Types of Anesthesia Used for Breast Augmentation

During your breast augmentation procedure, you will be given anesthesia to make sure you don’t feel any pain. Types of anesthesia for breast augmentation include:

1. local anesthesia with IV sedation
2. general anesthesia

Local Anesthesia
Local anesthesia is a breast augmentation anesthesia that is injected into a specific part of the body. Local anesthetics for breast augmentation are injected into and around the breasts. One advantage of local anesthesia is that you will be awake during your breast implant procedure, so there are not as many side effects as with general anesthesia. Your pain relief may also last longer.

Local Anesthesia Risks
Local anesthesia for breast enlargement surgery generally has very few side effects. Although local anesthesia complications are rare, they may include the following:

• Toxicity from overdose
• Puncture wounds
• Pain due to inadequate anesthesia

IV Sedation
IV sedation helps relieve anxiety during your breast augmentation procedure. There are two types of IV sedation:

1. conscious sedation
2. unconscious sedation.

During conscious sedation, you will still be able to respond to questions or commands. During unconscious sedation, you will not be able to respond to questions or commands.

IV Sedation Risks
IV sedation is generally safe when administered by a qualified physician or anesthetist. Although IV sedation complications are rare, they may include the following:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Excessive drowsiness
• Breathing problems
• Blood pressure changes
• Irregular heart beats
• Shivering

General Anesthesia
General anesthesia is the most common type of anesthesia given for breast enhancement procedures. With general anesthesia, you will be asleep during your breast augmentation surgery. General anesthesia is normally injected through an IV line. While you’re under general anesthesia, you will not feel pain.

General Anesthesia Risks
As with any type of anesthesia, there are some risks associated with general anesthesia. General anesthesia complications are rare, but may include the following:

• Confusion
• Pneumonia
• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Death

Refrences

1. The Gale Group. Health Topics A to Z.
2. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. General Anesthesia.