Our board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Jonathan Pontell, is wholeheartedly committed to improving the appearance and self-perception of his patients by utilizing state-of-the-art techniques in facial plastic and cosmetic surgery. He performs a number of treatments aimed at emphasizing the natural beauty of the face, reducing the signs of aging, or reconstructing a face that has been injured in accidents or affected by various medical conditions. With that in mind, Dr. Pontell strives to deliver exceptional results in the safest, least invasive manner possible, and performs many facial cosmetic procedures while the patient is under local anesthesia.
What Is Local Anesthesia?
Local anesthesia is a form of anesthesia employed to numb a specific region of the body or face. Unlike general anesthesia, it does not cause unconsciousness. Instead, the patient remains awake but should experience no feeling in the anesthetized area. Typically, local anesthesia is suitable for surgical operations involving a relatively small area and lasting a few hours or less. Consequently, it can be highly effective for various facial cosmetic procedures.
Types of Local Anesthesia
Local anesthesia can be administered in the form of an injection, cream or spray. The application of an anesthetic cream is appropriate for most non-surgical facial procedures, such as a chemical peel and laser skin resurfacing. For surgical facial procedures, Dr. Pontell administers local anesthesia through an injection.
Once the anesthetic solution is injected into the surgical site, this area becomes numb. In order to enhance the relaxing, anxiety-relieving aspect, Dr. Pontell often combines local anesthesia with oral Ativan® to relax the patient. The goal of oral Ativan® is not to numb the surgical site but to make the patient more comfortable.
Local Anesthesia: Is It for Me?
Whether you should undergo your procedure under local or general anesthesia can be determined only during a consultation with Dr. Pontell. If you are very nervous and would prefer not to see or remember your procedure, general anesthesia might be a better option. In addition, general anesthesia might be preferable if you will undergo a comprehensive procedure combination, such as a facelift in conjunction with neck lift and blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery).
Important Considerations
Most importantly, you should discuss with Dr. Pontell any allergies or adverse reactions you might have. You should also disclose all medications you are taking, including any supplements and over-the-counter drugs, and discuss important lifestyle aspects, such as smoking. If you are having general or intravenous anesthesia rather than local anesthesia, Dr. Pontell and your anesthesiologist will provide you with detailed instructions on how to prepare for your surgery. You will be instructed not to eat for 12 hours before the treatment. This is necessary to avoid one of the more common complications of anesthesia – vomiting during the procedure, which can obstruct breathing and create other safety concerns. You will also be instructed to arrange for somebody else to stay with you during the first 24 hours after your procedure while the effects of anesthesia wear off completely. During this time, you won’t be able to perform certain activities, such as driving, operating machinery and other tasks that require a high degree of concentration.
During your consultation, our doctor can talk with you about your needs and goals and make a recommendation as to which kind of anesthesia may present the best option. If you have questions, or if you would like to schedule a consultation here at The Aesthetic Facial Plastic Surgery Center, please contact us today.
