common worries we hear are:
- “What if I don’t wake up?”
- “Will I lose control?”
- “What if I say something weird?”
Modern anesthesia is safer than it has ever been, especially in healthy patients having planned procedures with board-certified surgeons and trained anesthesia professionals. Large studies suggest the risk of dying from anesthesia alone is about 1 in 100,000-200,000, and even lower for healthy patients.
During your liposuction procedure, your anesthesia provider is with you the entire time, adjusting medications and monitoring you from before you fall asleep until after you wake up.
What side effects can I expect after anesthesia?
Most anesthesia side effects are mild and temporary. Here are some common ones and what can help:
- Sore throat (from oxygen or an airway device): Try warm saltwater gargles, lozenges, or tea. This usually improves within 24 hours.
- Nausea: Dr. Truong and Dr. Truong will prescribe you anti-nausea medication as part of your medications
- Dizziness: Often related to dehydration. Sip electrolyte drinks like Gatorade or a protein shake.
- Fatigue: Your body needs rest. Taking it easy helps reduce swelling and bleeding and supports healing.
- Poor appetite: Start with small, protein-rich snacks or shakes. Don’t take pain medication on an empty stomach, or you may feel more nauseated.
Important safety reminders
- No food or drink for at least 8 hours before surgery, including gum, unless Dr. Truong or Dr. Lin give you different instructions. This helps prevent aspiration, which is when stomach contents enter the lungs.
- Watch your Tylenol (acetaminophen) intake. Don’t exceed 4,000 mg in 24 hours to protect your liver.
- Follow all written instructions from Chicago Breast & Body about medications, fasting, and timing.
If anything feels “off” after surgery, contact your patient coordinator or surgeon’s office immediately.
Can I be awake for Lipo 360?
For a full 360 liposuction of the torso, we typically do not recommend being fully awake. At Chicago Breast & Body, Lipo 360 is generally performed under general anesthesia so Dr. Truong or Dr. Lin can sculpt multiple areas thoroughly while keeping you comfortable and safe.
Will I feel anything during liposuction with general anesthesia?
No. Under general anesthesia, you are completely unconscious and do not feel pain during the procedure. You may feel soreness and pressure afterward as you recover, but this is managed with prescribed pain medication and proper aftercare.
How long will I feel groggy after anesthesia?
Most patients feel significantly better later the same day and more like themselves by the next day. You may still feel tired or sore as your body heals from surgery, which is normal.
Can I eat or drink before my liposuction surgery?
You’ll be instructed not to eat or drink (even water) for about 8 hours before surgery, unless you’re given different instructions for medications. This is standard for general anesthesia and helps prevent complications like aspiration.
Who provides my anesthesia at Chicago Breast & Body?
Your anesthesia is provided by a licensed anesthesia professional who works closely with Dr. Truong and Dr. Lin. Their job is to keep you safe, comfortable, and closely monitored from the moment anesthesia starts until you are awake in recovery.
