Is it common to be given a breathing tube during a breast reduction?

 Breast reduction surgery is one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform; it is often done under general anesthesia.  The device that is used to "control the airway" may be an endotracheal tube (a tube that goes through the patient's vocal cords) OR a laryngeal mask airway (LMA), which is a device that keeps the patient's airway open (but is placed above the patient's vocal cords). There are pros/cons associated with each option and sometimes, depending on the  specific patient's situation, a specific type of device may be preferred. My best advice: careful selection of plastic surgeon. Make sure that he/she is a board certified plastic surgeon who works with a well experienced anesthesia provider ( in my practice a board-certified anesthesiologist), in a fully accredited surgery facility. I hope this helps.

Breast reductions are routinely done under general anesthesia as insurance in involved and will cover their costs per their agreement with the anesthesiologist.  The procedure is at least a 2.5 hour procedure and can last up to 4 hours so its best to be under general with your anesthesiologist making sure you are okay during the procedure.  I can't think of doing such a procedure under local/sedation.