Small amount of fat transfer to body with local or general anesthesia?

Question

I will have a small amount off fat removed from my right buttocks (guess about 50cc), to create more symmetry and have it transferred to some liposuction irregularities at one place on my leg. I want local anesthesia since it's just one location for harvest and one location to fill, but the dr. prefers general. Does the liquid of local anesthesia makes it hard for a dr. to see the irregularities? Which method is the less harmful, and which gives the best result? I am not scared to stay awake.

Mansour Bendago, FRCSC · Answer

You could have fat transfer under local anesthesia if the amount is a small volume like you had mentioned. The painful part is the harvesting; however local anesthetic will mitigate that.The harvested fat will be purified from the local anesthetic before it is transferred to the buttock. Injecting the fat is not that painful.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

General anesthesia will allow for a more precise fat transfer for the reasons stated.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Samer W. Cabbabe, MD · Answer

It is very difficult to perform liposuction and fat grafting effectively under local anesthesia, even just 50 cc.   In addition, it is difficult to maintain sterility in an office setting.  Most board certified plastic surgeons know they do their best work in a controlled environment with the assistance of an anesthesiologist so they are not distracted with managing pain while performing delicate surgery.

Maan Kattash, MD, FRCS, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

This depends on the comfort level of the surgeon, but the decision is yours.Remember, you have to be numb in both the donor and recipient sides. That means local anesthetic in both areas.If you have multiple areas that warrant correction, you need to be injected in all these areas. This may be cumbersome to you and your surgeon. Good Luck.

George Commons, MD (retired) · Answer

If you need a fat transfer it is logical to have a general anesthesia.   You cannot inject local into an area and then judge fat transfer anywhere on the body.   General anesthesia is a very safe technique and in the hands os a nurse anesthetist or MD anesthesiologist you will be fine.   There is really no logical alternative.  My Best,  Dr C

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