Is there a way to have fat transfers to the breasts fully awake and conscious?

Question

I am looking to have fat transfers to the breasts but local anesthesia and any other drugs like propofol/versed or anything that makes me feel loopy/drowsy is very unappealing due to past experiences. I'm looking for an alternative option where the area can be numbed directly (like a dentist does for a filling) and perhaps an Ativan at most to relax. Does an option like this exist? I'm willing to travel.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

hello michelley80  This is a simple procedure and requires local anesthesia, IV sedation,. But you should visit or contact a board certified plastic surgeon to help make a good decision. #options #localanesthesia

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

Having performed many local liposuction cases including fat transfers, what you ask is definitely doable in the proper patient. This would include limited liposuction of donor site and small fat transfers. There may be some tolerable  discomfort however I agree, the recovery is usually easier.An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon who performs these procedures is recommended to confirm you are a candidate as well as discuss your options and expectations.

Justin Yovino, MD, FACS · Answer

I'm a specialist in this exact procedure and perform awake fat transfer to the breasts every week in my practice. I completely agree with you in wanting to avoid general anesthesia. It's totally not necessary for this procedure. General anesthesia for this procedure is only necessary for surgeons who lack the experience in successful local anesthesia technique or just prefer to have their patients asleep. Reach to me and I'll let you know if you're a good anatomical candidate.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Many surgeons will do this to save money on anesthesia; but in many cases, you will need to harvest at least 600 cc of pure fat to perform the procedure.  The liposuction of this amount of fat may be 3 liters of lipoaspirate, and most patients cannot tolerate this with just local anesthesia.  Also, the injection of the fat can be painful as well.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

E. Ronald Finger, MD · Answer

Yes, fat grafts (transfer) to the breast can be done under tumescent anesthesia, which is a local anesthetic. However, the shots to anesthetize the breast may be uncomfortable. I would suggest oral sedatives to help relax you during the procedure. Liposuctions, required for fat grafts, are done under tumescent anesthesia very frequently.
Thank you for your question, and best of luck to you.

Kamran Khoobehi, MD · Answer

I do offer fat grafting with no IV sedation. The use of Tumescent will make the harvesting painless and then breast tissue anesthetized with same technique. I been doing fat grafting to the breast for 11 years. Please see the link

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You could have the procedure done with local anesthesia and oral sedation. Just using local anesthesia alone may make sure too anxious during the procedure.

Erika Sato, MD, FACS · Answer

This probably does exist, but you would have to endure pain at the liposuction sites to gather the fat then at the beasts to inject the fat. Both can be very painful. The liposuction can be very hard to tolerate if you are wanting aggressive liposuction or you are thin and multiple areas must be liposuctioned to gather enough fat.

Raj S. Ambay, MD · Answer

Yes this can be perfomed. I use a technique that allows this to be done safely and comfortably. The liposuction and harvesting of fat is not the issue with the right technique. I aslo use Nitrous Oxide as a gas which makes you sleepy for the injections and in 20 seconds you wake up when turned off. It is commonly used in the dental office and you can generally drive 15 minutes after the gas and treatment ends. Its a great adjunct to any procedure that patients want awake and without general or IV anesthesia.

David S. Rosenberg, MD · Answer

yes liposuction and fat transfer can be performed can be performed without sedation.  It can be painful despite the numbing solution we use so you would need to have a high pain tolerance.  Let our office know if you have more questions. 3102957925.  Good luck! DSR

Is there a way to have fat transfers to the breasts fully awake and conscious?

Answers (12)

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