Dear Dr. Langdon,
Q: I am interested in receiving laser body sculpting at The Langdon Center in Guilford. However I have never had a local anesthetic before. I understand the risks associated with general anesthesia, but I am unsure about what to expect with local anesthesia and if it is safe…
Dr. Langdon, what do you think?
A. First, I think you would benefit from coming in for a consultation; I will gladly answer all your questions in detail.
I can assure you that when used by an educated and experienced surgeon, local anesthesia is perfectly safe and beneficial too.
During laser body sculpting I use what is called the tumescent technique. The tumescent technique is a method that provides local anesthesia to large volumes of subcutaneous fat and thus permits liposuction totally by local anesthesia. The tumescent technique eliminates both the need for general anesthesia and the need for IV narcotics and sedatives. The tumescent technique utilizes a natural saline solution containing a precise amount of local anesthetic (lidocaine) and adrenaline, which is injected into the fatty tissue. The injected area then becomes anesthetized (numb). Tumescent anesthesia constricts capillaries and prevents surgical blood loss, provides fluid to the body by subcutaneous injection so that no IV fluids are needed and provides the best post-operative pain control.
Local anesthesia offers a safe alternative to more risky general anesthesia. Local anesthesia is beneficial because it significantly decreases swelling and bruising after the procedure. It also makes the procedure virtually pain free. The vast majority of patients are able to resume their normal activity within 2-3 days with minimal swelling or bruising.
I encourage you to stop in for a consultation and learn more about laser body sculpting and local anesthesia.
Sincerely, Dr. Langdon
To learn more call The Langdon Center at
203-745-0340.