Is There a Local Anesthetic for Lower Facelifts Besides Lidocaine?

I am allergic to lidocaine (without preservatives). Is there an effective alternative to lidocaine for facelift surgery. I don't want to have general anesthesia if at all possible.

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8 Doctor Answers | Asked by beauty addict in apex, nc

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Lidocaine sensitivity during Facelift

The incidence of true lidocaine allergy is extremely rare. Several additives in lidocaine solution may lead to a hypersensitivity reaction but, an allergic reaction is still rare. I would ask the provider who administered your lidocaine during your previous procedure what they had used as the local anesthetic. Your dentist would likely also have knowledge of these issues. Prior to any further administration of lidocaine, even with a resultant negative history, I would get tested for... more

Local anesthetic allergy

As stated by other surgeons, the allergy you describe is extremely rare. First, I suggest you have the appropriate tests to confirm this problem. Please reconsider your desire to avoid general anesthesia. A very low level of general anesthesia is used in cosmetic surgery, making the surgery safer, more pleasant , and easier for patient and surgeon.

Richard W. Fleming, MD

9 reviews

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

Local anesthetic for lower facelifts

True lidocaine allergy is extremely rare. Nevertheless, if there is a high risk that you are truly allergic to lidocaine, you do not want to take unnecessary chances. Although you do not want general anesthesia, it is the best way to have the surgery in your case. Injection of the skin with a dilute epinephrine solution can be administered to reduce bruising and potential bleeding.

Alternative to Lidocaine Anesthesia for Facelift

Yes, there are alternatives to Lidocaine for facelift anesthesia. The real question is, why not consider general anesthesia? Over the years, I have converted from doing almost all cosmetic procedures under local anesthesia to using general anesthesia almost exclusively. My patients are happier, the postoperative recovery is faster, there is less nausea, and, I believe, the general anesthesia is safer.

Local anesthetic options

There are a number of different options for local anesthesia, but lidocaine is by far the most common since adverse reactions are so rare. In fact, the issue of allergy has to be a bit suspect because the documented cases number in the single digits despite many millions of doses. In any case, you surgeon will be able to provide alternatives since there is no point in risking it.

Local anesthetic for lower facelift

I agree with Dr Placik. A true lidocaine toxicity is extremely rare. There are other caines to act as anesthetics. I would see an allergist for a skin test to find which caine can be used. Regards.

Lidocaine alternatives in facelift

Lidocaine allergy fortunately is very rare, and often when patients tell me that they are allergic or sensitive to lidocaine they are referring to the side effects of the epinephrine in the lidocaine. The epinephrine is combined in the local anesthetic to prolong the effect, and to reduce bleeding during the procedure by constricting the blood vessels. The epinephrine also increases the heart rate and patients associate this feeling with 'allergy'. A true lidocaine allergy can be dangerous,... more

Local anesthetic allergy

A true allergy to amide anesthetics (i.e., lidocaine) is truly rare but can be life threatening. Most reactions are to additives such as methylparaben or metabisulfite. In a study of 208 patients that clamed to have allergies to local anesthetics, only 197 truly had an allergy when fully tested at a clinic. You should seek evaluation by an allergist to find out if you have a true allergy to amide local anesthetics