Liposuction is an easy option when you are considering fat removal, but many patients worry before the procedure. In an attempt to help easy your worry, here are some of the most frequently asked questions about liposuction procedures.
Contents
Is it Normal to Be Anxious Before the Procedure?
Yes, almost everyone we see for these procedures has at least some degree of anxiety before having the procedure. Anxiety is the quality or state of mind where a person is anxious, worried, nervous, uneasy, or apprehensive about the procedure. Some have more anxiety than others, but there is nothing to worry about. Although some of our patients do experience some post-operative soreness, rarely do we ever see something that would require more than a Tylenol.
Can You Reduce My Anxiety Medicinally?
Medications that reduce anxiety are known as anxiolytics. These drugs, in small doses, can reduce anxiety, but at higher doses can cause sedation. At higher doses, patients can experience impaired breathing. We want to make sure that you are safe as possible for your procedure, so we carefully prescribe anti-anxiety medication to be taken the night before the procedure, with an additional dose before the procedure.
Does the Local Anesthesia Require a Needle?
It is natural to have some anxiety or fear of needles. With the help of the anxiolytic medication, the vast majority of people do well with tumescent infiltration and liposuction. Fewer than 5% of patients require an IV sedative. There are some who are so terrified of needles that they choose to have general anesthesia, but each patient will need to make the decision on which method is preferable. On one hand, liposuction totally by local anesthesia performed by an expert is safer and is associated with less pain overall than the general anesthesia option. But, for patients who are terrified by the prospect of needles and surgery, general anesthesia may be a more comfortable option.
Is an Anesthesiologist Necessary?
Anytime a patient is given general anesthesia, an anesthesiologist should be present. These doctors are specifically trained to use anesthesia safely and monitor the patient’s health during its use. Anesthesiologists are not necessary when local anesthesia is used by itself, only when a patient chooses general anesthesia.
These are just some of the questions our patients have had before a procedure. If you are feeling uneasy about anything, please don’t hesitate to call our offices for the best liposuction in Michigan.