4 Types of Anesthesia Used During Plastic Surgery
One of the most common concerns for many people regarding surgery of any type, including plastic surgery, is anesthesia. It is only natural to be concerned or even worried about the types of drugs that will be used while you are in surgery.
Although anesthesia has been used in some form throughout recorded history, it has evolved significantly since the days of ancient Babylon, Egypt and Greece. Today, anesthesia is used by all types of surgeons for a host of different procedures. It's commonly used for plastic surgery procedures like eyelid surgery, breast augmentations and others.
One of the most important facts to keep in mind when considering plastic surgery of any type is the importance of open communication with your surgeon regarding any concerns you may have, including questions about the type of anesthesia they will be using.
Continue reading to learn more about the 4 most common types of anesthesia used by plastic surgeons. Which one is used for your procedure will be discussed and decided during your initial consultation. A whole host of individual factors, including the procedure, your general health and surgical history play into which type of anesthesia is ultimately for you.
4 Common Types of Anesthesia
The primary purpose of anesthesia is the prevention of pain during your procedure. Without it, your body will think you have been injured and begin immediate defensive action. Consequently, anesthesia blocks your body's natural reaction to injuries. Common types of anesthesia include:
1. Local anesthesia
Used for preventing pain and blood loss in very specific areas during your surgery. During this type of procedure you will remain awake and will even be aware of activities going on around you. This type of anesthesia may take the form of a spray, injection or ointment. Complications are very rare but there is a risk the medications can be absorbed by your body.
2. Regional anesthesia
Also known as a block, regional anesthesia is used to numb a larger area than what a local can handle. This can include a spinal block that may be used for the surrounding nerves that are capable of producing pain signals. A classic example of this is an epidural anesthesia used during childbirth. But for plastic surgery procedures, regional anesthesia may be used for a whole host of procedures.
3. Sedation
Sedation can be administered several ways, including intravenously, as a pill or even an inhaled gas. This form of anesthesia can make you feel relaxed and drowsy, a similar feeling to having a few drinks. A combination of medications can comprise sedation for the prevention of pain and anxiety that is sometimes associated with any medical procedure.
There are also varying levels of sedation – minimal, moderate and deep. Sedation does have a few side effects like a headache and possibly even nausea and vomiting.
4. General anesthesia
Frequently used for procedures more extensive in nature, this form of anesthesia will prevent you from feeling any pain and you will not be able to remember the procedure later. The drugs used for this type of anesthesia may be injected through a vein or inhaled. General anesthesia affects the entire body.
It's by far the riskiest of all types of anesthesia and even more so for those with serious medical conditions. Swelling, infection, increased heart rate and blood pressure are a few of the possible side effects. About 1 in 250,000 people die from complications arising from general anesthesia.
Although there are different types of anesthesia, the equipment that is used during your plastic surgery for monitoring your vital statistics remain the same. Such equipment is used for monitoring your blood flow, temperature, circulation, heart rate, oxidation, body fluids and ventilation.
This type of monitoring is performed to help reduce the risk of complications.
Even so, it is important to understand that there can be side effects associated with all types of anesthesia used in plastic surgery. The most common complication of anesthesia is vomiting or nausea. Medication can be used to help reduce this risk. Other potential risks include headache, memory loss, confusion, infection, bladder problems, airway collapse, nerve damage, shock, pulmonary embolism, respiratory failure, allergic reaction, cardiac arrest and coma.
Advances in this field though have reduced risks and complications over the years.
Which anesthesia your surgeon uses depends on the procedure being performed. More extensive surgery will require stronger anesthesia. If you require a very strong anesthesia, like a general, an anesthesiologist will be on-hand during your procedure to monitor your vital signs.
Of course any questions or concerns regarding anesthesia should be addressed during the initial consultation with your plastic surgeon.
Writing regularly in both print and online media on plastic surgery and aesthetic issues, Dr. Bruce A. Mast offers easy-to-understand, expert insight into various ways available for enhancing patients' outward appearance. Possessing decades of experience helping men and women accomplish their goals of a more vibrant and youthful look, Dr. Mast offers compassionate, personable care as chief of the Plastic Surgery unit at UF Florida Center for Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics. Dr. Mast carefully listens to patient concerns and goals to provide the most effective treatment for your individual situation. In addition to addressing concerns about appearance, the Florida plastic surgeon also help those affected by disease and accidents regain their prior look.
Find the best treatment and care for addressing issues with your appearance � whether they're simple aesthetic concerns or stem from an accident or illness � by visiting the offices of Dr. Bruce A. Mast at U.F. Or browse around for more insights into how you can safely enhance your outward appearance through plastic surgery and non-surgical, aesthetic treatments. Besides offering the best hands-on care, Dr. Mast also helps the public at large better understand plastic and cosmetic treatments and what to expect.