Is there a big difference if you choose not to have an epidural with a BBL?

Epidural is one way to achieve anesthesia and pain control during and after BBL. It's optional, you don't "need" it. Surgery can be done safely and effectively under general anesthetic.

Everything is balancing risks and complications with result. Local anesthesia may be appropriate for smaller areas or in areas where less is to be removed or in patients who cannot undergo general anesthesia due to one reason or another. The more areas that are done, the more that is harvested and injected, the more likely that general anesthesia will be necessary.

There are many different modalities of anesthesia that can be used for BBL, epidural is just one of them. You can have a BBL under local or general anesthesia as well.

Dear arbiasalem,
most plastic surgeons prefer general anesthesia for BBL surgery. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

I use IV sedation for almost all of my BBL procedures. Only a few patients require general anesthesia, but I do not utilize epidural anesthesia for any of my cosmetic procedures (a personal choice for myself and anesthesiologist).
Dr. T

Most plastic surgeons use general anesthesia for a BBL. Different plastic surgeons have different preferences. I personally do all my procedures with local anesthesia with mild sedation.

I suggest having multiple in person consultations. I would not opt to change the form of anesthesia that the surgeon recommends though some may be comfortable offering different versions.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD