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Is Local Anesthesia Safe? What Can I Expect During Surgery?

asked 5 months ago by ItsKasey in Tucson, AZ
Latest answer by Robert N. Young, MD
Question viewed 313 times
Tags: expectation, local anesthesia, safety

First off I want to thank all the advice I got on my last question! A lot of you advised me not to go 800cc HP saline.. After talking to my PS he also agreed so we have agreed on 700cc Mod+ Saline(under muscle) :) Now with that said my PS uses Local Anesthesia (he mentioned something about versed) I just don't want to wake up and PS still doing my surgery!? Or I feel anything?!

17 answers to Is Local Anesthesia Safe? What Can I Expect During Surgery?

Should You Have Breast Augmentation Under Local Anesthesia

Some patients are very nervous about general anesthesia. Often this is because of stories they've heard, or simply a lack of information or understanding of the types of anesthesia. Some think that surgery under local anesthesia is a good option when having Breast Augmentation surgery. General Anesthesia is the most common type of anesthesia, and is the most preferred method by Plastic Surgeons. It is the safest method, if administered by a... more

Robert N. Young, MD
San Antonio Plastic Surgeon

www.dryoungforever.com

Local anesthesia is safe, but is it wise for breast augmentation?

All board certified plastic surgeons have experience with local anesthesia, sedation techniques and general anesthesia. Most of us prefer general anesthesia for breast augmentation, as you can tell for these posts. I have used local anesthesia with sedation (like you are describing) for breast augmentation in the past, but I do not offer this option any longer.There is a limit on the amount of local that can be used without harming the patient. I found that no... more

Michael S. Hopkins, MD
Albuquerque Plastic Surgeon

www.hopkinsplasticsurgery.com

Local anesthesia versus general anesthesia for breast augmentation

As a board certified plastic surgeon who has done thousands of breast augmentations under local anesthesia with IV sedation in a certified facility, I am obviously biased but also used to dealing with the various misconceptions about local vs. general anesthesia and the preferences of plastic surgeons who don't have the experience to do breast procedures under local anesthesia. Anesthesia means putting to sleep. This can either be local (for the area being operated on),... more

Scott L. Replogle, MD
Denver Plastic Surgeon

Anesthesia and breast augmentation

A breast augmentation can be done under local but I fell only with sedation. I think it would be too uncomfortable for most patients to handle this without some sort of sedation. Most use general anesthesia.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Best Anesthesa for Breast Augmentation

Breast Augmenation can be done under local Anesthesa, local Anesthesa with Intravenous sedation or with general Anesthesa. The fact that he overwhelming majority of Plastc surgeons perform Breast Augmentation under general Anesthesa readily suggests which form of anesthesia is he best. The comfort provided by local anesthesia using tumescent solution similar to the one we use in liposuction, does not approach the level of general anesthesia. The addition of intravenous medication to... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Is Local Anesthesia Safe for Breast Augmentation Surgery

Many patients are afraid to have general anesthesia. They think that avoiding general anesthesia at all cost, and by having their plastic surgery only under local anesthesia, they are making the best decision for themselves. Unfortunately, this is not true! General Anesthesia is a most commonly type of anesthesia used for major surgery, and it is the safest, if give by a Board Certified Anesthesiologist in a Certified and well equiped surgery center. It is more risky and fare more... more

S. Sean Younai, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Breast Augmentation Decisions

First off, be very leary of such a large size implant. I'm sure you have a clear idea of what you want, but when the size is greater than 400 cc, the chance of complications goes up. As for your question, local with IV sedation can be successful in experienced hands. Your best move is to really do your homework regarding the surgeon and talk to some patients.

Justin Yovino, MD
Fort Lauderdale Plastic Surgeon

Breast Augmentation under Local Anesthesia?

I believe the best way to have this procedure done in your case would be under general anesthesia. When you describe your goals of “not wanting to wake up or feel anything”, it becomes very clear that you will do much better under general anesthesia. Please make sure you are working with a well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon. Look at lots of examples of his work. Is the procedure being done with the help of a board-certified anesthesiologist? Is there... more

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Local Anesthesia for Augmentation

I guess I'm the wrong one to ask. I have not done a breast augment under anything but general anesthesia in 20 years. Sometimes a patient will ask me if they can get the surgery done under local with sedation and I always reply "of course, just not with me." It is cetainly as safe to do local with sedation AS LONG AS you have a board certified anesthesiologist administering the sedation. My impression over the years from talking to many surgeons around the country is that for... more

Ronald V. DeMars, MD
Portland Plastic Surgeon

I don't want to feel anything.

Still recommend against large saline implants, and definitely against such implants being placed in submuscular position under local anesthesia, for a variety of reasons. Your body is the most precious item you will ever own. Take care of it, and entrust it only to those who consider your trust most sacred. The goal of this surgery is for you to feel beautiful. The studio, the paints, the brushes, and the artist must all be of the highest caliber and quality to... more

Steve Laverson, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

feelbeautiful.com

Breast Augmentation under Local Anesthesia with Sedation

It is possible to perform breast augmentation under local anesthesia with sedation and I have done this procedure on patients who were very reluctant to undergo general anesthesia. However, it is a much better experience for the patient to have a general anesthetic supplemented with local anesthesia, which also helps with postoperative pain relief. Both options should be available to you if you are having your procedure performed at a fully accredited surgery center. more

Michael Sundine, MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Safety Of Local Anesthetics

Local anesthesia and general anesthesia are both relatively safe when delivered properly. You didn't mention who was going to deliver the Versad during your augmentation. If given by a BC anesthesiologist or CRNA, you should be fine. If your surgeon is giving the Versad, it can be difficult to perform the surgery and, at the same time, monitor oxygenation, blood pressure, etc.

John Whitt, MD
Louisville Plastic Surgeon

Versed for breast augmentation

The anesthesia you have described is not local but local with IV sedation. Pure local anesthesia is akin to Novacaine at the dentist"s office. Sedation is extremely safe but should be performed by a board certified anesthesiologist in an accredited facility. I personally do not recommend sedation for a breast augmentation. General anesthesia is more efficient and avoids patient pain and movement during surgery.

Robert L. Kraft, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Safety of local anesthesia/Versed sedation during breast augmentation.

Breast augmentation may be performed under local anesthesia with IV sedation (Versed may be one of the medications used) but your surgery should only be performed in an accredited surgery center. In addition, the anesthesiologist should be a board certified MD or a CRNA nurse anesthetist under the direction of a licensed MD.

Rondi Kathleen Walker, MD
Washington Plastic Surgeon

More than local anesthesia is needed for breast augmentation

It is possible that the procedure would be done with local plus intravenous sedation (which might include Versed) but local only is a really bad idea for breast augmentation. You should have a qualified anesthesia provider (CRNA nurse anesthetist or MD anesthesiologist) and be absolutely sure that the procedure will be done in an accredited surgical facility (for example AAAASF.)

Richard Baxter, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

ANESTHESIA FOR BREAST AUGMENTATION

My preference for submuscular breast augmentation is general anesthesia. I can work more efficiently and effectively with the patient completely asleep. The total operation would only take 40-45 minutes.

Todd B. Koch, MD
Buffalo Plastic Surgeon

www.toddbkochmd.com

Is your doctor a "Real" plastic surgeon?

Most fully-trained, American Board of Plastic Surgery-certified plastic surgeons operate at a hospital, outpatient surgical center, or at their own accredited office surgical facility. All offer at least local anesthesia, local anesthesia plus sedation, monitored anesthesia care (MAC), or full general anesthesia. Many surgeons offer what is termed "twilight anesthesia" for its marketing appeal, but this is really local anesthesia plus sedation or MAC anesthesia. While breast... more