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

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.