How Painful is Liposuction Under Local Anaesthesia?

Liposuction is a popular cosmetic procedure designed to remove excess fat from specific areas of the body. While many procedures are carried out under general anaesthesia, some people opt for local anaesthesia to avoid the risks and recovery time associated with being fully sedated.

Pain is a common concern for anyone considering liposuction under local anaesthesia. While the procedure is designed to minimise discomfort, the experience can vary. Some people report mild sensations, while others describe moments of discomfort.

In this blog, we will explore how painful liposuction is under local anesthesia - both during and after the procedure. We will also discuss how negligence can contribute to unnecessary pain and when it may be appropriate to seek legal advice.

What is liposuction under local anaesthesia?

Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery procedure that removes stubborn fat deposits from areas such as the abdomen, thighs, arms and chin.

When performed under local anaesthesia, the treated area is numbed, but the person remains awake. This is commonly done using tumescent liposuction, where a solution containing lidocaine (a numbing agent), epinephrine (to reduce bleeding), and saline is injected into the fat before it is suctioned out.

Some people choose local anaesthesia over general anesthesia to reduce the risks associated with full sedation and to benefit from a shorter recovery time. However, this approach means that the person may feel some sensations during the procedure, which can lead to concerns about pain levels which will need to be considered if they're opting for local anesthesia.

Liposuction procedures under local anesthesia may include traditional liposuction techniques such as tumescent liposuction or suction-assisted liposuction which involve manually breaking down fat before suctioning it out or modern liposuction techniques such as laser liposuction which uses technology to break down the fat.

Liposuction should always be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in body contouring procedures. In the UK, organisations such as the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) and the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) set high standards for training and expertise in cosmetic surgery.

Choosing a surgeon who is a member of BAAPS or BAPRAS ensures that they have undergone rigorous training, adhere to ethical guidelines, and follow the latest best practices in cosmetic procedures. A qualified and skilled surgeon will not only perform the procedure safely and effectively but also take steps to reduce the likelihood of complications, ensuring a smoother recovery and more predictable results.

How painful is liposuction under local anaesthesia?

Liposuction under local anaesthesia is designed to be as comfortable as possible, but pain levels can vary based on several factors.

During the procedure, the numbing solution should block most pain, but many patients report feeling sensations such as:

• Pressure or tugging as the cannula moves under the skin.

• A dull ache in the treated area.

• A stinging or burning sensation if the anaesthesia is not fully effective.

Pain tolerance plays a role in how the procedure feels. Some people describe it as uncomfortable rather than painful, while others experience more intense sensations, particularly if a large area is treated. The skill of the surgeon also makes a difference, as poor technique can result in more trauma to the surrounding tissue, leading to increased discomfort.

Most patients find the procedure tolerable, but if the local anaesthetic is not administered correctly or wears off too soon, the experience can become more painful than expected.

Pain and discomfort after the procedure

Once the anaesthesia wears off, people typically experience some level of pain and discomfort. This is a normal part of the healing process, as the body recovers from the trauma of fat removal.

Common post-operative sensations include:

• Soreness, similar to muscle pain after intense exercise.

• Swelling and bruising, which can last for several weeks.

• A burning or tingling sensation in the treated areas.

Pain is usually at its highest in the first few days after surgery. Many people find that over-the-counter pain medication is enough to manage discomfort, though some may require prescription medications.

Compression garments are often recommended to reduce swelling and support the healing tissues. Failing to wear these garments properly or not following post-operative care instructions can lead to increased discomfort and a longer recovery period.

Most discomfort improves significantly after a week, though some sensitivity and minor aches may persist for a few months. If pain continues for longer than expected, it could indicate complications that require medical attention.

Risks of inadequate anaesthesia and negligence

While liposuction under local anaesthesia is generally well tolerated, errors in administration can lead to unnecessary pain. If the anaesthesia is not applied correctly or does not fully take effect, people may feel much more than they were prepared for.

Negligence during the procedure can result in:

• Insufficient numbing, leading to severe pain.

• Uneven fat removal, which can cause asymmetry or contour deformity.

• Excessive trauma to the tissues, causing ongoing discolouration.

Surgeons have a duty to ensure that anaesthesia is administered effectively and that patients are fully informed about what to expect. If someone experiences extreme pain that was not explained beforehand, it may be a sign that mistakes were made during the procedure.

When to seek legal advice

Most people who undergo liposuction under local anaesthesia experience manageable discomfort, but some may endure extreme pain due to errors during the procedure. If pain is significantly worse than expected, or, if it continues for an extended period, it could indicate that something went wrong.

Signs that negligence may have occurred include:

• Severe pain during the procedure due to ineffective anaesthesia.

• Unexpected complications that result in long-term pain or disfigurement.

• Lack of proper aftercare advice, leading to preventable issues.

If you have experienced unnecessary pain due to a poorly performed liposuction procedure, you may have grounds for a compensation claim. Speaking to a solicitor with experience in cosmetic surgery negligence can help determine whether you are eligible to take legal action.

However, if the anaesthesia is not administered correctly or if surgical errors occur, pain levels can be much higher than expected. In such cases, it may be worth seeking legal advice to explore whether negligence played a role in the outcome.

If you believe that your liposuction procedure has resulted in unnecessary pain or complications, speaking to a specialist solicitor can help you understand your options. To speak to our expert plastic surgery negligence team about making a claim, whether for liposuction compensation claims or any other form of cosmetic plastic surgery claim, get in touch by calling 0808 291 1162 or filling in the contact form here to request a callback.