Local Anesthesia During Breast Surgery? Here’s How PECS Blocks Help
If you are considering breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, or another breast procedure, it is normal to think about how you will feel after surgery. Many patients wonder if local anesthesia can be used instead of general anesthesia. While general anesthesia is still used routinely for most breast surgeries, Dr. Emily Kirby pairs it with a highly effective numbing technique called Pectoral Nerve Block (PECS) blocks.
At our Fort Worth plastic surgery practice, PECS blocks are part of Dr. Kirby’s enhanced recovery protocol to help patients feel better faster, with less need for narcotic pain medication, for a more comfortable 24-48 hours after surgery.
Can breast surgery be performed under local anesthesia?
It is possible to undergo some breast surgeries with local anesthesia and IV sedation; however, Dr. Kirby routinely performs breast enhancement procedures under general anesthesia for your safety and comfort. Being asleep during surgery keeps your body completely calm and still, allowing Dr. Kirby to perform your breast procedure with maximum precision and efficiency.
Patients sometimes ask about local anesthesia because they are interested in avoiding narcotics or are concerned about waking up groggy after surgery. This is where PECS blocks come in: they are precisely injected during surgery (while you are asleep), using high-resolution ultrasound imaging, to numb the chest and minimize pain, reducing the need for additional medication during surgery and strong pain medications during your early recovery.
What is a PECS block, and how does it work?
A PECS block is a long-lasting regional nerve block that blocks nerve signals from the surgical site to improve comfort and mobility after breast surgery. Dr. Kirby places the local anesthetic during your surgery, so you will not feel it. The block starts working immediately, and helps you wake up feeling significantly more comfortable than you would without it.
Types of PECS blocks
There are two types of PECS blocks commonly used in plastic surgery:
- PECS I Block: This block helps reduce pain in the upper chest area. It targets the nerves between the pectoralis major and minor, which control your chest muscles and carry sensation signals for movement and pain.
- PECS II Block: PECS II includes the same coverage as PECS I, but reaches nerves that extend toward the armpit and surrounding tissues for broader pain relief, especially for surgeries that involve the lower chest and underarm area.
Dr. Kirby determines the most appropriate type of PECS block for your procedure to maximize your comfort. PECS I and II are most often performed together.
Every patient hopes for an easier recovery after breast surgery. PECS blocks make that possible with less pain, fewer narcotics, and faster return to normal.
How does a PECS block improve recovery?
PECS blocks control pain at the source, so patients need fewer, if any, narcotic pain medications, and feel more like themselves sooner after surgery.
Narcotic medications like oxycodone or hydrocodone can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, constipation, and grogginess. They also slow the body down, which can delay your return to daily activities, and interfere with good nutrition. PECS blocks help keep discomfort minimal from the start, so you can get moving earlier, eat more comfortably, and experience a more pleasant recovery.
Is it safe?
Yes. PECS blocks are a well-established pain management technique with very low complication rates. Dr. Kirby uses advanced high-resolution ultrasound imaging to ensure the correct anatomic placement of the anesthetic medication, which further reduces risks of rare complications and optimizes pain relief exactly where you need it.
City Surgery Center
Our on-site, Quad A-accredited surgical suite
Instead of heading to a hospital or other public surgical facility for your procedure, you can enjoy the privacy and luxury of our on-site operating room, designed to facilitate safe, top-quality care in a spa-like setting. Quad A-accreditation is the gold standard and meets or exceeds hospital standards.
Why does Dr. Kirby use PECS blocks for a rapid recovery?
Dr. Kirby believes recovery should be as thoughtfully planned as the procedure itself. Years of experience have shown that patients recover more comfortably and confidently when pain is well-controlled with minimal use of narcotics. That is why Dr. Kirby incorporates PECS blocks into most breast surgeries she performs for a rapid recovery. Patients consistently tell us how surprised (and relieved!) they are to feel normal so soon after surgery.
“My experience with Dr. Kirby and her staff from beginning to end was seamless. They covered every base and made sure I was comfortable and happy every step of the way. I felt (to my surprise) amazing once I got home from surgery. I was up and around sooner than expected. My recovery from the breast lift and implant exchange was so incredibly quick and easy. I felt better than my old self sooner than I imagined. I’m so glad I chose to trust Dr. Kirby. I am so much happier when I look in the mirror. After seeing my results, I have several friends and family members ready to meet with her for their consultation. I will gladly recommend Dr. Kirby to anyone.”
A better breast surgery experience starts here
Choosing a skilled, compassionate plastic surgeon makes all the difference in your surgical journey. Board-Certified Fort Worth Plastic Surgeon Dr. Emily Kirby and her team are committed to helping you feel informed, empowered, and cared for every step of the way.
If you’re considering a breast procedure, we invite you to schedule a consultation at Kirby Plastic Surgery. Dr. Kirby personalizes every surgical plan to support a safe procedure and a comfortable, confident recovery. Call or text our Fort Worth office at (817) 292-4200 today.
