In case you haven’t heard, body contouring is one of the most popular plastic surgeries. And if you’re considering getting one, you’ll likely be under general anesthesia.
But what does that mean? What are the risks? How long will the anesthesia last?
Well, we’ve got answers to those questions and more.
What Is the Process Behind Anesthesia?
When administered, anesthesia helps relieve pain and reduce anxiety throughout the procedure. Anesthesia also blocks nerve signals from the brain to other body parts.
Before anesthesia, anesthesiologists assess your vital signs, such as blood pressure and breathing. They will also ask questions about medications and allergies.
From there, the actual administration process begins with an injection or IV drip. As it takes effect, they may ask you to count backward from 100 to check how well you respond. This distraction technique can also help ease anxieties.
Once the anesthesia has taken full effect, it will begin numbing certain areas of your body while allowing you to feel relaxed and comfortable throughout your operation.
Is General Anesthesia a Safe Option?
General anesthesia is a safe option for various surgical procedures. But you must ensure it’s done in an accredited hospital.
Side effects associated with general anesthesia vary from person to person, including:
- Confusion or disorientation upon waking up
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Sore throat
- Sleepiness or fatigue
These side effects usually disappear once the anesthesia has worn off.
Is General Anesthesia Like Being “Put To Sleep”?
Unlike the phrase ‘putting someone to sleep’ implies, it is not like going into a deep sleep. Instead, anesthesia provides a state where you will not feel pain or remember.
How? Well, general anesthesia acts on different neurotransmitter systems in the brain. On that premise, it helps block out sensation and consciousness. It also prevents reflexive movements during surgery and maintains essential bodily functions.
During general anesthesia, your body will relax and be able to respond to commands. But you wouldn’t be aware of what’s happening around them.
And aside from providing comfort and safety during surgery, it helps reduce stress. General anesthesia also reduces blood loss by allowing patients to remain still during the operation.
Why Is General Anesthesia Commonly Used for Cosmetic Surgery?
Anesthesiologists recommend general anesthesia to provide optimal conditions for the patient during operations.
For example, suppose you have multiple procedures done at once. In that case, they will likely need general anesthesia due to the complexity of the operation.
The anesthesiologist will also consider other factors, such as:
- The patient’s physical health
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Cardiovascular disease
Other factors that can affect the outcome of general anesthesia include:
- Age
- Weight
- Allergies
- Current medications
- Habits such as smoking or drinking alcohol
Overall, general anesthesia provides optimal safety for cosmetic surgery patients. Plus, it is effective in controlling pain during long operations. It also allows medical personnel to track vital signs throughout the surgery.