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Anesthesia During the Procedure
General anesthesia is most commonly used, but there are circumstances where IV sedation and local anesthesia are preferred. At Dr. Loeb’s accredited surgical facility, only certified anesthesiologists are used to give you the best possible experience. A consultation with Dr. Loeb prior to the procedure will give you the peace of mind you need before the big day arrives.
What types of anesthesia are used?
There are three categories of plastic surgery anesthesia used in Dr. Loeb’s procedures:
Local anesthesia
Local anesthesia refers to a pain medication that produces numbness wherever it is injected. This prevents pain and sensation in one particular area by blocking electrical impulses sent by the sensory nerves to the brain. The patient is awake and aware during the procedure, and able to breathe on his or her own. Memory and mental faculties are not affected at all. Local anesthetics may be topical (applied to the skin surface), sprayed (into the mouth, nose, or throat), subcutaneous (injected below the skin to numb nerve fibers), or regional (injected into the epidural space or a fluid-filled sac in the spine).
IV sedation (a.k.a. “Twilight” anesthesia)
Potent medications are delivered through an IV to prevent pain and reduce anxiety. Often, sedation is combined with local anesthesia to enhance patient comfort. Patients become groggy and drift off to sleep, but continue to breathe normally on their own.
General anesthesia
Medications delivered through IV or gas mask cause complete loss of consciousness and pain prevention. A nurse or anesthesiologist operates a breathing machine during the entire procedure and monitors the patient’s heart rate, electrocardiogram, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. Amnesia is commonly experienced upon waking and the patient may feel groggy for the rest of the day.
Which cosmetic surgery anesthesia is right for me?
Popular procedures and plastic surgery anesthesia used:
Allergies to anesthesia
One concern is that a patient will be allergic to the plastic surgery anesthesia. These reactions range from a mild skin rash or hives to suppression of lung and heart function. We hear about tragic cases in the media from time to time, but the actual likelihood of a serious adverse event related to anesthesia is very rare.
Fox News reports that there are about 100 reactions for every 1.3 million patients put under anesthesia. Patients may be allergic to neuromuscular numbing agent drugs, Propofol, latex, or antibiotics. A trained anesthesiologist can spot the signs of a reaction and treat it before one’s health is ever in jeopardy.
Risk factors for allergic reactions to anesthesia include:
- Gender (female)
- Past reactions to penicillin or antibiotics
- Family history of reactions to drugs or anesthesia
- The presence of cross-reactive compounds (identified in a pre-screening skin test)
- Alcohol abusers, painkiller abusers, or smokers
- Heart, lung, or kidney problems
What questions should I ask about cosmetic surgery & anesthesia?
The American Society of Anesthesiologists classifies patients in the following ways:
- Class I: completely healthy
- Class II: mild controlled illness or disease with no interference in patient’s daily life
- Class III: illness or disease affecting more than two organ systems
- Class IV: expected to die within 24 hours of surgery
- Class V: organ donor
Class I and II patients are considered good candidates for surgery, while Class III patients may require additional assessments before proceeding – like urinalysis, hemoglobin tests, or electrocardiograms.Dr. Loeb takes the pre-surgery consultation very seriously. This is not only a time to have all your concerns and questions about the procedure addressed, but also a time for Dr. Loeb to assess your health and determine if additional precautions need to be taken to ensure a success surgery.
How are risks of plastic surgery anesthesia minimized?
To minimize the risk of an adverse reaction, Dr. Loeb takes a three-prong approach:
Patient-Identified Lifestyle Choices:
Objective Testing
Qualified Anesthesiologist
The Power of Transformation
Discover how subtle refinements create dramatic impact. Each result reflects Dr. Loeb’s dedication to balance, beauty, and precision.
Request your consultation today
An innovator in the field, Dr. Thomas Loeb is a leading NYC plastic surgeon worth the trip. He earned his medical degree from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri – one of the nation’s top four medical schools – and was certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons in 1988.
His talents and specialties are many, but his skill in facial and breast augmentation surgery is renowned by peers in the medical community. Flying in for plastic surgery in New York City is easier than ever.
Contact the Fifth Avenue office of Dr. Loeb to learn more and schedule your first virtual consultation. Just send us an email or call 212.327.3700 to get started.
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