Anaesthetic Local

What is local anaesthetic?


The word anaesthesia means ‘loss of sensation’. A local anaesthetic is a medication that temporarily numbs a specific area of your body. Numbing usually occurs within minutes and may last for a few hours. A local anaesthetic stops the transmission of pain signals from your nerves in the affected part of your body.

Local anaesthetic can be used to treat a painful condition, prevent pain during a minor procedure or operation, or relieve pain after surgery.

Compared to a general anaesthetic, you will be awake after a local anaesthetic. You will feel no pain, but you may still sense pressure or movement. A local anaesthetic is generally safer, doesn’t need special preparation before use, and you recover from it faster.

Many people having a local anaesthetic do not want to be awake for surgery and choose to have sedation as well.

Latest news and advice

Woodthorpe Hospital Opens Doors for Medical Students

Three final-year medical students from the University of Nottingham have just returned from a life-changing overseas elective in Australia, thanks to the Ramsay Medical Student Bursary, an initiative led by Woodthorpe Hospital, part of Ramsay Health Care UK.

Find out more

Pinehill Treats 100 Aquablation Therapy Patients

Pinehill Hospital, part of Ramsay Health Care UK, is pleased to announce that 100 men suffering from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) have been treated using Aquablation Therapy, a cutting-edge robotic prostate treatment. 

Find out more

Duchy Hospital Achieves JAG Accreditation

Duchy Hospital in Truro, is proud to announce that its endoscopy unit has been awarded accreditation by the Joint Advisory Group on Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (JAG). 

Find out more
Paying for yourself?

Get in touch

Need some advice on a treatment price or booking an initial appointment?

We're here to help.

BOOK ONLINE

Or send us a message...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Important Information

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material, contained on this website is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

No warranty or guarantee is made that the information contained on this website is complete or accurate in every respect. The testimonials, statements, and opinions presented on our website are applicable to the individuals depicted. Results will vary and may not be representative of the experience of others. Prior patient results are only provided as examples of what may be achievable. Individual results will vary and no guarantee is stated or implied by any photo use or any statement on this website.

Ramsay is a trusted provider of plastic or reconstructive surgery treatments as a part of our wrap-around holistic patient care. Our personal, friendly and professional team are here to support you throughout to ensure the best possible care. All procedures we perform are clinically justified.

Ramsay Health Care UK is not currently recruiting for any roles based outside of England. If you are interested in applying for a role with Ramsay Health Care UK, please note that all available positions are advertised exclusively on our official website: https://www.ramsayhealth.co.uk/careers. Be cautious of individuals or organisations that approach you directly for remotely-based roles. Always verify the authenticity of the job offer and be careful with whom you share your personal information. For more information and advice on employment fraud, please visit: https://www.ramsayhealth.co.uk/careers/recruitment-fraud