Certain cosmetic procedures may require the use of general anesthesia or sedatives, however local anesthesia provides several advantages for plastic surgery patients undergoing less-intrusive procedures to reduce pain or discomfort.
What Is Local Anesthesia?
Local anesthesia encompasses any medication or techniques used to numb or prevent pain to specific areas of the body. It works by stopping the nerves from sending signals to your brain, but only in a concentrated part of your body. Although it is effective at blocking out pain, you may still feel some pressure or movement.
The most common types of local anesthesia drugs are amides, which include lignocaine, prilocaine, and bupivacaine, and esters, such as amethocaine, cocaine, and procaine.
They generally take the form of topical liquids, creams, gels, or sprays that can be applied directly to the skin or mucous membranes, or one-time injectable medications introduced near the target area.
Other variations of anesthesia include:
General anesthesia results in a loss of consciousness and feeling throughout the entire body. This puts patients into a medically induced comatose state, for more invasive plastic surgeries.
Regional anesthesia numbs large areas of the body without causing unconsciousness, and is most commonly utilized for spinal blocks and epidurals.
Sedatives include any drugs or medication that slows down brain activity, producing a sense of calmness and causing sleep.
What sets local anesthesia apart from others is its capability to numb smaller areas of the body without causing patients to fall asleep. It takes effect in just a few minutes, and completely wears off after a few hours.
This makes it an ideal solution for less-invasive, outpatient procedures.
What Cosmetic Procedures Use Local Anesthesia?
Typically, your doctor or plastic surgeon will determine the best course of treatment and type of anesthetic based on specifics of the procedure, and patient details and preferences.
Some of the plastic surgeries that can usually be performed under local anesthetic include:
- Liposuctions
- Face Lifts
- Nasal Tip Surgery
- Lip Lifts
- Eyelid Lifts (Blepharoplasty)
- Chin & Cheek Augmentations,
- Scar Tissue Correction
- Non-Surgical Treatments Such as Microneedling
What Benefits Does It Offer?
Local anesthesia is a convenient option for less-invasive plastic surgeries requiring pain management and patient lucidity throughout the procedure.
Local anesthesia encompasses any medication or techniques used to numb or prevent pain to specific areas of the body. It works by stopping the nerves from sending signals to your brain, but only in a concentrated part of your body.
Plastic surgeons can treat their patients more quickly, safely, and comfortably using local anesthesia. It also requires less preparation to administer, and boasts a significantly shorter recovery time. Since its effects don’t last too long, this also means patients can return home on their own recognizance, since they’re awake the entire time.
Local anesthesia doesn’t require an anesthesiologist for administration, and there’s less patient preparation. It’s much more cost-effective than general anesthesia or sedation, helping patients save money.
Additionally, local anesthesia poses way fewer health risks and side effects than other forms of surgical pain relief.
What Are Potential Risks & Side Effects for Patients?
Local anesthesia is considered a very safe approach with only the rare chances for minor health risks and side effects.
One of the most common is nausea, but this is much less likely to manifest with local anesthetic.
Though rare, some patients may experience pain, discomfort, or tingling sensations at the injection or application site, and minor bruising or bleeding. There’s also a chance for patients to develop headaches, dizziness, and blurred vision, as well as an allergic reaction in rare cases.
If you exhibit any prolonged side effects, be sure to contact your doctor.
Trust Buglino Plastic Surgery for Safe & Stunning Results!
Dr. Anthony Buglino is experienced in performing a wide range of cosmetic procedures, and known for delivering a high level of care and long-lasting results for patients.
He also uses a carefully considered combination of medications such as epinephrine, along with local anesthesia, to decrease the chances of bleeding and bruising during surgery, and reduce overall costs.
Contact Dr. Anthony Buglino at (516) 864-0700, or schedule a free consultation online to discuss the best options for helping you achieve the look and feel you’ve always dreamed of!
And be sure to follow Dr. Buglino on Instagram to see results of his past work for yourself!
