Should I request general anesthesia for my mastopexy instead of local anesthesia?

Question

I have surgery scheduled next month for lipo of the stomach and arms, and a breast lift. My doctor is going to do this under local anesthesia. Should I be worried about this? I have had previous work with this doctor under local but my breasts are currently 36DDD so I feel like there will be a lot of work to reduce and lift them. The doctor did not mention sedation or "twilight anesthesia", so I'm concerned he won't be able to do a good job with just lidocaine. Thinking of requesting general.

Andrea Marando, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. 
Different surgeons tend to have their own personal preferences with regard to the choice of anesthetic for surgical procedures. However, the vast majority of plastic surgeons would normally perform the surgical procedure of mastopexy/uplift under general anesthetic. In selected cases it is possible to perform this kind of procedure under twilight and, when appropriate, I have done it. 
However, it depends on the surgical plan, expected operating time and,
to a certain extent, patient's preferences.

I would advise you to contact your surgeon and maybe ask him to speak to some of his previous patients who had the same procedure under local anesthetic under his care?

All the best.
Andrea Marando
Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon
Manchester and London, UK

Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHS · Answer

While some surgeons prefer local anesthesia for smaller or less invasive procedures, a breast lift, especially if combined with other body contouring surgeries, is generally performed under general anesthesia to ensure your comfort and safety. It is completely valid to request general anesthesia, especially if you feel that local anesthesia may not provide the necessary comfort and safety for such a comprehensive procedure. 
Some surgeons do perform breast lifts under local anesthesia, particularly if the procedure is less invasive (e.g., a small lift or just a minimal reduction). Local anesthesia alone can be uncomfortable for extended surgeries or multiple procedures, whereas general anesthesia ensures you're fully relaxed and unconscious throughout the operation. For more extensive lifts, general anesthesia is typically preferred for both patient and surgeon comfort.
Your surgeon should be open to discussing the anesthesia options and may provide additional insights based on their experience.
Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHSHarvard, Hopkins, & Mayo Clinic Trained Aesthetic Plastic SurgeonNew York, New York

Michelle Zweifler, MD · Answer

Liposuction of the stomach and arms could be done under local anesthesia in appropriate candidates.  Breast lifts with breast reduction are most commonly done under general anesthesia, or at least "twilight anesthesia".  Combining procedures, takes longer and patient comfort is important.  There are additional fees involved with general anesthesia vs. straight local and this should all be discussed with one's plastic surgery.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Based on your surgical plan I recommend general anesthesia.  This is for your comfort and safety primarily, but also for your result. These procedures are detailed and would typically take several hours in total.  They would most commonly be performed under general anesthesia.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry and I do not see a reason why you could not request general anesthesia--but I do not know if your health, etc precludes a general anesthetic.  Best of luck with surgery.

Should I request general anesthesia for my mastopexy instead of local anesthesia?

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Answer: General anesthesia

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Should I request general anesthesia for my mastopexy instead of local anesthesia?

Answers (9)

Answer: General anesthesia

Answer: General anesthesia

Answer: Type of anesthesia

Answer: Type of anesthesia

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

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