Local Shots with Epinephrine Under General Anethesia. Do You Really Need the Epinephrine for Eye and Nose Work?

The epinephrine in the local shots is very important because the epinephrine causes a restriction of blood vessels in the local area so that the procedure can be performed without extensive bleeding.  Injections in the head and neck without epinephrine will result in numbness with excess bleeding.  The epinephrine is used for both numbness and excess bleeding.  The epinephrine also extends the length of the numbing medication as well.

Local anesthetic injections are given even under general anesthesia for a few reasons. The epinephrine makes a huge difference in the amount of bleeding, making the surgery more precise and easier to perform. Also, when you add a long acting anesthetic, such as bupivicaine, to the mix the patient will be comfortable for several hours after the procedure.