Careful attentions to design, liposuction, adequate positioning of the incision, musculofascial
plication, umbilicoplasty and meticulous closure are very critical for optimal outcomes of abdominoplasty.
In addition to the above factors, the mode of anesthesia is also an important factor. The
ability to perform abdominal cosmetic surgery in the intravenous setting provides a more comfortable
environment for patients, ease of scheduling for surgeons and less complications related to
anesthesia. Between May 2007 and November 2008, 11 patients underwent lipoabdominoplasty
under epidural anesthesia and 19 patients under local anesthesia with intravenous anesthesia. The
results of these approaches were evaluated in terms of procedure time, length of hospital stay, rate
of complications and level of patient satisfaction. There were no complications related to anesthesia
(cardiac problem, deep vein thrombosis, fat emboli, and pulmonary embolism) and no surgery (flap
loss or wound dehiscence) except 3 seroma cases. All intravenous anesthesia patients reported
adequate postoperative pain and nausea control. Patients in both groups were generally pleased
with the results of surgery. Advantages of lipoabdominoplasty using intravenous anesthesia included
a low incidence of nausea and vomiting, and reduction or elimination in the risk of serious
complications as a deep vein thrombosis.