These agents were equally safe and effective components of tumescent anesthesia during liposuction.
In the U.S., tumescent anesthesia used for liposuction and other indications is usually formulated with lidocaine. In Europe, prilocaine is preferred, as it has lower cardiotoxicity and is more rapidly excreted. However, unlike lidocaine, prilocaine can result in dose-dependent methemoglobinemia. These investigators compared the two agents during liposuction of the upper thighs or hips of 26 patients. Prilocaine was randomly assigned for use on one side of the body and lidocaine on the other.
During anesthesia infiltration, the mean pain score elicited with pinprick was 1.1±2.1 on the lidocaine side versus 0.8±1.6 on the prilocaine side. During liposuction, the pain scores were 2.0±2.2 for lidocaine and 2.2±2.5 for prilocaine. Upon completio…
Reviewing Author
DisclosuresConsultant / Advisory boardAmway
Editorial boards JAMA Dermatology; Dermatologic Surgery; Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology; Lasers in Medical Science; Skin Therapy Letter
Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Chair, Health Care Finance Committee); American College of Mohs Surgery (Board of Directors); American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (Board of Directors)
DisclosuresConsultant / Advisory boardAmway
Editorial boards JAMA Dermatology; Dermatologic Surgery; Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology; Lasers in Medical Science; Skin Therapy Letter
Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Chair, Health Care Finance Committee); American College of Mohs Surgery (Board of Directors); American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (Board of Directors)