Can a fat transfer be performed under local anesthesia?

I appreciate your question and understand your concern.
Many people have concerns about the type of anesthesia that will be used during their fat transfer surgery, this is quite common. 

Depending on the size of the procedure, if it's a small area of the body we're targeting, yes local anesthesia could be used. For fat transfers involving larger areas of the body, I use a gentler type of anesthesia called TIVA (total intravenous anesthesia). Using only IV medications, you will be asleep and comfortable during your procedure, but breathing on your own. This speeds up the recovery process for our patients so much that we started calling this method "Rapid Recovery™" The advantages to Rapid Recovery™ is that TIVA medications wear off quickly and they are eliminated from your body within hours of surgery. This results in a shorter time in the recovery room, as well as a smoother experience overall. TIVA also has an anti-nausea effect, meaning you won't have that "run over by a truck" feeling after your surgery. Most of our patients are up walking around after their procedure and feel good enough to go out to dinner the next night. 
The best way to assess and give true advice about which form of anesthesia would be best for your surgery would be an in-person exam. Please see your board-certified plastic surgeon.

Best of luck!

   

Dr. Schwartz

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

#RealSelf100Surgeon

#RealSelfCORESurgeon

For small areas like the face or minor corrections in other parts of the body, local anesthesia is sufficient to complete these procedures.  You would also benefit from oral sedation as well since small needles are used to anesthetize you.  

Yes, I perform all my facial surgeries under local anesthesia and facial fat transfer can be done under local anesthesia. I usually give my patients some oral sedation with local anesthesia and the procedure is very comfortable. There is swelling for a few day and by about 7-10 days you are presentable. 

yes fat transfer can be done locally sometimes its a little painful depending on where you are transffering.  I suggest seeing an expert who uses PRP/ sculptra and puregraft.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Yes, Fat Transfer can definitely be done under local anesthesia whether the fat removed is transferred to the Face, Hands, Buttocks or Breasts.  Tumescent (awake) anesthesia for liposculpture and fat transfer is the safest option for these procedures.  Good luck!

Dear Cici7526,fat transfer can be performed under local anesthesia in case that it is not a big area. Most plastic surgeons would not perform BBL under local anesthesia but fat transfer to face is commonly performed under local anesthesia. 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

Hello, and thank you for your question. Yes, in most circumstances, you can have a fat transfer procedure under local anesthesia. Of course, this will vary depending on the location and extent of your procedure, and you may receive oral sedation in addition to the local anesthesia to ensure your comfort and a safe procedure. If you have more questions about a particular procedure and anethesia, schedule an in-person consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area for a personalized recommendation. I wish you good health!
- Daniel Lensink, MD

For small areas and touch ups, local anesthesia alone can be used. For larger procedures involving more significant liposuction, sedation is preferable. 

Yes, fat transfer to the face or the buttocks can be done under local.  It depends upon the patient and the surgeon chosen.  Best of luck.

Yes in only very small amounts, less than 200 cc's. If looking for B B L I recommend general anesthesia so the lipo can be aggressive and transfer placed only sub cutaneously!.