What are the Benefits of Local Anesthesia Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is one of the most widely performed aesthetic procedures. With a wide range of implants and surgical procedures, breast augmentation can give you the breast shape, volume, and symmetry you have always wanted. Using local anesthesia for breast augmentation is an option offered at Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery to lower your risks and speed your recovery time. 

What is Breast Augmentation?

Many women experience the desire for more shapely, proportionate breasts. Breast augmentation addresses these concerns by using saline or silicone implants to enhance breast volume. You also have the option of a fat transfer breast augmentation, also known as a California Breast Lift®. This procedure produces subtler, implant-free results. Any type of breast augmentation is a customized procedure to meet your goals. 

*Individual Results May Vary

How is Breast Augmentation Performed With Local Anesthesia?

Most facilities perform breast augmentation under general anesthesia. However, this method is accompanied by some risks, including reactions to the anesthetic agents. With general anesthesia, you are fully asleep and under the close watch of a board-certified anesthesiologist. 

Using local anesthesia means numbing the area with one of several numbing methods. As a result, you will not feel pain during the procedure. However, you will be conscious and awake, though slightly sedated. This numbing can be accomplished with medication that numbs the breast itself or that blocks pain signals from other nerves to the area. Your board-certified plastic surgeon will discuss all your options to determine the best one for you. 

What are the Benefits of Local Anesthesia Breast Augmentation?

When you think of undergoing surgery, you probably assume you will be asleep during the procedure. Many types of surgery require you to be under general anesthesia. However, research has shown that breast augmentation can be safely performed with local anesthesia only. 

Lower Risks

General anesthesia carries several risks. People may react poorly to the drugs used, for example. Local anesthesia lets your body maintain all its functions while you remain awake. 

Faster Recovery

If you have ever woken up from general anesthesia, you will know it can be an unpleasant experience. Local anesthesia will not require you to be woken up and allows you to carry on a conversation and think clearly immediately. 

Safer for More People

Some people are not good candidates for general anesthesia for a range of reasons. Research has shown that breast augmentation under local anesthesia is safe and effective for most candidates. People who should not have general anesthesia may still be able to have their procedure with local anesthesia. 

What is Recovery Like After Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation with local anesthesia allows you to return home after your procedure. You will not feel as groggy as you would after general anesthesia. Swelling and soreness improve significantly after the first few days, and many people can return to work during this time. You can typically resume your usual activities, including exercise, after about four to six weeks. 

What Types of Breast Implants are Available?

Breast implants come in many forms, but all use either saline or silicone. Some people feel that silicone implants look and feel more natural. However, saline implants or structured saline implants contain only sterile salt water and provide their own unique benefits. Only a consultation can determine the best implant type for your needs and goals. You will have the opportunity to touch and explore the different implant types to decide which appeal to you. 

Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is recommended for healthy adults with reasonable expectations who want to improve the appearance of their breasts. Good candidates should understand the risks and benefits. Your Newport Beach plastic surgeon will review all the details of your surgery, including anesthesia, during your consultation. Both virtual and in-person consultations are offered at our Newport Beach plastic surgery center. 

You should not have breast augmentation if you are pregnant or have certain medical conditions. A review of your medical history during your consultation will determine if there are any concerns to be aware of.