Local Anaesthetic

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A local anaesthetic causes temporary and localised numbing of the pain receptors in a certain part of the body.  An anaesthetic substance will be injected subcutaneously.  Unlike a general anaesthetic, where the patient is unconscious, a local anaesthetic allows for medical procedures to be carried out while the patient is awake.  This can be advantageous if the patient needs to respond to stimuli or questions from the surgeon, or if it is a relatively non-invasive procedure.  Usually a general anaesthetic will require an observation period afterwards, and often an overnight stay in the hospital; after a local anaesthetic the patient may be discharged on the same day.  For this reason it can be a more suitable choice for minor procedures.  Your cosmetic surgeon will be able to advise you as to which course of action is best for you.   

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