Can a Breast Reduction Be Preformed Under Local Anesthesia or Twilight Sedation?

Although it may be possible to perform small reductions in select patients,  most breast reductions are done under general anesthesia which provides both safety and comfort for the patient.  Additionally, acheiving an adequate reduction can potentially be compromised with patient discomfort which is not an issue with general anesthesia.  

     While this could be attempted, this is a surgery that is performed under general anesthesia by the vast majority of plastic surgeons in the US.  Find a plastic surgeon with ELITE credentials who performs hundreds of breast lifts and reductions each year.  Then look at the plastic surgeon's website before and after photo galleries to get a sense of who can deliver the results.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Although breast reduction can (and is) performed under local anesthesia with sedation, this would not be my preference or recommendation.  I find that the use of general anesthesia provided by a board-certified anesthesiologist provides for optimal patient comfort, immobility, experience, and outcomes.

Best wishes.