What's the difference between Local and General Anesthesia?

I would recommend you have an in person consultation with a plastic surgeon with these credentials: *Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery -- The gold star symbol*A member of the ASPS (American Society of Plastic Surgeons) -- The circle symbol*A member of the ASAPS (American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) -- the Queen Nefertitti symbol with a Triangle  *On faculty at local plastic surgery teaching program -- in our office we are affiliated with both Duke and UNC schools of plastic surgery.    
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General anesthesia involves alternating your state of consciousness and in doing so diminishes protective reflexes. This is why an anesthesiologist is employed for your comfort but more importantly your safety. Local anesthesia is an injection that allows the surgeon to perform the procedure in the area where the medicine was injected. Local anesthesia does not alter your level of consciousness or diminish your protective reflexes. Both can be employed safely, the primary difference is the requirement for an anesthesiologist when undergoing a general anesthetic.