Anesthesia and Safety: What to Expect at Paces
Many patients considering plastic surgery have natural concerns about undergoing anesthesia. Fortunately advances in monitoring equipment and improved anesthesia drugs have largely contributed to improved overall anesthesia safety. The risk of serious injury from anesthesia is statistically quite low.
At Paces Surgical Center, administration of anesthesia is overseen by board-certified anesthesiologist Kevin Haim, M.D. At a preoperative appointment prior to surgery each patient is evaluated by one of our anesthesiologists for a thorough history and examination. On the day of surgery, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA’s) will assist in delivering anesthesia medication and monitoring patients under anesthesiologist supervision.
Patients undergoing procedures at Paces Surgical Center will have either monitored sedation (MAC anesthesia)or general anesthesia. More minor procedures such as small scar revisions or excision of lesions can be performed under local anesthesia administered by the plastic surgeon and do not necessitate an anesthesiologist or operating room.
Monitored sedation or MAC anesthesia is delivered intravenously to make you temporarily drowsy while local anesthesia is injected. While the local anesthesia will keep you numb at the surgical site, you will also be kept sedated to avoid any anxiety or restlessness. Your vital signs will be monitored and supplemental oxygen supplied. The advantages of MAC anesthesia are that recovery can be somewhat quicker and there is a minimized risk of nausea. Procedures that are often done under MAC anesthesia include some eyelid procedures and small areas of liposuction.
General anesthesia relies on a combination of inhaled gases and intravenous medications to render an individual unconscious and thereby pain free. It is necessary to complete more involved procedures such as facelifts, breast surgery, and body contouring procedures like liposuction or tummy tucks. Vital life functions such as blood pressure and oxygen saturation are monitored throughout the surgery.
Following completion of surgery patients are transported to the recovery room or post anesthesia care unit. In the recovery room, a nurse will continue to monitor vital signs and administer medications if necessary for pain control or nausea. The amount of time in the recovery room can vary but generally is about an hour. At this point patients can be discharged to home in the care of a friend or family member. In some cases, patients may elect to stay overnight in one of our five recovery suites. The suites are staffed by a trained nursing team who can assist with early post operative needs and comfort, such as dressing changes, pain control and bathing.
Overview of Surgery
Preoperative Appointment
Once you have scheduled surgery you will return to the office for a pre-op visit with one of the clinic nurses. Your history will be reviewed once again and physical exam conducted. You will be given a personalized packet containing information about your procedure, including what to expect and before and after care. You will sign a consent form in the presence of the nurse authorizing permission for the procedure. Digital photographs will be taken by a photographer in a separate camera room. You will also meet with the coordinator to settle payment for the surgery. After that, you will meet one of our anesthesiologists who will be present on the day of your surgery. The anesthesiologist will review your history and lab work and discuss the type of anesthesia best suited for your case. Any questions related to anesthesia can be asked at this time. The typical pre-operative visit takes 1.5 – 2 hours.
Surgery
After arriving at our center, you will change into a surgical gown. An IV will be started in the pre-operative holding area. You will see your surgeon prior to surgery for pre-operative markings. You will then be accompanied into one of our operating rooms where they may be several members of the surgical team, including a nurse and certified scrub technician. The operating rooms are AAAASF certified which means that they meet the highest standards for safety and equipment in ambulatory surgical centers.
Anesthesia
Several monitors will be attached to you to record your vital signs. Medications for anesthesia will be delivered through a mask and an IV. Drugs to reduce nausea will also be given. An anesthesiologist and certified nurse anesthesist will work together to keep you comfortable for the duration of your procedure.
Recovery
After completion of your surgery you will be transported to our fully equipped post anesthesia care unit. The recovery room nurses are ACLS certified and are there to focus completely on you after your surgery. They will be able to give medications necessary for pain control or nausea relief. You will remain attached to monitors to record blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen levels. Most patients are in the recovery room for about an hour before being discharged to home or to one of our recovery suites.
Suites
If you have elected to recover in one of our suites, you will be wheeled here after complete recovery in our post anesthesia care unit. A trained staff member in the suites will then be able to tend to your early post operative needs including dressing changes and medication administration. Light meals and beverages will be provided. On the morning after surgery, the staff will assist you with bathing and hygiene needs prior to discharge home.
