Patient Information - Athleo L. Cambre, M.D. Homepage, Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, CA 90210, Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgeon, Breast Surgery, Breast Augmentation, Face Lift, Tummy Tuck, Liposuction

Anesthesia

Aesthetic and reconstructive surgical procedures can be performed in a number of locations, depending on the nature and complexity of the procedure. Most cosmetic surgery procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, either in an accredited outpatient surgical center or an accredited office-based surgical facility. More complex reconstructive procedures are generally performed on an outpatient or inpatient basis, usually in a hospital setting. In all cases, the appropriate choice of anesthesia will be administered, with your comfort and safety in mind. Local anesthesia is used in virtually all procedures, either with or without another form of anesthesia, in order to minimize local discomfort and to lessen the need for more powerful anesthesia. Intravenous sedation may be administered, in order to relieve any anxiety and relax you for some shorter or less-invasive types of procedures. In other cases, general anesthesia may be administered, so that you sleep through the entire operation.

Types of Anesthesia		Typical Procedure
Local Anesthesia (always used, regardless of procedure, with or without other forms of anesthesia. If this is the only anesthetic, patients may drive themselves to and from the surgery, and care for themselves after surgery. Oral sedatives and anti-anxiety medications may be combined, but these patients should be driven and accompanied by a responsible adult.)		• Small, localized surgical areas (cysts, scar revisions, etc.) • Limited duration procedures • Used in combination with other types of anesthesia for longer or more invasive procedures.

Intravenous Sedation (always combined with Local Anesthesia. Patients may not drive or go home without adult supervision.)		• Anxious patients • Medium-duration procedures • Procedures requiring numerous injections of local anesthetics.

General Anesthesia (always combined with Local Anesthesia. Patients may not drive or go home without adult supervision.		• Long-duration procedures where other forms of anesthesia are inadequate to manage expected patient discomfort (e.g., muscle retraction in breast or abdominal surgery, liposuction of multiple areas, most face lifts).