Possible to Have a Breast Lift While Awake?

I have been considering a breast lift for some time now, but I am afraid of being put to sleep as I might not wake up. I was wondering if there was any way to have this type of surgery without having to go to sleep? Thank you.

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5 Doctor Answers | Asked by Lifesfog in America

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Breast surgery while awake

It is certainly possible to have almost any surgery while awake. It may not be pleasant, and some patients feel anxiety during the procedure, but any qualified plastic surgeon can do that anesthetic choice. The reason they don't usually choose to do more major surgeries under local anesthesia is solely for patient comfort. In carefully selected patients, very mild sedation can be used to make the procedure more pleasant.

Breast Lift While Awake?

Although possible, I would not suggest that you have your breast lifting done “while awake”. There are many reason (that have to do with patient comfort and outcome of surgery) to do the surgery under anesthesia. You will find that, assuming you're working with well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons and anesthesiologists in a fully accredited the surgery center or hospital ( and assuming that you are in good health currently), that you will be very safe... more

Breast lift awake

While it is possible to have a breast lift under local and therefore awake, I would not recommend it. I think it would be too uncomfortable.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Anesthesia for a breast lift

It would be very rare to try to do a breast lift under local anesthesia. It could be done technically but I wouldn't advise it. Make sure your surgeon has a physician anesthesiologist they have extensive experience working with and it will be safe and easy for you. It isn't a good idea to ask a surgeon to do a surgery in a very different way than they have done it for years. Just as you wouldn't tell a pilot how to fly a plane or a professional chef how to cook your meal.... more

Breast Lifting without general anesthesia possible, but not recommended

Yes, it is possible to undergo breast lifting without general anesthesia, but I would not recommend it. Many of my colleagues inject tumescent fluid (very, very dilute "novocaine," similar to what is used for liposuction) into breasts for augmentations, reductions, and lifts. However, I have some concerns with this technique: The surgery remains painful. It is very difficult to make the breast totally numb. Tugging and pulling are a normal part of surgery. Will these... more