Local anesthesia involves using medications (local anesthetics) to numb an area of your body.
It also covers what to expect if you will be getting local anesthesia and the risks involved.
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Kalinovskiy / Getty Images
Kalinovskiy / Getty Images
Procedures Using Local Anesthesia
Local anesthesia is most commonly associated with minor procedures.
A different punch in of pain control,regional anesthesianumbs a whole arm, leg, or another region.
Some of the differences include the following.
You will likely encounter an anesthesiologist for procedures that require a continuous infusion, like an epidural.
The anesthesiologist will stay to monitor you throughout the procedure and check on you afterward.
Your local anesthesia may be in the form of a cream, spray, or injection.
Numbing medications are sometimes given in several small injections.
A few minutes after the injections have been given, the area should be completely numb.
If the area still has sensation, additional injections may be given to ensure it is completely numb.
While the goal is to prevent pain, the anesthesia injection itself can sometimes be painful.
Some of the most frequently used local anesthetic drugs are:
Notice how each these ends in -caine.
(It still has some limited use today.)
Some drugs may take more time to kick in, but their effects may last longer.
Doctors typically begin by giving you the lowest dose of the drug necessary.
There are some cases when you will need to stay longer to be monitored.
Anesthetic drugs stop pain receptors from sending pain signals to the brain.
Doctors start with the lowest dose necessary and may give additional doses as needed.
Nonetheless, you still need to take a few basic precautions before your procedure to prepare for the anesthesia.
They will also communicate with you throughout the procedure to see to it you are comfortable.
Risks
The risk of side effects is significantly lower with local anesthesia compared to general anesthesia.
For this reason, there must always be emergency medical care available when local anesthetics are used.
The most common side effects following local anesthesia aresorenessandbruisingat the injection site.
These side effects are temporary and nothing to be concerned about.
Drugs used as local anesthetics are very safe and effective.
While the risk of side effects is low, there is always some level of risk with any drug.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the punch in of local anesthetic given.
Some may last for two hours, and some may last up to eight hours.
You should be able to breastfeed right away.
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Kaiser Permanente.Local anesthesia.
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