Anesthesia is an important component of cosmetic
surgery. Many people consider having cosmetic surgery (
plastic surgery)
are unaware of what anesthesia actually involves and what options are
available to them. In this article we hope to provide you with answers
to some of the common questions regarding anesthesia in relation to
cosmetic surgery.
What is anesthesia?
Although there are a number of definitions of anesthesia, it is
generally defined as the process of having our sensations reversibly
blocked (e.g. our sensation of pain) which allows us to undergo surgery
or other medical procedures without distress and pain.
Dependingon the extent of their affects on the body, anesthetics are often
classified as general anesthetics or local anesthetics.
General
anesthesia: general anesthetics cause a complete reversible loss of
consciousness for a certain period of time. During this time period
patients are not arousable by any type of external stimulus, including
pain. General anesthesia is generally the most suitable form of
anesthesia for major plastic surgery procedures such as major
liposuction and breast augmentation surgery which involves the
insertion of breast implants.
Regional anesthesia: regional
anesthesia do not cause a complete loss of consciousness like general
anesthetics. Regional anesthetics have a more localised effect which
cause a loss of pain sensation with varying degrees of muscle
relaxation which affects only certain targeted regions of the body.
Regional anesthetics which have very localised affects are also
commonly referred to as local anesthetics. Local anesthetics are
commonly used for smaller and less invasive cosmetic surgery procedures
such as lip augmentation and liposuction on a small area of the body.
In general, local anesthesia has lower recovery times and lower
complication risks than general anesthesia. However due to its
localised affects it is often not suitable for larger surgeries which
require a general anesthetic to effectively eliminate the pain and
distress which would otherwise be associated with the surgery.
Which type of anesthesia is suitable for me?
There are a number of different types of anesthesia used to perform
cosmetic surgery. Which type will be suitable for you will depend on
the type of plastic surgery you are thinking about having and your
general health and fitness levels. Hence to make an informed decision
as whether to proceed with the cosmetic surgery procedure you are
considering it is important that you discuss the matter of anesthesia
in depth with you cosmetic surgeon and also with an anesthetist if
required.
The Hurlingham Clinic in London is a leading cosmetic surgery clinic which specialises in all major types of cosmetic surgery including
liposuction and
breast augmentation For more information or to arrange a consultation with an experienced cosmetic surgeon
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