Plastic surgery can be administered with a number of different anesthetic techniques. The anesthesia that is used for your treatment may vary depending on the treatment performed, the area being treated and even your personal preference. Below, we’ll explain the different types of anesthesia that are administered during your plastic surgery to provide you with a clear understanding of the treatment process.
Local Anesthesia
Local anesthesia is the most localized anesthetic technique. Local anesthesia is typically administered via injection, where it numbs the immediate area. With local anesthesia, you will remain fully awake and conscious, and will maintain sensation in other areas of the body. Local anesthesia only numbs the small area it is injected into. For these reasons, local anesthesia is typically used for minor surgeries.
Regional Anesthesia
Regional anesthesia is a step up from local anesthesia. It is also known as a block, and is often administered via injection. Regional anesthesia numbs a full region of the body, particularly when local anesthesia would not be able to provide sufficient numbing. Similar to local anesthesia, you will remain awake and maintain sensation in other areas of the body.
Sedation Anesthesia
Sedation anesthesia is used to relax patients for short surgical procedures. In some cases, sedation anesthesia can be combined with local anesthesia. Sedation anesthesia may be administered via oral medication or IV (intravenous). During sedation anesthesia, patients are closely monitored to ensure they are safely responding to treatment. You will be asleep and completely pain-free with sedation anesthesia. However, sedation anesthesia is typically only used for shorter surgeries (less than one hour).
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia is the last type of anesthesia that might be used for your plastic surgery. General anesthesia is most commonly used for extensive surgical procedures, as it keeps patients fully asleep and unaware of anything that is occurring during surgery. General anesthesia is typically administered through a breathing apparatus.
If you have any questions about the types of anesthesia used for your surgery, contact us today. We’ll be happy to discuss the details of your treatment so that you have a full understanding of the procedure. Providence Facial Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery welcomes patients living in and around Philadelphia, PA.