BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The development of subcutaneous emphysema involving face, neck, and thorax has been well-documented in cases of odontologic procedures, head and/or neck surgery, and craniofacial trauma. Its development without known damage to the mucosa is rare. This report describes the case of a patient who developed emphysema without an obvious lesion. CASE REPORT: This is a male patient, healthy, undergoing epidural blockade and local anesthesia associated with sedation for lipoaspiration of the abdomen and submentonian region. Intercurrences were not observed during the procedure until a nasopharyngeal cannula was placed for oxygen administration. We also describe an alternative approach for its resolution. CONCLUSIONS: Although rare, subcutaneous emphysema can have serious repercussions. Manual lymphatic drainage can be an option for the treatment of this aesthetical complication
COMPLICATONS; SURGERY, Plastic