Anaesthesia for Cosmetic Surgery

If you’re considering cosmetic surgery, it’s essential to understand the anaesthesia options available. While many focus on preparing for the procedure and recovery, contemplating how it may impact their appearance and self-perception, the choice of anaesthesia is crucial.

At A1 Surgery Center, we recognize that many patients have concerns about anaesthesia, especially the prospect of being under general anaesthesia. This process can seem mysterious and daunting, but understanding it can alleviate anxiety.

There are three primary types of anaesthesia used in plastic surgery:

  1. Local Anaesthesia: This numbs a specific area through an injection, allowing patients to remain awake and aware during the procedure. It’s commonly used for procedures like skin lesion removal and laser resurfacing.
  2. Regional Anaesthesia: This anaesthetizes larger body areas while keeping the patient awake. Examples include spinal and epidural anaesthesia, often used in childbirth. However, these are not typically used at A1 Surgery Center for our cosmetic procedures.
  3. General Anaesthesia: Most frequently used at our center for procedures such as rhinoplasty, facelifts, and breast surgeries. We specialize in Total Intravenous Anaesthesia (TIVA), which involves administering anaesthesia exclusively through an IV. This method reduces nausea, vomiting, and post-operative grogginess, ensuring a swift recovery and allowing for same-day discharge.

For smaller procedures like upper eyelid surgery or liposuction of a single area, intravenous sedation may be used. This keeps you relaxed and minimizes discomfort while still allowing you to be awake.

We recommend general anaesthesia with TIVA for most of our cosmetic surgeries because it can be precisely tailored to each patient’s needs. This approach ensures you are comfortably asleep throughout the procedure and supports a smooth recovery process, allowing you to return home promptly afterward.

Your surgeon and anaesthetist will discuss these options in detail during your consultation, ensuring you feel informed and confident about your anaesthesia choice. At A1 Surgery Center, your safety, comfort, and optimal surgical outcomes are our top priorities.