Is it safer to do local anesthesia or general for a BBL?

Although the procedure can be performed under local anesthesia, this procedure can be extraordinarily painful for the patient. You want the most dramatic transformation possible, and you do not want to be in pain. General anesthetia requires a trained anesthesiologist (I use board certified anesthesiologists) to be present at all times, and to monitor the patient closely (blood pressure, temperature, respirations, etc). 
Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA

Thanks for your question. We prefer general anesthesia because it gives us the safest way to perform surgery, having the patient status under control of a board certified anesthesiologist.You definitely have to choose your surgeon correctly and make sure that he/she has the training and experience to meet your goals with absolute safety.  Best is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with specialized expertise in this procedure.

Dear mrational86,
most plastic surgeons will recommend general anesthesia for BBL surgery. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery