Toxicity of Local Anesthetics in Hair Transplantation and Facial Plastic Surgery

Abstract

The tendency toward the use of local anesthetics for longer outpatient procedures such as hair transplantation micrograft megasessions and cosmetic facial plastic surgery calls for special consideration of potential toxicity and adverse reactions. As longer procedures on larger, highly vascular surface areas are attempted, the potential for adverse reactions becomes more likely. Understanding the pharmacological properties that govern the clinical effects of local anesthetics, such as onset of action, duration of action, and adverse effects, will prompt the clinician to carefully consider the technique of administration and the dosing limits of these potentially toxic anesthetic drugs.