Plastic Surgery and Anesthesia: What You Need to Know
Anesthesia is an important part of the plastic surgery experience. From face lifts and neck lifts to tummy tucks and abdominoplasty, anesthesia is central to many plastic surgery procedures that deliver dramatic results. But anesthesia can be a scary thing for some. There are many stories and myths out there that have led some people to avoid plastic surgery procedures that require any anesthesia whatsoever. And that’s a shame.
While anesthesia complications have occurred throughout history, these stories should not deter you from undergoing the plastic surgery procedure you want in order to reach your beauty goals. Rather, they should empower you to ask the right questions of your plastic surgeon so you become educated on the entire experience. It also should empower you to partner with a trusted Toronto plastic surgeon who employs the most advanced and safest anesthesia processes available.
Plastic Surgery Anesthesia: Knowledge is Everything
“Complications associated with anesthesia are very, very rare,” explains Dr. Ali Adibfar, one of Toronto’s best plastic surgeons. “This is largely because of the modern monitoring and administration processes used by board-certified plastic surgeons and anesthesiologists.”
When it comes to any plastic surgery procedure, we believe education and knowledge means everything. That’s why Dr. Adibfar decided to share some trusted information about anesthesia that are commonly used while delivering amazing results for his patients. Below are some common questions he and his talented anesthesia team address at their Yorkville clinic, which was nominated as one of the best plastic surgery clinics in Toronto.
1. What risks are associated with anesthesia that you use during common plastic surgery procedures?
“While there are risks associated with any plastic surgery procedure, when it comes to local anesthesia there really are no risks,” says Dr. Adibfar. Local anesthesia means that the anesthetic is injected in and surrounding the surgical area of focus. There may be allergic reactions but our team will review your entire medical history to ensure safety is front and centre.
When it comes to general anesthesia, risks can include allergic reactions or respiratory problems. “Our anesthesiology team’s experience and advanced approach is designed to keep you as safe as possible during your procedure,” explains Dr. Adibfar. “We take the time during the consultative phase to review your medical history and explore how anesthesia may affect your body. It is precautions such as these that allow us to create a memorable and comfortable plastic surgery experience. A full medical and cardiac diagnostic work up are also performed should it be deemed necessary in addition to formal communication with your family physician.”
There are risks associated with any plastic surgery procedure – from noninvasive procedures to major surgical enhancements. The main thing to understand is that our team’s approach to the administration of anesthesia is based entirely on safety.
2. What procedures require general anesthesia?
General anesthesia is usually required for longer or more complex plastic surgery procedures. These procedures often require limited movement of the patient during the surgery. We typically use general anesthesia because it is actually safer. This is because it provides our team with more control during the plastic surgery procedure and can ensure the patient is comfortable. Abdominoplasty, breast augmentation and breast lifts for example are some common plastic surgery procedure where our team will use general anesthesia.
3. Which plastic surgery procedures require only local anesthesia with IV sedation?
Many of the plastic surgery procedures our team delivers at our Yorkville Toronto clinic require the use of local anesthesia with IV sedation (twilight). These types of common plastic surgery procedures include eyelid surgery, face lifts, neck lifts and some liposuction procedures.
4. I’m nervous about anesthesia, but plastic surgery is something I really want… what should I do?
This is a common question our team receives. Whether it’s local anesthesia or general anesthesia, some clients are nervous about the experience.
“I always recommend bringing these concerns up to your board-certified plastic surgeon,” explains Dr. Adibfar. “At our plastic surgery clinic, we spend a lot of time discussing the details of the procedure, including the type of anesthesia required. This open and transparent dialogue can help ease nervousness. Most importantly, it provides you with the knowledge to feel comfortable before undergoing any procedure.”
We believe any plastic surgery procedure should be comfortable, enjoyable and worry-free. Over the years and after completing thousands of plastic surgery procedures, Dr. Adibfar and his team has learned how to minimize any anxiety in relation to anesthesia.
“It’s about your comfort and confidence in our team,” explains Dr. Adibfar – one of Toronto’s leading plastic surgeons. “We’ll do everything we can to make your plastic surgery journey a memorable one so you can look and feel your best.”