Breast implant removal and lift under local or general anaesthesia - which one is safer?

There are three main types of anesthesia: local anesthesia, regional anesthesia, and general anesthesia. Local anesthesia numbs a small area of the body and is often used for minor procedures. Regional anesthesia involves numbing a larger area of the body, such as an arm or a leg, and may be used for more complex procedures. General anesthesia involves putting the patient to sleep and is typically used for major surgeries.

The type of anesthesia used for your breast implant removal surgery will depend on various factors, such as the complexity of the procedure, your overall health, and your medical history. Your surgeon and anesthesiologist will work together to determine the most appropriate type of anesthesia for you.

Smoking can increase the risk of complications during surgery and anesthesia, such as lung problems and difficulty breathing. It's important to quit smoking before surgery to reduce the risk of these complications. Ideally, you should quit smoking at least six weeks before surgery to allow your body to heal and reduce the risk of complications.

It's understandable to have concerns and fears about surgery and anesthesia, but it's important to discuss your concerns with your surgeon and anesthesiologist. They can address your concerns and answer any questions you may have. They can also provide you with information about the risks and benefits of the procedure and anesthesia, as well as any alternative options that may be available.

Ultimately, the decision about which type of anesthesia to use will depend on your specific situation and needs. Your healthcare providers will work with you to develop a personalized plan that is safe and effective for you.


I hope this helps,
best of luck !

Hello, thank you for your question. It's completely understandable to feel anxious about surgery and anesthesia, especially if you’ve had previous experiences with general anesthesia. It’s important to address your concerns, and I'll try to give you a clear understanding of the differences between general and local anesthesia and how each can affect your surgery, recovery, and safety. Please see the video attached below to answer your question in detail. It’s still important to communicate openly with your surgeon and anesthesiologist to ensure all your specific concerns are addressed. If you have any doubts, don’t hesitate to ask for more detailed information or even consider getting a second opinion to ensure you feel as confident and informed as possible about the anesthesia choice.

Thank you for the question and this is a very common concern among many patients. The risks from general anaesthetics are usually very low these days especially if you are in good health. For implant removal and an uplift we would usually recommend a general anaesthetic since this can be a long procedure. If any capsule work is required during the removal then a general anaesthetic is again preferred to reduce pain or discomfort.