Anesthesia involves the use of certain drugs, in gas, injectable, or topical form, to induce a state of insensitivity to pain. In other words, anesthesia is used to numb parts of your body so you don’t feel pain during medical procedures. If you’ve ever had a shot of Novocain at the dentist to numb your gums before you receive a filling for a cavity or a tooth extraction, you’ve experienced the numbing effects of local anesthesia.
In terms of cosmetic procedures, one of several types of anesthesia may be used to keep you comfortable and ensure a pain-free experience during your treatment or procedures. Every person responds differently to medicines and the same goes for anesthesia. One might be better than another depending on how your body responds to it. In this blog, we’re going to break down the different types of anesthesia as well as explain why a specific type might be preferred for specific treatments and procedures
Local Anesthesia
Local anesthesia is so-called because it is used to numb a relatively small area of (like the gel smeared on your face before receiving a micro-needling treatment or Novocain at the dentist that only numbs one side of your mouth ). This type of anesthesia may be applied topically or via injection at the site, and it can last a short while or several hours, depending on the method and type used.
With local anesthesia, the patient remains awake and alert throughout the procedure, but it is typically used for relatively minor outpatient procedures, such as mole removal and perhaps during treatments like injections and fillers, to increase comfort. Patients that are nervous may receive a sedative to enjoy greater relaxation during the procedure.
Local and P.O. Sedation
If you are one of those patients looking for more relaxation you can receive local anesthesia and P.O Sedation. This involves a heavy dose of medications that will make you feel blissfully unaware. This type of anesthesia is used when getting a facelift or a Brachioplasty.
General Anesthesia
This type of anesthesia is administered intravenously (IV) or by inhalation of gas through a tube or mask, and it renders the patient completely unconscious. When you awaken, you will have no memory of the procedure. In essence, you will be in a deep sleep, during which you will have no awareness and feel no pain.
You may be given oxygen during the procedure, and a trained anesthesiologist will monitor your vital signs and adjust anesthesia throughout to ensure your safety and comfort. In some cases, general and regional anesthesia are combined to ensure a pain-free experience during and after surgery. This is used very often when getting a surgical procedure such as breast augmentation, liposuction, face and eye lifts, and gender affirmation surgeries. This is used to help make you as comfortable as possible while allowing the doctor to do their job.
Anesthesia for Young Adults
Patients between the ages of 16-25 often need to use a specific type or dose. Depending on your age, height, and weight your doctor will recommend the best type of anesthesia (and possibly sedation) for your specific procedure and your particular needs, taking into account any allergies you may have to medications you’re taking, or personal or family history of aversion to certain types of anesthesia that could impact efficacy or lead to side effects.
It’s normal to feel anxious about receiving anesthesia for the first time, whether your procedure requires local, regional, or general anesthesia to complete. This is why it’s important to understand each type and what to expect. Trusting your doctor and making sure all of your questions get answered is important in your comfort.
If you’re interested in a cosmetic procedure, but you’re worried about possible pain symptoms, contact Beverly Fischer, MD and the experienced professionals at The Advanced Center for Plastic Surgery today at 410-308-4700 or online to schedule a consultation and learn more.
