General or Local Anesthesia for Axillary Breast Tissue Removal?

asked 2 years ago by Susie63 in cleveland
Latest answer by Tom J. Pousti, MD
Question viewed 5,747 times
Tags: breasts, armpit

I have axillary breast tissue in both armpits that I want to have removed. If surgery would be the only option, would it have to be done under general anesthesia, or could a local be used?

10 answers to General or Local Anesthesia for Axillary Breast Tissue Removal?

Type of anesthesia used for any procedure should be discussed with your doctor

As part of your preoperative consultation you should discuss with your doctor what type of anesthesia would be best for you. In general small and short procedures can be done under local anesthesia while longer procedures require more anesthesia. That said, however, there is a huge range of anesthetic options. Sometimes, some sedation is given only for the time that the local anesthetic is being injected, sometimes the patient is completely asleep and on a respirator for the operation.... more

Susan E. Downey, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

drdowney.com

General Anesthesia vs Local for Brachioplasty

It really depends how big this is and what your threshold is. I do prefer general anesthesia because it is safe and more comfortable both for the patient and the surgeon. General anesthesia is safe as long as you are healthy and young. Hope that helps.

Farbod Esmailian, MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Axillary Breast Tissue Removal?

Thank you for the question. Usually I suggest that the procedure be done under general anesthesia mainly for patient comfort. If the area involvement is smaller then it can be done under local and it's easier. Patient's preference is also a factor. Best wishes.

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Anesthesia options for axillary breast tissue removal

Anesthesia options ranging from local to intravenous sedation to general may be used for removal of ectopic breast tissue. The degree of anesthesia should be proportional to the amount of tissue to be resected and your own comfort level. Definitely ask your plastic surgeon about the appropriate alternatives and share your concerns.

Robert L. Kraft, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Axillary breast tissue

Having an excision of axillary breast tissue can be done either with local or general. I think that patients are more comfortable having general.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Local anesthesia a good option for many procedures

I have performed anterior axillary bra roll excision in the office under local anesthesia with nice success. I have also done the same procedure under general anesthesia in the OR with nice success. The best option for you will depend on the amount of tissue to be removed, the location of that tissue, your comfort level with being awake during a procedure, and your surgeon's comfort level.

Carmen Kavali, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Removal of axillary tissue

This tissue can be removed by under either local or general anesthesia. Another option would be sedation anesthesia where you would get a little "twilight" anesthesia without the breathing tube and then your surgeon could inject the local anesthesia. This way, you wouldn't be aware of the injections, and when you wake up a little you're axillae will be numb. Good options all around, and good luck!

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

Local not the best

It really depends on how much tissue there is to remove. If you have a significant amount, and even if you don't, general would be much more comfortable for you. If you have a small area and you want local, get sedation and be monitored. Safety is the first concern always.

Scott E. Kasden, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

Excision of axillary tissue may be performed under either general or local anesthesia

This is a question that is ideally answered by your plastic surgeon. In some cases tumescent anesthesia, which is an infiltration of a dilute amount of local anesthesia, maybe used. If the area is particularly large then a general anesthetic may be best.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Either anesthesia can be used for axillary breast tissue removal

Depending on the extent and your pain and discomfort tolerance, it can be done under either one. I prefer general in healthy women because your breathing is controlled and better monitored, your comfort is assured and the procedure is faster. But you and your surgeon need to mutually agree on what would be IDEAL in your case. Hope this helped.