Breast implant removal under local anesthesia?

I just had implant removal and replacement with breast lift 7 days ago. My left breast is red swollen and tender. If it is infected and i need it removed, can it be done under a local? I do not want to undergo general again this soon.

4 answers to “Breast implant removal under local...”

A: Breast implant removal under local anesthesia

Richard P. Rand, MD

If your implant truly is infected, it needs to be removed and this could be done under local anesthesia, wash out the pocket with antibiotics and drain the pocket.

A: This could be performed under local.

David Rankin, MD

Yes, this procedure could be performed under local. You may want to inquire about having a small amount of narcotic (like demerol) as an injection along with some Valium to at least make you more comfortable. Much of this depends on both your and your plastic surgeon's comfort level and degree of infection... more

A: Implant removal under local

Farbod Esmailian, MD

Most probably can be done.  However, it really also depends are how back the infection is.  If there is severe enough infection where the capsule on the inside has to be cleaned out, removed or scraped then simple local anesthesia may not be an option because it would be too painful. Sometimes it is... more

A: In general, yes

Michael C. Edwards, MD

    The problem is that your plastic surgeon will want to wash out the pocket a lot and place a drain too. This can be accomplished under local anestheia but if your plastic surgeon requests to do it under anesthesia, it is because they feel they can take better care of you that way. Dr Edwards

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