Can you really perform a SMAS lower face and necklift as an in-office procedure with just a local anesthetic?

Some surgeons might do this in office under straight local.  I would not.  I am not sure that it is wrong, but I like the control that general anesthesia provides me.  It allows me to be more precise and deliver the results of which I have pride.  The extra expense is minimal especially if you consider it amortized over many years of enjoying a high quality natural appearing face and neck.

#Facelifts and ancillary procedures are usually performed as #outpatient in a surgery center. A one night stay in post-operative care facility may be advisable in some cases. But, local #anesthetic combined with intravenous sedation is usually used. This will allow the patient to sleep through most of the procedure. General anesthesia is available upon request however is usually not necessary.The Lite-lift™  is generally performed with a local anesthetic and medication by mouth, which will keep you comfortable during the procedure and allow for an easier recovery.For more information about Lite-lift™, I welcome you to visit my website link provided below.

It is possible to use local anesthesya for this kind of surgery, but we think it has too much risks, and is not the right approach when thinking of the best outcome for the patient of a face lift.It is comfortable and more safe for both - the patient and surgeon, when the patient is fully asleep and completely unaware of anything; his or her condition is controlled by various sophisticated monitors to ensure that he/she is fully comfortable. While appropriately trained anesthetist is monitoring condition of the patient, the surgeon will have enough time to perform the surgery.It is important to know, that modern anesthesia is not the same as it was many years ago, it is much safer than many people used to think. So, we definitly prefer it to local, for most of the cases of facelift.

If you are in good health then a SMAS lower facelift and necklift can be performed safely by either local anesthesia with oral sedation in office, intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia in my practice. Looking up under local anesthesia is something that is taught to residents early in their training but not as important once experience and expertise over decades. The key is for you to feel most comfortable. Many patients select local anesthesia with sedation as they are afraid of General Anethesia, whereas other patients are afraid of being aware or feeling the injections at the beginning of the procedure.General anesthesia is safer than many patients think, but if you are uncomfortable with the idea of being fully knocked out then your facelift can be performed with local anesthesia with IV sedation. Your doctor will check thoroughly to be certain that general anesthesia is safe for you. In any case, you are safest in the hands of a Board Certified Anesthesiologist. The most important decision you can make is deciding on the most qualified plastic surgeon (see link below) whose job it is to guide you on decisions such as the ones you are considering.#faceliftanethesia#faceliftanesthesiachoices#SMASfacelift

Thanks for posting your question. I have performed thousands of facelifts, neck lifts, mini lifts, blephs, lasers and chin implants all under local anesthesia and oral sedation (valium).  Done properly, patients are comfortable and have an easier recovery both mentally and physically. There is an art and science to this local anesthesia technique to acquire a high level of patient comfort. My patients do not even require a narcotic prior or during their their procedures thus reducing nausea caused by narcotics. The risks, both short term and long term, of general anesthesia are eliminated. Even under local anesthesia, I do choose to perform the procedure in an accredited surgery center (AAAASF). Please consult with several board certified surgeons experienced in facelifting and also in local anesthesia techniques.

The answer is a definite yes. I perform full facelifts under local anesthesia and mild oral sedation without IVs. Almost 100% of my patients are done this way and I've done about 3000 cases this way. The sedation is safe, patients are entirely comfortable, and my surgeries are not rushed. There's nothing wrong with using general anesthesia, but in my experience, its not necessary.

In short, "yes." There are caveats, however. It takes a very specific type of patient to be able to lay still for three or four hours while the procedure is performed. In truth, a well-done, long-lasting, natural-appearing facelift is technically complex. You never want to be in a situation where your surgeon is forced to hurry because you are uncomfortable, afraid, etc. A great "in-between" option is the one that I use most commonly -- conscious sedation. This avoids the breathing tube but ensures that the patient is much more comfortable. It makes for a better experience for all parties involved.  Best of luck moving forward!

Yes, a SMAS facelift can be performed under local anesthesia only BUT probably should not be.A SMAS facelift means different things to different patients and surgeons. I know that may seem surprising but its true. If a SMAS facelift means the SMAS layer is elevated and released then the procedure should be performed with IV sedation or even a general anesthetic in some cases.  The person's health, age, anxiety level, and areas needing improvement all need to be considered.Through the years I have found most patients under-estimate their true anxiety level (its usually higher than they think especially when it comes time to do the procedure).  The increased anxiety level can affect many important parameters, such as blood pressure; it increases which is not good. Additionally, it may sounds like "less" of a procedure or "less major" when a surgeon or business suggests only local anesthesia but IV sedation (twilight, conscious sedation) and general anesthesia are both very, very safe and provide a better and safer experience for the patient, in my opinion.  An additional reason for the higher safety is that to have IV sedation or a general anesthetic the procedure must be done in an accredited facility, which meets certain standards for safety and sterility.  In office procedures do not have or meet these standards.I hope this helps. 

Thanks for your question. It certainly is possible to perform a comprehensive facelift procedure under local anesthetic. I do think however that it would be more uncomfortable if not downright BORING for the patient to have to lie still for up to 3 hours. The sedation most surgeons use is safe and effective in making the experice much more pleasant. In the odd case of patients with significant sleep apnea who might be difficult to sedate this could be a reasonable option.  Good Luck

Hi. Yes it is possible but most people need oral sedation for this. This surgery takes approximately 3 hours, and many people become restless and find it hard to sit still for that length of time. Regards Dr Charles Cope

This procedure can absolutely be performed under local anesthesia with light oral sedation.  I have performed hundreds of these procedures in an operating room with only oral valium and very comfortably placed local anesthesia.  The SMAS is always addressed and the results are natural and refreshing.  The reason for most surgeons saying no to this approach is purely a lack of experience with this situation.  The modern day face and neck lift is this very approach.  Feel free to check out my website to see before and after photos of face and neck lifts performed under local anesthesia.