Surgery is getting safer and gentler than ever before as the years go on and new techniques are developed to help patients enjoy a more accessible and comfortable experience. However, some plastic surgery procedures are still quite invasive, and can’t take advantage of some benefits of less intensive operations. In the past, when procedures were harsher, it was a given that patients would need to be given general anesthesia during the surgery, to prevent fear and discomfort. Today, however, full general anesthesia is rarely needed. So what is the state of anesthesia in modern plastic surgery?
Non-Invasive Procedures
For non-invasive treatments such as injectable fillers, Botox, tattoo removal, Pelleve (skin tightening and wrinkle reducing) and mild chemical peels, no anesthesia is usually necessary. For some sensitive patients, a mild topical or local anesthetic can be used to make the experience less stressful. However, the big draw of these non-invasive treatments is the lack of discomfort involved, and most patients do not need even a mild anesthetic to tolerate these procedures.
Simple Surgeries
There are some procedures today, such as facial implants or endoscopic surgeries that require only a little more than local anesthesia. Most of these straightforward procedures are performed under local anesthesia with light sedation. These procedures are relatively quick and do not involve much complexity.
Complex Procedures
More custom, complex procedures like rhinoplasty or mini face lifts require local anesthesia and deeper sedation, though the level will depend on the surgeon and patient. These procedures are also often regularly performed using general anesthesia, depending on the patient’s needs.
In-Depth Surgeries & Treatments
For very invasive procedures such as deep plane face lifts or intensive carbon dioxide laser resurfacing, the only option is full general anesthesia, as it is the safest and least traumatic option in these cases. While there are some risks associated with general anesthesia, modern methods have made this type of anesthesia very safe overall.
Personal Preferences
People are very different when it comes to the level of comfort they have with medical procedures, surgery, blood, etc. Some people are extremely sensitive, and do not even want to see a needle coming, while others can tolerate a surprising level of potentially upsetting procedures. In many procedures, patients do have a choice of what level of anesthesia is most preferable to overall well-being. This helps the patient stay in control somewhat, while seeing to the needs of the procedure.
Your Safety and Comfort
When it comes to anesthesia, safety and comfort are always the top priority. Most surgeons err on the side of caution when choosing the level of anesthesia to use in a given situation. Because there are no great risks associated with anesthesia in healthy people, the decision typically comes down to patient comfort and preferences, as well as cost and the doctor’s normal methods for anesthesia.
Find a Trustworthy Surgeon
Your safety and results are the most important factors in your procedure, and it is important to choose a skilled and experienced surgeon who places these goals above all else involved with your surgery. If you are not sure as to which procedure is right for you, you will want the guidance of a knowledgeable provider you can trust, like Dr. Stuart Bentkover of Bentkover Facial Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Bentkover has over 25 years of experience in anti-aging treatments and plastic surgery, specializing in rhinoplasty and face lift surgery. If you would like to meet with Dr. Bentkover and discuss your goals, call Bentkover Facial Plastic Surgery in Worcester (508-363-6500) or Stoneham (617-247-0033), MA today to schedule your consultation.