Breast reduction with local anesthesia?

While local anesthesia can be used, this is a surgery that is performed under general anesthesia by the vast majority of PSs in the US. The PS and anesthesiologist want to provide the safest and most comfortable environment for the patient; and the patient does not want to be in pain during the procedure so that the PS must stop or do less than what is necessary to provide the patient with the most dramatic transformation possible. Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

I recommend general anesthesia by a board-certified anesthesiologist.   I also recommend an in-office examination as well as a detailed discussion with a surgeon who you are comfortable with.   Finally, make sure your surgeon is a Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS), a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach TrainedDouble Board-Certified, Double Fellowship-Trained Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Most patients are only too happy to go off to sleep for their surgery. However, there are a very few who, because of personal preference or medical necessity, would rather have local anesthesia with sedation. I have done both breast reductions and breast augmentations in awake patients. This requires close collaboration between the surgeon and anesthesiologist and, of course, a plastic surgeon who is comfortable with this approach.  All the best.