What You Need to Know About Anesthesia

If there is one thing that is most associated with rhinoplasty and double eyelid surgery, or any surgical cosmetic procedure for that matter, is that it involves pain. That is why anesthesia plays a huge part in performing such procedures. It is one of the main considerations that is taken into account even during the consultation process. But, anesthesia is always placed at the backseat and rarely do patients think about it. And that may also be the case for you. So before you head out to a cosmetic surgeon’s clinic, here are some of the important things that you should know about anesthesia.

What is Anesthesia?

In its truest sense, anesthesia is the state where a patient is temporarily placed in a condition of unconsciousness, muscle relaxation and loss of pain. The term is often confused with the medicine used to induce this state, which is more appropriately called as anesthetics. Anesthesia is a distinct medical intervention that allows a doctor to effectively perform another medical procedure by relieving pain and sensation during surgery.

There are several forms of anesthesia, which uses one or more types of drugs or anesthetics to achieve the goal of inducing the loss of sensation. This is generally classified into three different types. These are usually administered in various ways, either through injection or gas or vapor inhalation, and affect the nervous system differently in blocking the nerve impulses, which results in the reduction of pain. And as with most people, it can get a little confusing how each one works. So here is a simple and definitive guide for you to know.

General Anesthesia

This is the type of anesthesia that is the most commonly known and one that a majority of people thinks of when anesthesia is referred to. General anesthesia suppresses the activity of the central nervous system and affects the entire body. You will be completely unconscious during the entire medical procedure as though you are asleep. Because of this, you will feel the following when under general anesthesia.

• You do not feel any pain.
• You will remember your surgery.
• You are not aware of what is going on.
• Your reflexes, specifically your heart rate, slow down and muscles relax.

It is often inhaled through a breathing tube or mask or through the vein. Usually, the effects are immediate with the patient being unconscious within one minute after the induction. You will then regain consciousness in the recovery room. This is usually done for rhinoplasty procedures.

Local Anesthesia

Another type of anesthesia is local anesthesia, where it only affects a small area of the body or patch of skin insensitive from pain . This is the form of anesthesia that is commonly used in dental procedures, minimally invasive skin treatments and minor cosmetic procedures, like double eyelid surgery. It blocks specific nerve pathways that cause reversible paralysis and analgesia or reduced sensation. With local anesthesia, you will be completely awake and aware during the entire procedure and may still feel pressure. It comes in the form of creams, gels and sprays, but may also be administered through injection.

Regional Anesthesia

Regional anesthesia is most often confused and interchanged with local anesthesia. However, regional anesthesia affects a large part of the body, such a limb or a wider region of the body. It blocks single nerve or a group of nerves. Most of the time, you will be awake during the entire procedure to allow the doctor to still converse with the patient throughout the operation. However, a sedative may be administered to help you feel relaxed. Regional anesthesia is commonly used for labor and childbirth. It may be given in a single injection, intravenously or through a catheter. The common types are epidural anesthetic or spinal anesthetic.

Procedural Sedation

Lastly, Procedural sedation, or commonly referred to as twilight anesthesia, is a type of anesthesia that is most often performed in minor cosmetic surgeries. You will remain completely awake and will be able to respond to your doctor. However, you may feel groggy and sleepy during the entire session. It can be given orally, inhaled, injected or the combination of three.

What Happens During the Procedure

The preoperative instructions that will be given by your cosmetic surgeon is essential not only to ensure the safety of the operation and healing after the procedure, but also for the anesthesia to take its action effectively. Your cosmetic surgeon will thoroughly assess your medical history and may require you to undergo several laboratory tests. These will be shared with the anesthesiologist who will administer the anesthesia for your cosmetic procedure.

These important consultation information will help your doctor and anesthesiologist to determine the appropriate type of anesthesia that will be used for your specific case. It is very important for you to be completely honest in providing medical information and in answering questions during your consultation prior to your surgery.

During the operation day, your rhinoplasty or double eyelid surgery will begin with the anesthesiologist introducing the drug. For entire duration of the procedure, your anesthesiologist, along with his team, will be responsible for ensuring your comfort and well being by monitoring your vital body functions.

After the procedure, a post-anesthesia care will need to be put in place to ensure your safe recovery and vital functions are observed closely. This is to help make sure that side effects and risks are kept at a minimum or completely eliminated, which may include minor risks of nausea or vomiting. However, according to a WebMD article, errors in anesthesia is relatively uncommon and is even deemed to be one of the safest areas in health care.

Your Anesthesiologist

While this may be the case, it is still best to approach a cosmetic surgeon who is affiliated with an equally credible and experienced anesthesiologist. It is important that you remember that an anesthesiologist is responsible for your safety and overall comfort during your surgical cosmetic procedure. Not only will they provide you with pain control, but they also ensure that your vital functions are at its proper working condition during your operation.

Seek a consultation with a cosmetic surgeon who has a good working relationship with an anesthesiologist, as their close coordination is integral in making sure that you get the safest treatment possible.

If you are looking for a rhinoplasty or double eyelid surgery doctor in Australia, Dr. Ahnsup Andrew Kim of the Advance Beauty Cosmetic Surgery is the one to approach. Dr. Kim works with the best in field of anesthesiology in Australia in performing your aesthetic enhancement. They have clinics in Canberra, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.

To schedule your free consultation with Dr. Kim, call us now to book your schedule today!