Epidural Anesthesia During Breast Implants?

Question

Is this do-able?? I've heard horror stories of patients waking up during general anesthesia, and that scares me. Why don't all doctors do this, & what are the risks & complications?

Matthew Schulman, MD · Answer

It is best to have your augmentation done with general anesthesia or a deep sedation. An epidural can work well for surgery on the belly and lower. It simply will not work high enough for you....without blocig the nerves that control your lungs! A board certified plastic surgeon and a board certified anesthesiologist will be able to provide the proper care and prevent you from waking up in the middle. Patients always worry about this, but I have never seen it happen!

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Epidural anesthesia is not used for breast augmentation. Intravenous sedation and local anesthesia sometimes none but the vast majority of patients have a general anesthetic. This is extremely safe in reports of patients waking up during general anesthesia are extremely rare.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Breast augmentation is most commonly performed with general anesthesia to assure that the patient is the most comfortable and not awake.  To be totally asleep, you need a tube to help you breathe.  Anything else has a greater potential for the patient being aware and awake.  Epidural anesthesia can be used for procedures lower on the body.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I do not think that an epidural will be adequate for a breast augmentation.  I think that you are better off with general or deep sedation and local.  Good luck.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

Though the idea might seem safer than general anesthesia or IV sedation for breast augmentation, an epidural just won't reach high enough to work for breast augmentation.If the facility you choose is accredited you should have little to fear about your anesthesia.

Epidural Anesthesia During Breast Implants?

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Answer: Epidural vs general for breast augmentation

Answer: Epidural vs general for breast augmentation

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Answer: Epidural for breast augmentation

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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Epidural Anesthesia During Breast Implants?

Answers (9)

Answer: Epidural vs general for breast augmentation

Answer: Epidural vs general for breast augmentation

Answer: Epidural for breast augmentation

Answer: Epidural for breast augmentation

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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