General or Local Anesthesia for Axillary Breast Tissue Removal?

Question

I have axillary breast tissue in both armpits that I want to have removed. If surgery would be the only option, would it have to be done under general anesthesia, or could a local be used?

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Both types of anesthesia can provide a safe and comfortable platform for axillary tissue removal surgery.  It is more important that you feel comfortable with your surgeon and the surgical plan as this is ultimately what you will be remembering after the procedure.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding whether you can have general or local anesthesia for axillary breast tissue removal. This depends on how much axillary breast tissue there is and the comfort level of your plastic surgeon. Suppose there is a lot of breast tissue. This may need to be done in the operating room under general anesthesia. If there is a mild amount of axillary breast tissue, this can be done local in the office. Alternatively, if the breast tissue is too much in the axilla and you insist on having local, you may have one area done at a time. Usually, most patients go under general anesthesia for axillary breast tissue removal for comfort and speedier recovery. I hope this helps to answer your question regarding whether you can have general or local anesthesia for axillary breast tissue removal.

David Stoker, MD · Answer

I perform axillary breast tissue removal under local anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending on the case.  Many of these patients also undergo liposuction of other areas at the same time.  For those patients, general anesthesia may be the better option. Local anesthesia if fine for isolated axillary treatments.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

It’s
not unusual for patients with axillary breast tissue to request surgical
excision. This procedure can be performed under local anesthesia or general
anesthesia. The size, location, patient preference, surgeon preference and
health history are all important considerations when choosing anesthesia
methods. In most cases, the procedure is performed under general anesthesia,
but in selected cases can be performed under local anesthesia.

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS · Answer

This tissue can be removed by under either local or general anesthesia. Another option would be sedation anesthesia where you would get a little "twilight" anesthesia without the breathing tube and then your surgeon could inject the local anesthesia. This way, you wouldn't be aware of the injections, and when you wake up a little you're axillae will be numb. Good options all around, and good luck!

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

It really depends how big this is and what your threshold is.  I do prefer general anesthesia because it is safe and more comfortable both for the patient and the surgeon.  General anesthesia is safe as long as you are healthy and young.

	Hope that helps.

Mark Domanski, MD · Answer

You can do almost anything under local anesthesia, but you may not want to.
The larger the procedure, the longer the operative time, the more anxious you are the better you will be in the operating room under general anesthesia.
Remember that there are several gradients of anesthesia such as "local, local with some sedation, local-regional nerve block, conscious sedation, LMA, and intubated..."
Ask your surgeon what they recommend.  They will generally be able to give you some insight into their recommendation.

Andrew Goldberg, MD · Answer

There are many anesthesia options for removing excess axillary breast tissue. If the involved area is limited and if the patient tolerates local anesthesia injections the procedure can be completed under local anesthesia alone. More extensive procedures would require sedation or general anesthesia to allow the patient to be comfortable and the surgeon to safely remove the excess tissue. If you do not have significant health issues the risks of general anesthesia are minimal and easily managed. These procedures are most often completed as a surgical outpatient. Discuss any concerns with your plastic surgeon.

John Zavell, MD, FACS · Answer

Axillary breast tissue removal with light sedation is an excellent alternative to general anesthesia.  This can be performed in a certified office OR or outpatient facility. Using local anesthesia alone may cause you discomfort, so the addition of sedation is recommended.  Also, if the tissue is axillary breast tissue, make sure that your physician sends the tissue for pathological evaluation.  All breast issue should be evaluated when removed to check for occult breast cancer ( although rare).

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	Usually I suggest that the procedure be done under general anesthesia  mainly for patient comfort. If the area involvement is smaller then it can be done under local and it's easier.  Patient's preference is also a factor.

	Best wishes.

General or Local Anesthesia for Axillary Breast Tissue Removal?

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