Possible to Have a Breast Lift While Awake?

Question

I have been considering a breast lift for some time now, but I am afraid of being put to sleep as I might not wake up. I  was wondering if there was any way to have this type of surgery without having to go to sleep? Thank you.

Brent Moelleken, MD · Answer

It is certainly possible to have almost any surgery while awake.
It may not be pleasant, and some patients feel anxiety during the procedure, but any qualified plastic surgeon can do that anesthetic choice.  The reason they don't usually choose to do more major surgeries under local anesthesia is solely for patient comfort.
In carefully selected patients, very mild sedation can be used to make the procedure more pleasant.

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Both types of anesthesia can provide a safe and comfortable platform for breast lift surgery, but this may depend on the type of breast lift as you will need more local anesthesia to help you stay comfortable.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.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Although possible, I would not suggest that you have your breast lifting done &ldquo;while awake&rdquo;. There are many reason (that have to do with patient comfort and outcome of surgery)  to do the surgery under anesthesia. You will find that, assuming you're working with well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons and anesthesiologists in a fully accredited the surgery center or hospital ( and assuming that you are in good health currently),  that you will be very safe...

	I hope this helps.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

While it is possible to have a breast lift under local and therefore awake, I would not recommend it. I think it would be too uncomfortable.

Michael C. Pickart, MD · Answer

Yes, it is possible to undergo breast lifting without general anesthesia, but I would not recommend it.
Many of my colleagues inject tumescent fluid (very, very dilute "novocaine," similar to what is used for liposuction) into breasts for augmentations, reductions, and lifts. However, I have some concerns with this technique:

The surgery remains painful. It is very difficult to make the breast totally numb.
Tugging and pulling are a normal part of surgery. Will these sensations cause excessive anxiety?
Breast lifts can last 2-4 hours. Most patients can not lie flat and still for that length of time.
The fluid itself can distort the breast shape, and the lift may not be optimized.

The final decision is yours. And remember that general anesthesia is very, very safe in 2009. Statisically, the most dangerous part of your day of surgery will be driving to the surgery center, not the surgery or the anesthetic!

Possible to Have a Breast Lift While Awake?

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Answer: Breast lift awake

Answer: Breast lift awake

Answer: Breast Lifting without general anesthesia possible, but not recommended

Answer: Breast Lifting without general anesthesia possible, but not recommended

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Possible to Have a Breast Lift While Awake?

Answers (6)

Answer: Breast lift awake

Answer: Breast lift awake

Answer: Breast Lifting without general anesthesia possible, but not recommended

Answer: Breast Lifting without general anesthesia possible, but not recommended

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.