The Most Common Anesthesia Questions Asked & Answered.
When considering plastic surgery, oftentimes it is the idea of anesthesia that leaves many feeling anxious. And while most people have a general understanding of what it is, almost every patient will have questions when it comes to anesthetic process. Whether you are concerned with feeling pain or exposure to the risks, there is no better way to put yourself at ease than to be informed. Below we answer the some of the most commonly asked anesthesia questions.
- What is anesthesia? Anesthesia is a way to control or block pain during a medical procedure through the administration of medicine, called anesthetics. Anesthetics can also help to control a patient’s vitals, induce relaxation, and help them to sleep through surgery if necessary. There are varying types of anesthesia. However, the two most common types of anesthesia used are local and general anesthesia.
- What is the difference between local and general anesthesia? Local anesthesia is administered to a specific part of the body, causing the area to become numb. While the patient is awake under local anesthetic, they are temporarily unable to feel any pain or sensation in the area at issue. For minor surgery, a local anesthetic can be administered via injection to the site. General anesthesia, is an anesthetic used to induce unconsciousness during surgery. The medication is either inhaled through a breathing mask or tube, or administered through an intravenous line. A breathing tube may be inserted into the windpipe to maintain proper breathing during surgery. Under general anesthesia, not only does the patient not feel any pain from the procedure, they are completely unaware that the surgery even happened.
- What type of anesthesia is appropriate for my procedure? The type of anesthesia used will depend on type of procedure being performed and the patient’s respective tolerance to pain. For lesser procedures such as a liposuction to a small area or lip injections, local anesthetic may be used. However, larger, more time-consuming operations, such as, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, or facelift will ordinarily require IV sedation or general anesthesia.
- Who will administer my anesthesia? Local is safe when performed by a qualified provider, such as a board certified plastic surgeon, board certified Anesthesiologist, or Nurse. General anesthesia should only be administered by a board certified physician (MD/DO) anesthesiologist or a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). In addition to providing your anesthesia, the anesthesiologist will manage vital functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure, heart rhythm, body temperature, and breathing. When administered under proper care, anesthesia is extremely low risk and safe. Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon who will be administering your anesthesia.
- Is anesthesia safe? Yes. Because of advances in technology and pharmacology, as well as more rigorous practice standards and educational requirements for anesthesia providers, anesthesia today is safer than ever. Prior to surgery, patients required to undergo general anesthesia, must have a medical evaluation to ensure that administration of the medicine is safe. Thorough and accurate answering of the questions is important because the anesthesiologist will select the best combination of drugs and dosages based on this information.
- Will I wake up during surgery? Anesthesiologists are trained to deliver the appropriate dosage of anesthetic based on the patient’s age and body mass, as well as the time needed to complete the procedure. These, and other considerations are made in order to ensure that the patient remains unconscious and comfortable throughout the entire procedure. It is exceptionally rare for a patient to return to consciousness during a procedure.
- Will I be in pain when the anesthetic wears off? Upon waking you may feel some pain and discomfort, however, this will depend on the type and the extent of the procedure. We are as different as snowflakes, and as a result, each patient’s pain tolerance and recovery process will vary. Nonetheless, if pain is a concern for you, speak to your surgeon about your post-operative pain management options.
Plastic surgery gives individuals the opportunity to make changes to their physical appearance that might not otherwise be possible through any other means. And the miracle anesthesia is what makes having plastic surgery possible. Choosing a reputable plastic surgeon like Dr. Frank C. Madda, and his strong surgical team, is critical to knowing that your health and safety are in the hands of those you can trust. If you are considering plastic surgery and have questions, Dr. Madda is here to give you answers. Contact us today for your free plastic surgery consultation.