A 41-year-old member asked:
Can they just do an epidural when you want to get cosmetic plastic surgery similar to when you want to get a bigger butt?
4 doctor answers • 9 doctors weighed in
Dr. David Rosenfeldanswered
Pain Management 28 years experience
They could: In reality, it could be done, it just never is.
An epidural would be fine for procedures from the belly button down. I have to admit that in 15 years of practice I have never seen it done.
Why you ask? Likely because it would require keeping the patient around post-op for a long time to allow the epidural to wear off.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Thomas Fiala commented
Plastic Surgery 34 years experience
Also, depends where you are harvesting the fat from - if it's from your abdomen, you would not have reliable anesthesia of the upper abdomen with an epidural....
Jun 18, 2013
Dr. Cynthia Poulos commented
Plastic Surgery 37 years experience
It is possible, but why do you ask? Is there some risk you are concerned about? It sounds like you need to discuss this with a surgeon who is experienced in the procedure. Number one, if you have health issues and are concerned about anesthesia surgery may not be the right choice for you. Two , it is important for your surgeon to be comfortable with the choice of anesthesia .
Sep 14, 2013
Dr. Otto Placikanswered
Surgery - Plastics 35 years experience
Not consistent: Epidural anesthesia can be wonderful for delivery but may not provide consistent anesthetic levels that we seek when performing cosmetic surgery. In these cases local anesthesia supplementation is necessary. In instances where are patents are kept in the hospital for several days, it may be an option. However, in most instances, recovery is not predictable and urine retention can be a problem.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Tom Poustianswered
Specializes in Plastic Surgery
Possible.: Although the use of an epidural anesthetic may be possible for procedures performed below the belly button, i prefer the use of general anesthesia which i find ensures patients comfort, safety, allows for a immobile patient, and allows for surgery from head to toe. Safety considerations are always paramount and patients should be aware of the qualifications of their surgeon and anesthesiologist.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Francisco Agulloanswered
Plastic Surgery 21 years experience
Possible: Many plastic surgeons can perform procedures with spinal anesthesia. Talk to your plastic surgeon to discuss which types of anesthesia he uses.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Last updated Sep 14, 2013
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