Breast Lift: Q&A
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Can I Have Breast Lift or Reduction Without Epinephrine?
I am 37. I am seriously considering a breast reduction or a lift or both. I have had a hx of tachycardia (controlled with low dose of beta blocker) and PVCs. I have had bad experiences with locals in the past (BP drops, BAD instant headache, heart racing). Can one have these surgeries without the use of a local? The only thing holding me back at this point is a fear of dying of severe complications. I am already terrified of GA...but now fear locals as well. Thank you for your time.
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16 Doctor Answers |
Asked by
Heather Racine
in Racine, Wisconsin
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Breast Lifting Candidate?
Thank you for the question.
Yes, breast lifting can be done without the use of epinephrine. In order to give you more peace of mind even I wish and by your internist/cardiologist prior to surgery may be helpful.
Best wishes.
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Having surgery under anesthesia
The problems you described with local anesthesia can be easily controlled during your surgery. If you are considering having surgery, perhaps you can ask for a consultation with the anesthetist that works with your plastic surgeon to alleviate your concerns.
Sincerely,
Martin Jugenburg, MD
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Yes, breast surgery can be done without local
However it is much better if local anesthesia (even better with epinephrine) is used. There are many reasons why the use of local anesthesia is much better for you than not using it at all, many of the previous answers are missing the point ( and the scientific data), even that this surgery can be done with just IV sedation, i do believe it is much better for both the patient and the surgeon to do it under general anesthesia. The local is use mainly for pain control during and more important...
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Breast Reduction/Uplift & epinephrine
General anesthesia is pretty safe these days , providing it is done in a controlled environment and superevised by a board certified anesthisiologist. As long as there is no history of Malignant Hyperthermia in your family you should not worry. Administration of epinephrine is not an essential part of any breast surgery . It only reduces blood loss . Breast surgeries do not need to be bloody operations. Go ahead with your surgery, make sure your plastic surgeon & their supporting team...
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Breast surgery without epinephrine
The surgery may be done without local with epinephrine. But it does decrease bleeding. Perhaps a cardiac clearance is in order to rule out any underlying pathology. General anesthesia is very safe with the proper MD anesthesiologist. Donald R. Nunn MD Atlanta Plastic Surgeon.
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Can I Have Breast Lift or Reduction Without Epinephrine?
Possible but would require cardiac clearance and in hospital surgery for possible bleeding issues. Best to see a boarded PS in your area.
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Concerns about general anesthesia and epinephrine
In a reputable certified outpatient facility or hospital and using a qualified board certified anesthesiologist your risk for life threatening problems from general anesthesia are very low. It is understandable to have a fear of this, however.
With regard to epinephrine, it irrefutably does reduce the amount of bleeding from surgery and this has been documented by studies. I use it along with a local anesthetic in this type of case essentially always because it is effective in reducing...
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Breast lift and epinephrine
Yes you may have a breast lift without epinephrine. Under general anesthesia you do not need epinephrine or local anesthetics. Some surgeons will use them anyway for bleeding and pain control but it is not mandatory. Discuss it with your surgeon.
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No need for epi in breast lift/reduction
You certainly don't need any local anesthesia for these surgeries. I do all mine with a MD anesthesiologist under GA so no local is used at all.
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Surgery without local anesthetic- is it necessary
Almost all larger surgeries nowadays are performed with a combination of local and light general anesthetic.
The advantage of having an anesthesiologist there during the surgery is that they can administer medications that block the effects of the epinephrine. The patient's body literally feels none of the effects of the local anesthesia. The safety of having an accredited facility with a board certified anesthesiologist is quite high. This does not mean that...
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Anesthesia options for Breast Surgeries
All the symptoms that you report are normal body reactions to Epinephrine. Leave anesthesia choices to your surgeon, just choose the right doctor. Most of breast surgeries are done under general anesthesia and Epinephrine can be avoided if needed. Your fear of General Anesthesia is unfounded. Choose a good surgeon and stop being your own doctor.
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Breast lift or reduction without epinephrine
The epinephrine is used in the local anesthetic during breast lift and reduction to prolong the effect of the local medication, and to reduce bleeding and bruising. For breast reduction we use the same solution used for liposuction in the breast which allows excellent control of discomfort and permits patients to go home without any hospital stay. General anesthesia is safe as well and if you have persistent fears of dying and fear of the complications possible with reduction or lift,...
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Breast lift (or reduction) is absolutely possible without epinephrine!
We utilize TIVA (Total IV Anesthesia) without the use of inhalation anesthetics or nitrous oxide (see my article, found on the About tab on my Profile page on this site, titled: "Is TIVA (Total IV Anesthesia) or General Anesthesia Safer?) in our accredited office surgical facility. I routinely do NOT use epinephrine during my breast lifts or reductions, and patients do extremely well with little discomfort, and minimal bruising or swelling. This would be ideal anesthesia for you or any...
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Breast lift procedures and anesthesia
Its possible to do any procedure that employs local anesthetic with medication that does not include epinephrine. 'Epi' constricts small blood vessels and is helpful for reducing bleeding, but its certainly not indispensable. I do all of my breast surgery under IV 'twilight' sedation under the care of an anesthesia provider.
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No Need for Epinephrine During Breast Lift or Reduction
I perform almost all breast lifts and breast reductions under general anesthetic because patients are more comfortable and I can provide a better operation. I may use some local anesthetic at the end of the case to provide some additional anesthesia during the first few hours of the recovery process. This local anesthetic usually contains epinephrine, which allows it to last a little longer. However, if a patient had concerns about epinephrine use, the epinephrine could easily be omitted and...
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Breast Surgery Can Be Performed Without Epinephrine
Although I typically use a small volume of local anesthetic containing epinephrine, it is certainly possible to have a breast lift or reduction performed without using it. The only downside might be a bit more bleeding during the procedure, but this is something that should be easily controllable by the surgeon.
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