Information About Anaesthesia
Anaesthesia is one of the subjects patients most often ask about and worry about before aesthetic and plastic surgery. This page explains the types of anaesthesia, the preoperative assessment and the waking-up process for informational purposes. Which type is suitable depends on the procedure, its duration and the person general health, and is determined together by the anaesthetist and the surgeon.
Types of anaesthesia
General anaesthesia
The method in which the patient is fully asleep and pain sensation and consciousness are temporarily removed. It is preferred for longer procedures such as rhinoplasty, breast surgery, facelift and body lift. Breathing, heart rhythm, blood pressure and oxygen levels are monitored continuously throughout.
Sedation (conscious sedation)
The patient is relaxed and in a sleep-like state but continues to breathe independently. It is generally used together with local anaesthesia for shorter procedures.
Local anaesthesia
Only the area to be treated is numbed. It is used for non-surgical applications such as fillers, botox and mesotherapy, and for some minor procedures. The patient remains awake.
Preoperative anaesthesia assessment
Before procedures requiring general anaesthesia an assessment is carried out by the anaesthetist. The following are reviewed:
- Chronic conditions and regularly used medication
- Previous operations and experiences with anaesthesia
- Allergies to medicines, food or latex
- Smoking and alcohol use
- Any anaesthesia-related problems in the family
Blood tests and any other examinations considered necessary are completed at this stage. Blood-thinning medicines and herbal supplements are addressed separately; no medication should be stopped without consulting your doctor.
Fasting period
A period of fasting is required before general anaesthesia. This reduces the risk of stomach contents entering the lungs. The exact period is given by the anaesthetist; as a general approach it is longer for solid food and shorter for clear liquids. Following the instructions exactly matters so that the procedure is not postponed.
Waking up
After the procedure the patient is monitored in the recovery room. Mild grogginess, feeling cold or nausea may occur in the first hours; these are expected and controlled with medication when needed. Pain control is provided in a planned manner. The time of discharge depends on the procedure and general condition; some interventions allow same-day discharge while others may require one night in hospital.
Risks and safety
As with any medical intervention, anaesthesia carries certain risks. In modern anaesthesia practice the patient is continuously monitored and equipment and medication are used according to standards. A complete preoperative assessment, knowledge of chronic conditions and adherence to the given instructions are the most important factors in reducing risk. Possible risks are explained in writing and verbally during the informed consent process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I feel pain during anaesthesia?
Under general anaesthesia consciousness and pain sensation are temporarily removed. With local anaesthesia the area is numbed; a sensation of touch or pressure may occur during the procedure but pain is not expected.
Could I wake up during surgery?
The depth of anaesthesia is monitored and adjusted by the anaesthetist throughout the procedure. This monitoring is there to maintain the appropriate level of anaesthesia.
How long does it take to recover after anaesthesia?
Initial waking occurs within minutes; fully feeling yourself again may take hours. It is recommended not to drive or make important decisions on the day of the procedure.
I smoke, is this a problem for anaesthesia?
Smoking can affect the airways and healing. Stopping or reducing it before surgery is assessed separately by your doctor.
For the general steps of the process see the patient journey page, for terms the glossary, and for questions the contact page.
This page is for informational purposes only; a medical examination is required for diagnosis and treatment.
