Cosmetic Surgery and Anesthesia

When you are considering any kind of surgery, it is important for you to know the facts about all aspects of the procedure. Anesthesia is one factor that you need to be aware of. Some kind of anesthesia is necessary so that your chosen cosmetic surgery can be performed without causing you any pain. Also, if you can feel the procedure, it is natural for you to flinch and cause all sorts of complications for your surgeon.

The Types of Anesthesia

When it comes to cosmetic surgery, there are two different types of anesthesia that are used. Basically there is local anesthesia and general anesthesia. There are times that your doctor may even choose to use a combination of the two. Both have concerns and limitations for their use.

General Anesthesia

This type of anesthesia is the kind that most people think of when they undergo any surgical procedure. This is when you are put entirely to sleep during your procedure using a drug. An anesthesiologist would have to be in operating room to assist with this if your cosmetic surgeon chooses to use this method. Anesthesia always carries with it some form of risk. If your anesthesiologist constantly monitors you using technical devices as well as personally watches over you, risks can be kept to a minimum. A good pain medication will most likely be necessary when using this type of anesthesia. This is because once the anesthesia wears off, you definitely feel all of the pain and discomfort. A strong narcotic pain medication is usually prescribed by your doctor to help alleviate the pain.

Local Anesthesia

Many cosmetic surgery procedures can be performed by using only a form of local anesthesia. This type of anesthesia simply makes sure that you do not feel any pain in the surrounding area of where the procedure will take place. If the doctor feels it is necessary, you will also be given something that makes sure you are relaxed throughout the entire procedure. Your body may be relaxed enough for you to take a nap during the procedure, but you are not in a drug induced state. Usually a narcotic pain medication does not need to be prescribed when this method of anesthesia is used since the effects of the local numbing will not wear off for hours. It is definitely a bonus to not have the groggy after effects of general anesthesia or a narcotic medication.