US Medical Term · procedures
Local Anesthesia
Anestesia local
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Local Anesthesia |
| Spanish (Español) | Anestesia local |
| Chinese (中文) | 局部麻醉 |
| Korean (한국어) | 국소마취 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Gây tê tại chỗ |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Local anesthesia |
| Portuguese (Português) | Anestesia local |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | การฉีดยาชาเฉพาะที่ |
| Japanese (日本語) | 局所麻酔 |
What it means
Local anesthesia is medication injected or applied directly to a small area of the body to numb it and block pain signals during a minor procedure. The patient remains fully awake and alert. It is used for procedures such as biopsies, minor skin surgeries, dental work, stitching of wounds, cataract surgery, and some injections. Common local anesthetics include lidocaine and bupivacaine. The injection may sting briefly before the numbness sets in. The numbing effect lasts from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the agent used. After it wears off, some soreness at the injection site is normal. Local anesthesia is generally very safe with minimal side effects and is preferred when general anesthesia is not necessary.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I only need local anesthesia for this skin biopsy, so I will stay awake during the procedure.
Solo necesito anestesia local para esta biopsia de piel, así que estaré despierto durante el procedimiento.
Will the local anesthesia injection hurt and how long will the numbness last?
¿Dolerá la inyección de anestesia local y cuánto durará el entumecimiento?
Is there any reason I cannot have local anesthesia for this procedure?
¿Hay alguna razón por la que no pueda recibir anestesia local para este procedimiento?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026