Objective: This study was carried out to determine the maximum and safe dosage of lidocaine administered in tumescent liposuction.
Methods: In 14 cases of tumescent liposuction using high-dosage, low-concentration lidocaine as local infiltration anesthetic, serum lidocaine concentrations were monitored with automated fluorescence polarization analysis.
Results: The time-concentration curve together with clinical manifestations indicated that in tumescent liposuction, lidocaine, under a concentration of 0.1 mg/ml mixed with 1/1,000,000 to 1/2,000,000 epinephrine, could be administered with a dosage of 35 mg/kg body weight as a local infiltration anesthetic while the serum lidocaine was still within the safety limit and no signs of intoxication manifested. The resulting diminution both in pain and blood loss during the operation enhanced the overall operation safety and suction volume.
Conclusion: This study provides the basis for high-dosage lidocaine administration in tumescent liposuction.