Posted on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2005
NewBeauty.com

Cosmetic Surgery: All About Anesthesia

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Your comfort and ability to tolerate treatment depends on anesthesia. Anesthesia use is determined based on the procedure, your personal tolerance for pain and discomfort, your health and your preferences. Ask your doctor if he or she has a preferred method of anesthesia for your procedure.

Who does it?

One of three different types of healthcare providers could be administering your anesthetic. Your doctor must specify who that will be.

Your Doctor

For limited procedures that are performed with topical or local anesthetic and oral sedation alone, your doctor may administer the anesthesia or may prescribe medications for you to apply or take prior to treatment.

An Anesthesiologist

This person is an MD with an accredited residency in anesthesiology and is the appropriate provider to administer any form of anesthesia.

A certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA)

This person is a registered nurse who has 24 to 36 months of graduate course work including both classroom and clinical experience, in addition to the testing required for certification. In some states, CRNAs are not permitted to administer general anesthesia unless supervised by an anesthesiologist.

How is it done?

During surgery, an anesthesiologist not only controls your pain and level of consciousness but also provides continuous medical attention by monitoring your heart rate and rhythm, breathing, blood pressure and body temperature. Anesthesiologists also conduct pre-anesthesia evaluations. You should ask to meet or speak to your anesthesiologist prior to your surgery so you can go over pre-surgical instructions and ask any questions.

Full disclosure

When discussing your medical history with your anesthesiologist or operating doctor, it's important to be completely honest. Tell them about any medication, including over-the-counter drugs or supplements you are taking, or have taken. Doctors recommend that patients stop taking herbs and dietary supplements for a minimum of 10 days to two weeks prior to any elective procedure. Patients should also stop taking anti-inflammatories, aspirin and any other possible blood-thinning medication for the same period of time. If you smoke or use recreational drugs, it's important to let your doctor know.

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