If you plan on undergoing any significant cosmetic procedure, it will likely involve some type of anesthesia. Being administered anesthesia is a prospect that makes many people nervous, but is that concern justified? Here, we’ll take a closer look at anesthesia and whether or not it’s generally safe.
When it comes to cosmetic surgery, there are three main types of anesthesia: local anesthesia, regional anesthesia, and general anesthesia. Local anesthesia is used for smaller procedures and numbs only a small area of the body. Regional anesthesia is used for larger areas of the body and numbs an entire section. General anesthesia is used for more complex procedures and renders you temporarily unconscious.
Anesthesia works by blocking pain signals from the nerves to the brain. It can also cause temporary paralysis of muscles to keep you still during the surgery.
Anesthesia is commonly administered before cosmetic procedures. Here, we’ll examine the overall safety of anesthesia, including the risks associated with it and precautions that can be taken.
Like any medical procedure, anesthesia comes with its own set of risks and potential complications. Some of the most common risks associated with anesthesia during cosmetic surgery include:
While these risks may sound scary, it's important to note that they are relatively rare. In fact, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the risk of serious complications from anesthesia during cosmetic surgery is less than 1%.
To minimize the risks associated with anesthesia, cosmetic surgeons and anesthesiologists take several precautions and safety measures. For example, they will carefully review your medical history and perform a physical exam to identify any potential risk factors that could increase your chances of complications. They may also perform additional tests, such as blood work or an electrocardiogram (ECG), to further assess your health.
During the surgery itself, your anesthesiologist will closely monitor your vital signs, such as your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels, to ensure that you remain safe and stable throughout the procedure.
Several factors can affect the safety of anesthesia during cosmetic surgery:
After undergoing cosmetic surgery with anesthesia, you may experience some short-term effects, such as:
Although it’s very rare, patients can sometimes experience long-term effects from anesthesia. These effects are more likely to occur in older adults or those with pre-existing medical conditions. The most common long-term issues include:
Ultimately, as long as you follow your doctor’s instructions and choose a qualified plastic surgeon like Dr. Reinblatt, you shouldn’t need to worry about danger from anesthesia. When administered by skilled professionals to a generally healthy patient, anesthesia is typically very safe. It’s also entirely necessary for many cosmetic procedures. When you have a consultation with Dr. Reinblatt, she’ll be happy to answer any questions you have about anesthesia to put your mind at ease.