Before undergoing a rhinoplasty, you should know about the types of anesthesia used in most of these procedures plastic surgery procedures: general anesthesia and IV Sedation. Each has its own uses and benefits.
General Anesthesia is different than IV sedation in terms of recovery time and risk. In general anesthesia, the anesthesia administrator controls your breathing with an endotracheal tube, which is placed inside your wind pipe. IV sedation allows the patient to breathe independently.
Dr. Halaas mostly uses general anesthesia for rhinoplasty procedures in her NYC accredited surgical facility. This allows patients to wake up after the procedure is completed without feeling anything while surgery is in progress and increases safety. If you need very minor changes to your nose such as tip definition, she may recommend local anesthesia.
Will I be able to feel anything while under the anesthesia?
Under a general anesthetic, a patient is lulled into a deep sleep and generally does not feel any pain. In rare cases, they may be conscious enough to remember comments Dr. Halaas made. An IV sedation is different – based on its type, the patient can either be semi-awake or in deep sleep.
The Three Types of IV Sedation
1. Minimal IV Sedation
An anesthesiologist usually needs to be present and will be responsible for monitoring the patient while the surgeon focuses on the rhinoplasty. In Minimal IV sedation, the patient can control the level of anesthesia they need.
2. Moderate IV sedation, also known as Twilight anesthesia or Conscious sedation
In this level of anesthesia, amnesic drugs are used, causing the patient not to remember the course of surgery. The patient is usually asleep, breathing on their own. If the patient feels pain, they may move or groan, upon which more local anesthesia should be applied.
3. IV Sedation- Deep sedation
In deep sedation, although the patients are able to breathe on their own, they need an assistive device such as a nasal airway or oral airway. This is an option in more complex or combined procedures. It is rare for the patient to feel pain or remember anything during deep sedation.
How Anesthesia Affects Your Recovery
Local anesthesia has a lesser risk of effects such as nausea, blood clots and lung complications, and a typically faster recovery period. Under general anesthesia, patients emerge more slowly and nausea is common.
Rhinoplasty Surgery with Dr. Halaas:
Dr. Halaas is a female facial plastic surgeon who often performs rhinoplasty surgeries in her New York City private practice and surgical facility. She is Board Certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. She is also the recipient the highest recognition offered to surgeons in the United States – Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS). Dr. Halass will cater to your individual needs, as your satisfaction and results is the top priority. She is a proud member of the New York Facial Plastic Surgery Society. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Halaas today.