With all the news about new forms of liposuction that don't require general anesthetic, some people may think, "Well, I know it's safer, but I don't want to be awake while someone is operating on me!" This is an understandable reaction and one a lot of people may share. An experience, qualified liposuction doctor can help you with your liposuction anxiety and make the whole experience comfortable for you.
First of all, you want to make sure that you're seeing a medical doctor who is board-
certified in a surgical specialty, not a family physician or a doctor with an unrelated degree. And be sure that the doctor will be the one performing the liposuction surgery, not a medical assistant. Go to an accredited clinic with a good reputation. If you know the qualifications of your doctor and his or her team ahead of time, you will feel more comfortable with the process.
If you are anxious before going in for the surgery, your doctor can give you a medication to help with your anxiety. This medication will allow you to relax so the doctor can perform the procedure as quickly and safely as possible. Some common medications are Clonidine and lorazepam. Typically, a dose is given the night before the surgery and right before the surgery.
If you truly don't want to be awake for the surgery, it is perfectly safe to have liposuction under general anesthesia, provided that there is an anesthesiologist there to administer the anesthesia and to stay during the whole length of the procedure to monitor you while you are under the anesthesia. Ask your surgeon about what anesthesiology options are available to you. If you choose to undergo general anesthesia for liposuction, do not have your doctor operate on multiple areas of the body at one time, or perform other procedures in addition to liposuction while you are under, as it increases the risk.