Local anesthesia provides numbness to a specific area of the body. Sutures and dental work are two examples of situations where a local anesthetic would be used.
An antibacterial cleanser is used to clean the site of the procedure. Once clean, the numbing medication is injected, which sometimes causes a burning/stinging sensation. Usually, this only lasts for a few seconds. The medication takes affect rather quickly, and?wears off rather quickly as well. Once numb, the there should be no pain while the area is being worked on. There is usually a sensation of pressure, but no pain should be involved. If pain is experienced, the doctor should be notified, so that he can inject more?medication.
There are rarely complications associated with local anesthesia, nevertheless, they do sometimes occur. Allergic reactions are possible, and may cause temporary breathing problems. In very rare cases, seizures or arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) can result from the medication if it is accidentally injected into the bloodstream.
For breast augmentation surgery, the local anesthetic will not be given until you have been put under general, or twilight, anesthesia. Local anesthesia is ALWAYS given in conjunction with twilight anesthesia.
Related links
American Board of Anesthesiology
American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
Anesthesia Patient Safety
Researching your plastic surgeon