The Down-Low on Local Vs. General Anesthesia

If you are considering a plastic surgery procedure, you may have some reticence about being anesthetized. “Going under” can be daunting. General anesthesia is not something that’s taken lightly by any qualified and respected plastic surgeon. Important safety measures are always put into place.

But here’s the good news. You may not even need general anesthesia. There are some procedures (liposuction, fat transfer, and eyelid surgery, to name a few) where you may have the option to do a local anesthetic and oral sedation instead.

Given the option, which do you choose? There are numerous factors. So we’ll take a look at local vs. general anesthesia.

What Happens with General Anesthesia

General anesthesia is the most common form of sedation in plastic surgery. And if you are having an extensive procedure, it will be the best and only option.

With general anesthesia, you are rendered completely unconscious and then intubated with a machine so that you can breathe. You’ll have an anesthesiologist present at all times to ensure that you remain comfortable and motionless while the surgeon carefully performs the procedure.

The anesthesiologist is also there to monitor your vitals and blood pressure; making adjustments with the anesthetic to adjust blood pressure when and if needed.

Benefits of Local Vs. General Anesthesia

As stated above, there will be procedures where general anesthesia is the only option. And you can rest assured knowing that every precaution is taken to ensure your safety.

But in the event that you are offered a choice between the two, you may be wondering what the advantage of a local anesthetic with oral sedation would be.

For some patients, general anesthesia can cause nausea, vomiting, and constipation. There’s often grogginess and disorientation when recovering from it as well. And recovery time is slower with general anesthesia.

Local anesthesia can be more cost-effective because there is no need for an anesthesiologist and specialized equipment. Plus, because patients are awake, they can provide feedback to the surgeon in cases where aesthetics are the top priority.

Another benefit of local anesthesia and oral sedation is that it’s a safer option for patients with a high body mass index (BMI). General anesthesia can be taxing on their cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Local anesthesia dodges many of these risks.

Who Is Not a Good Candidate?

Before eliminating the option of general anesthesia, it’s important to understand that for some, the benefits of general anesthesia will outweigh the risks.

Being conscious during even a minor surgery can be distressing for those who regularly struggle with and/or take medication for anxiety. You will be fully aware of the surgical procedure and will still experience pressure, vibrations, or other movements in the area that’s been numbed. You may also hear the sounds of the surgical instruments.

This is true even in cases where the surgeon may offer eye coverings, ear plugs, and soothing music. Plus, the amount of medication required for full sedation may be more than the surgeon is comfortable administering. General anesthesia, if available, would likely be the best option in this situation.

Is Local Anesthetic an Option for You?

When it comes to deciding between local vs. general anesthesia, you’ll want to be sure you have all of the information.

So if you’re considering a procedure, please contact us today to schedule your free consultation.

You’ll be able to speak with a board-certified surgeon who can determine your anesthesia options, then outline the benefits and drawbacks of each to determine the best approach for your needs.