Is it possible that local anaesthetic doesn't work for me?

Question

I had breast augmentation surgery on Thursday and woke up after the surgery in agony even tho the surgeon said I was given a high dose of local anaesthetic. Even after being given morphine, codine and other painkillers I was still in a lot of pain nothing seemed to work. I also remember that in 2008 I was given a local anaesthetic so I could have stitches after having a baby and the mid wife gave me so many injections I lost count and yet I would not go numb and felt every stich.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,Yes, it is possible, though rare that a patient would require as much medication as you describe after standard breast augmentation. I recommend that you continue to follow up closely with your plastic surgeon to ensure that you have adequate pain control.All the best

Erik Miles, MD, FACS · Answer

It is possible for some patients to be somewhat more resistant to local anesthetics.  Patients will often figure this out after dental procedures when they require higher doses of local anesthetic.  There have been some studies, mostly in the dental literature, that indicate that patients who have red hair have a higher incidence of resistant to local anesthetics.  While breast augmentation can cause some discomfort after the procedure, the pain is typically not so severe that it requires morphine. Hopefully your pain has improved. Some patients who have had submuscular implant placement benefit from oral Valium. This medication can reduce some of the muscle spasms that can sometimes cause pain.  This wishes to you!

Joseph G. Bauer, MD, FACS · Answer

It is possible to be resistant to local anesthesia. A good way to determine if you are truly resistant is if you have had any dental work that required the use of local anesthesia.

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

Yes it is possible to be resistant to local anaesthetic.  It is unusual for one to have pain that requires morphine / codeine after an augment. I personally only place 5mls of local around the incision and it is extremely rare for a patient ever to have morphine and less than 50% of patients need anything other than paracetamol following breast augmentation. I am unclear why you are experiencing such pain. Maybe best to see your PS to make sure everything is OK in the short term. In the long term you may be best to be referred by your GP to a pain specialist to gain appropriate advice moving forward.

Keith Denkler, MD · Answer

It is possible you are resistant to local anesthetics.Your reactions at the dentist will be a clue also.

Is it possible that local anaesthetic doesn't work for me?

Answers (6)

Answer: Local anaesthetic

Answer: Local anaesthetic

Answer: Possible

Answer: Possible

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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Is it possible that local anaesthetic doesn't work for me?

Answers (6)

Answer: Local anaesthetic

Answer: Local anaesthetic

Answer: Possible

Answer: Possible

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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