As one of the most well-known plastic surgeons in NYC, Dr. Richard Swift is often asked about the effects of general anesthesia, and anesthesia as a whole during a surgical procedure. One of the biggest fears patients seeking cosmetic enhancement often have is regarding the safety, as well as any lingering effects of anesthesia or “being put to sleep”. A recent study done on cosmetic patient’s highlights that over 30% are more afraid of the anesthesia, than the actual surgical procedure! As a board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Richard Swift must often quail these fears in his patients during his pre-procedural appointments.
While it is a completely normal fear for patients, the truth of the matter is that, even in older patients or those with serious health risks, there is less that a 0.02% chance of any fatal complications as a result of anesthesia during cosmetic surgery. As Dr. Richard Swift puts it, patients simply fear the unknown. Overall, general anesthesia is extremely safe, and almost all patients are put out and woken up without any side effects, aside from the occasional grogginess. Of course, despite statistics pointing out the safety behind it, patients should always disclose certain preexisting issues to their doctors prior to being “put out”. Common factors patients are advised to disclose are:
Dr. Richard Swift points out that because almost all cosmetic procedures are elective, rather than a result of an emergency situation, those patients with high-risk factors are typically not approved to move forward with the surgery anyway. Therefore, there are a number of checks-and-balances already in place to protect those that may have adverse effects from surgery or anesthesia.
For most patients being under general anesthesia is an experience they seldom remember. Most plastic surgeons like Dr. Richard Swift will either have an experienced anesthesiologist on-hand or the procedure is done in the safety of a hospital or other safe surgical setting where anesthesia isn’t an issue. Once the medication hits the bloodstream patients are often asked to count backwards from 100 and are usually “out” before they reach the number 90.
What Happens When You Are “Put Under”
For those patients seeking cosmetic surgery, and might be afraid of being “put under”, the best option is to do your research, look at reviews, and always seek treatment from an experienced, well-regarded, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, such as Dr. Richard Swift.
