There are different types of anesthesia that can be used in cosmetic surgery, depending on the type of procedure, the patient’s medical history, and the surgeon’s preference. The three main types of anesthesia used in cosmetic surgery are local anesthesia, regional anesthesia, and general anesthesia.

1. Local anesthesia:

Local anesthesia involves injecting an anesthetic drug directly into the area being operated on to numb the nerves and block the sensation of pain. It is commonly used for minor procedures such as skin biopsies or mole removal.

Pros of local anesthesia include:

  • Low risk of complications
  • Short recovery time
  • Reduced cost compared to other types of anesthesia

Cons of local anesthesia include:

  • Patients may still feel some discomfort during the procedure
  • The area of the injection may remain numb for several hours after the surgery, leading to discomfort or difficulty eating or drinking.

2. Regional anesthesia:

Regional anesthesia involves injecting an anesthetic drug near a cluster of nerves to numb a larger area of the body. It can be used for procedures on the arms, legs, or lower abdomen.

Pros of regional anesthesia include:

  • Reduced risk of complications compared to general anesthesia
  • Less invasive than general anesthesia
  • Better pain control during and after surgery

Cons of regional anesthesia include:

  • The possibility of nerve damage
  • Some patients may feel uncomfortable or experience unpleasant sensations during the procedure

3. General anesthesia:

General anesthesia involves administering a combination of drugs that induce deep sleep and eliminate the sensation of pain. It is used for more complex procedures or surgeries that require the patient to be unconscious.

Pros of general anesthesia include:

  • Complete loss of consciousness and pain sensation during the procedure
  • Ability to perform more complex procedures

Cons of general anesthesia include:

  • Increased risk of complications compared to local or regional anesthesia
  • Longer recovery time
  • Higher cost compared to other types of anesthesia

It’s important to discuss the type of anesthesia that will be used for your specific procedure with your surgeon and anesthesiologist and consider the pros and cons of each type. The anesthesia used will depend on various factors, including the type of surgery, your medical history, and your overall health.

If unsure, you can ask us what hospitals or surgeons use what type of anesthesia,  or what is factored into your firmquote.