Tumescent Anesthetic Breast Surgery (TABS): Primary and Secondary Breast Augmentation Surgery in an Office-Based Surgical Center

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to review the risks, benefits, safety, and limitations of tumescent lidocaine anesthesia in tumescent anesthetic breast surgery (TABS) based on 504 surgical procedures performed in an office-based surgical center. Materials and Methods: From December 1, 2008, to November 15, 2011, 448 primary and 56 secondary breast augmentation surgeries were performed on 448 patients using tumescent lidocaine anesthesia (55 of the original 448 patients were operated on again; 1 patient was not an original patient). The age of the patients ranged from 19 to 68 years. All surgeries were performed at the Perfect Image Cosmetic Surgery MedSpa in El Paso, Tex. Results: No patient asked for the surgery to be terminated because of pain or anxiety. In 502 of the 504 surgeries, patients said they would repeat the surgery using tumescent lidocaine. Lidocaine toxicity was dose-dependent. Complications were equal to or lower than those listed by the Allergan Corporation for general anesthesia. Conclusion: Tumescent lidocaine used in TABS is a safe and effective form of conscious anesthesia without sedation in cosmetic breast surgery in an office-based surgical center.