Why would a plastic surgeon only use local anesthesia for a mini face lift? is general anesthesia too risky?

Less is more: With general anesthesia (assuming you are in very good health) there is the risk of reaction to the anesthetic, damage to the liver, development of pneumonia. If your health isn't so good, the risks of complications are even higher. Local anesthesia provides the required amount of numbness without exposing the pt to major risks.

Not necessary: General anesthesia is not always necessary to do a face lift.

Choice: Either general anesthesia or local can be used for a miniift. If a patient is nervous general is a better option. The risks of general anesthesia for a healthy person are very low.

Choices, choices...: Local anesthesia is a great and safe option for a procedure like a mini-lift, if both patient and surgeon are comfortable with that option. There are some benefits to a local only procedure, however, for some patients, the idea of being "awake" during a procedure is very disturbing. For those patients, IV sedation or general anesthesia (in an accredited facility) is a good and very safe option.

Both have : Risks and benefits. With local anesthesia +/- light sedation, your post anesthetist recovery should be quick with minimal side effects. However, you will be awake for the procedure and may have areas that are incompletely numbed and require supplementation. Under general, you will be out the whole time, but need to recover from the anesthetic afterwards.

Beware of mini lifts: Your concern should not be anesthesia but rather with the mini-lift. True plastic surgeons generally do not offer mini lifts. We spend too much time correcting the damage others cause by mini lifts. Beware of any surgeon willing to discuss a mini lift with you! they likely lack training. A full facelift can be done under local, sedation of general. Surgeon and patient determine what is best!

Mini Face anesthesia: There are several reasons a plastic surgeon only use local anesthesia for a mini face lift: it is less expensive for the patient, less nausea, faster recovery, no need for iv;s are the top reasons.

Not to risky: It might not be needed for the surgery. The plastic surgeon may not have the facilities in his office to provide a full general anesthetic.

Not really necessary: While general anesthesia is relatively safe using local anesthesia with some mild sedation is even safer. For most facelifts general anesthesia is overkill and has increased risk of postoperative disorientation and dementia in the elderly and deep vein thrombosis.

Minifacelift: It is not unheard of to perform a minifacelift under local anesthesia. The procedure is well tolerated. Your surgeon should review your medical history to determine if this is a safe option for you.