Can I have a breast reduction without undergoing general anesthesia?

Question

Richard G. Schwartz, MD · Answer

Although local anesthesia and IV sedation (twilight) anesthesia are occasionally used for a breast enlargement, general anesthesia is generally considered the best anesthesia for a breast reduction, in terms of patient comfort and safety.  The operation takes around 3 hours and is performed as an outpatient, so you go home the same day.  It is difficult to achieve total comfort for the patient without general anesthesia.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

This surgery is best performed with general anesthesia since there are a plethora of nerves innervating your breast tissue and it is difficult to block them all using local anesthesia or tumescent techniques.  It is not an lengthy surgery, typically 2 1/2 - 3 hours, so the side effects of general anesthesia are minimized.

Thomas Trevisani, MD · Answer

NO! It is a big operation and should only be performed by a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and a Board Certified Anesthesiologist under general anesthesia . In my opinion- general anesthesia is the safest and most reliable way of anesthesia.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Although breast reduction can (and is) performed under local anesthesia with sedation, this would not be my preference or recommendation.  I find that the use of general anesthesia provided by a board-certified anesthesiologist provides for optimal patient comfort, immobility, experience, and outcomes.Best wishes.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

NO! Especially at your older age it would be safer to have anesthesiologist in control of your well being during this 3 hour++ surgery.

Can I have a breast reduction without undergoing general anesthesia?

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Answer: Can I have a breast reduction without undergoing general anesthesia?

Answer: Can I have a breast reduction without undergoing general anesthesia?

Answer: Can I have a breast reduction without undergoing general anesthesia?

Answer: Can I have a breast reduction without undergoing general anesthesia?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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Can I have a breast reduction without undergoing general anesthesia?

Answers (7)

Answer: Can I have a breast reduction without undergoing general anesthesia?

Answer: Can I have a breast reduction without undergoing general anesthesia?

Answer: Can I have a breast reduction without undergoing general anesthesia?

Answer: Can I have a breast reduction without undergoing general anesthesia?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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