What type of anesthesia is used?
Some procedures may be performed in the office setting under local anesthesia, while others are more suited for an outpatient surgery center, with sedation or “general anesthesia.”
The term “general anesthesia” is concerning to some patients. The type of anesthesia depends on the procedure being performed. The term “general anesthesia” is analogous to the term automobile. There are different types of automobiles, and also different types of “general anesthesia.” If you want to haul gravel, you need a pick up truck. If you want to get 50 miles to the gallon, you need a hybrid. “General anesthesia” for facelift surgery is not adequate for a more invasive procedure, like removal of a gallbladder. Likewise, for a facelift the patient doesn’t need to be as deeply anesthetized as they would need to be for an invasive procedure like gallbladder removal.
The most important consideration is for patient safety and comfort. Matching the safety and comfort to the appropriate setting and type of anesthesia is covered extensively during the consultation.
