While anesthesia is common and used in many medical procedures, it is not necessary for all types of plastic surgery. Many people wonder if you need general anesthesia for plastic surgery. Anesthesia often concerns people, but it is extremely common and routine in medical practice. One of the benefits of plastic surgery is that anesthesia is not always necessary. Depending on the procedure, your doctor will discuss what type of anesthesia or sedation you will need. We often discuss this during the consultation so you will know what to prepare for in advance.

Do You Need General Anesthesia for Plastic Surgery?

Below we take a look at the various options of anesthesia for plastic surgery.

Types of Anesthesia

There are four common types of anesthesia that will prevent pain during your procedure. The purpose of anesthesia is to block your body’s natural response to injury. Without anesthesia, your body will think that you are injured and will start defending against the perceived trauma. Below we list the four common types of anesthesia that may suit your procedure.

General Anesthesia:

This is likely the most well-known type of anesthesia. It is often used for procedures that are more invasive and extensive. General anesthesia will not only prevent you from feeling any pain, but it will also make it so you have no recollection of the procedure itself. The administration of general anesthesia is often through an IV or inhalation.

Sedation:

This form of anesthesia can make you feel relaxed and drowsy, but you are still awake. It will also help prevent you from feeling pain and can reduce your anxiety during the procedure. Sedation can come in varying levels, including minimal, moderate, and deep. It is often administered in pill form, via an IV, or through inhalation. Sedation has some negative side effects, which include headache, nausea, and vomiting.

Regional Anesthesia:

This is also referred to as a block as regional anesthesia numbs an area of your body while you are still awake. In plastic surgery, this type of anesthesia can work with many different procedures. It can even work as a spinal block, so the surrounding nerves become incapable of sending pain signals.

Local Anesthesia:

Local anesthesia prevents you from feeling pain and losing blood in certain areas during surgery. You will still remain awake and aware of your surroundings as we administer the medicine in the form of a spray, injection, or ointment.

Tumescent Liposuction Seattle

Tumescent liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure that removes fat from one’s body. This usually targets the fat that diet and exercise seem unable to handle. The procedure is straightforward with small incisions leaving you free from large scars. Small incisions allow a thin, hollow tube into the area where we remove the fat. The tube has tumescent fluid that we inject beforehand to make it easier to remove the fat, which results in less trauma to the area. The procedure is also performed under local anesthesia. But it remains important to discuss these specifics with your surgeon during the consultation.

The most common areas of the body that people get liposuction on include the:

• Back
• Chest
• Cheeks
• Neck
• Upper arms
• Hips
• Thighs

The problem areas that have extra fat deposits or bulges smooth out through the procedure. If you have been working hard to tone your body and want to get rid of the final excess fat that won’t go away, tumescent liposuction may be right for you. It will provide noticeable results that will highlight your sleek and slim frame. Tumescent liposuction can help with your confidence and self-esteem.

Plastic Surgery Seattle

If you are considering liposuction, contact the experts at Cole Aesthetic Center. The experts at Cole Aesthetic Center have skill in a variety of treatments and cosmetic procedures, including liposuction. They focus on ensuring they always meet your aesthetic goals. Contact their office today for a consultation!