Gynecomastia and body sculpting under local anesthesia vs full anesthesia pros and cons?

Question

Dr. Jonathan Lebowitz has many many you tube videos of him doing these two operation under local anesthesia (even with gland removal) while all other doctors do it under global anesthesia. What are the pros and cons?

David Azouz, MD, FACS, FRCS(C) · Answer

The most important factor with any anesthesia is patient safety.  A plastic surgeon will often work with an Anesthesiologist or CRNA who not only perform anesthesia but also monitor the patient during surgery.  Regardless of how anesthesia is performed it is important to discuss with the plastic surgeon how they undergo safe surgery.  This is done in many ways including minimizing narcotic, having good communication, performing an operative time out, avoiding lidocaine toxicity and in many other ways.

Michael Law, MD · Answer

For the safety and comfort of patients, I rely on a board-certified plastic surgeon to administer anesthesia for plastic surgery procedures including gynecomastia.

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

Anything is possible but high definition sculpting requires removal of fat comprehensively, which means scraping the fat off of the skin and the muscle; it is this last bit of fat that separates high definition sculptors from the rest; if you are looking to get transformative results you need to be put to sleep in order for your surgeon to be able to get all the fat out. If you want a moderate improvement, then you can save money on anesthesia and facility fees.

J. Michael Morrissey, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

Thank you for your question. I assume by "global" anesthesia that you mean general anesthesia. At our center we perform all of our gynecomastia surgeries, which involve ultrasonic and suction assisted liposuction as well as direct excision of the gland under general anesthesia. I'm a firm believer in "do unto others as you would have done unto you".  And there is no way I would want to be awake for this surgery. Some surgeons do not offer general anesthesia to their patients because they are unable to offer it at their facility or due to added expense. Safety is of the utmost importance for any elective or cosmetic surgery and there are not shortcuts. My advice would be to discuss your concerns with your surgeon, inspect the facility that he proposes to do the surgery in,  and if you are not satisfied with the answers or what you see, look elsewhere. Best wishes,Dr. Morrissey

Gynecomastia and body sculpting under local anesthesia vs full anesthesia pros and cons?

Answers (4)

Answer: Local or general anesthesia

Answer: Local or general anesthesia

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Gynecomastia Surgery

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

Gynecomastia and body sculpting under local anesthesia vs full anesthesia pros and cons?

Answers (4)

Answer: Local or general anesthesia

Answer: Local or general anesthesia

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Gynecomastia Surgery

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