Local anesthesia in facial plastic surgery

Although local anesthesia is ideal for cosmetic facial surgery, it must be prepared and administered with at least as much care and attention to detail as with general anesthesia. Relegating the responsibility to ancillary help in both hospital and office operating rooms adds to the legal jeopardy to which the surgeon is exposed. The choice and dosage of local anesthetics and safety measures to be followed in their usage are discussed.