If you’ve considered plastic surgery, you may have envisioned the anxiety and prolonged recovery associated with general anesthesia. But, you may be surprised to find that a few of the most transformative aesthetic procedures can be performed with local anesthesia alone.
In this post, female plastic surgeon Dr. Katerina Gallus shares four surprising in-office procedures she performs under local anesthesia at her San Diego plastic surgery center and the benefits of this approach compared to general anesthesia.
Eyelid lift (blepharoplasty)
Blepharoplasty, or eyelid lift, is designed to rejuvenate the eye area by removing excess skin and fat from the upper eyelid, lower eyelid, or both. We make precise incisions along the natural crease of the eyelids to tighten and reshape a smooth, natural-looking appearance. For the lower lids, the incision is made just below the lash line in a natural crease or inside the eyelid to ensure scars are well-hidden.
Under local anesthesia, this procedure achieves both functional and cosmetic goals, such as:
- Removes puffiness and “bags” that contribute to a tired look
- Reshapes skin and muscles around your eyes for a more youthful, alert expression
- Corrects drooping eyelids for improved vision for some patients
Labiaplasty
Labiaplasty is a highly personalized procedure that involves meticulous trimming and reshaping of the labia minora, and sometimes the labia majora, clitoral hood, and/or mons pubis. As a standalone procedure (many patients add labiaplasty to their mommy makeover surgery plan), labiaplasty can be safely and comfortably performed with local anesthesia. You can drive home immediately after the procedure and enjoy a straightforward recovery—most physical activities can gradually resume after about six weeks, making it a convenient option for many women.
We’ve seen a rise in labiaplasty surgery to address a range of cosmetic and practical concerns, including:
- Achieves a more harmonious, symmetrical appearance that aligns with personal preferences
- Resolves physical issues like chafing, irritation, or pain during exercise or sexual activities, sometimes due to weight or hormone-related tissue changes
- Boosts confidence by helping patients feel more at ease in intimate situations or fitted clothing
See labiaplasty before and after photos here »
Chin lipo (submental liposuction)
Chin liposuction targets the area under the chin to reduce stubborn fat deposits. We place a small incision under the chin or behind the ears for near-invisible scarring and insert a thin, hollow tube called a cannula to break up and remove excess fat stores. With local anesthesia, you’ll experience less bruising and swelling and can often return to your normal routine the following day and more rigorous activities after 4 weeks.
This minimally-invasive approach features several benefits, including:
- Reduces the appearance of a “double chin”
- Sculpts a more feminine or masculine jawline contour, depending on your preferences
- Offers permanent fat removal from treated areas (Note: Liposuction does not prevent remaining fat cells from growing in treated areas if you gain weight in the future.)
Otoplasty
Otoplasty, or ear surgery, is tailored to reshape or reposition the ears. Otoplasty typically involves a small incision behind the ear to reshape or remove cartilage to achieve a natural, seamless look; however, the exact technique we use depends on your specific needs and goals, and permanent sutures are often used to securely hold the ear in its new position. Using local anesthesia allows you to resume regular activities within a few days.
Whether it’s a congenital condition or simply a desire for improvement, otoplasty may provide many aesthetic outcomes for children and adults, including:
- Resizes large or misshapen ears
- Repositions protruding ears (ear pinning)
- Corrects asymmetry to achieve a balanced facial appearance
- Alleviates self-consciousness associated with ear appearance
The benefits of local anesthesia over general anesthesia
Here’s why local anesthesia may be your preferred option for the procedures mentioned above and other transformative procedures as well.
Safety
Local anesthesia is typically associated with fewer risks and complications than general anesthesia. Issues such as allergic reactions, respiratory problems, or other anesthesia-related risks are significantly minimized and thus have a more limited effect on the body’s systemic functions. Local anesthesia may sometimes be the safer option, especially if you have certain underlying health conditions.
Comfort and Convenience
Since local anesthesia only numbs a specific area, recovery from anesthesia itself is quicker, with fewer side effects such as nausea, dizziness, or grogginess. There’s also no need to place a breathing tube to maintain airway control with awake procedures—which makes the desired procedure less intimidating for many patients.
Awake plastic surgery procedures allow you to be conscious during the procedure so you can communicate with the surgical team at all times if desired.
Financial Considerations
Local anesthesia is typically the most cost-effective option because it does not require the same level of monitoring or the involvement of an anesthesiologist. Many procedures performed under local anesthesia can be done in an outpatient setting to save on hospital fees and resources.
La Jolla plastic surgeon Dr. Katerina Gallus performs all procedures in an onsite, Quad-A accredited surgical suite for your privacy, comfort, and convenience.
Patients should discuss anesthesia options with their surgeon to find the approach that best aligns with their individual needs and expectations.
Choose a female plastic surgeon San Diego patients trust
Dr. Katerina Gallus is a board-certified San Diego plastic surgeon who prioritizes personalized care, safety, and satisfaction. To schedule a consultation at our La Jolla plastic surgery office, we invite you to call Restore SD Plastic Surgery at (858) 224-2281 or fill out our online patient form.
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