Types of anesthesia used for cosmetic surgery procedures range from topical to full general anesthesia. Anesthetics do have side effects, such as low blood pressure, decreased breathing, or heart arrhythmias. Constant monitoring of patient status during any surgery is important.

Our goal is to provide a comfortable, safe experience for our patients. This is best accomplished in an accredited facility with a board certified MD anesthesiologist as part of the surgery team. Unfortunately, there are many recent reports in the media of cosmetic surgeries performed with large doses of local anesthesia without proper anesthesia monitoring – resulting in harm to the patient. From my perspective, I can concentrate on using my best surgical skills when I have another doctor helping to monitor my patient’s status during the procedure.

It is my choice to use only MD anesthesiologists in my practice. The only reason I can think of for not having that professional present during a cosmetic procedure where you are using IV sedation, tumescent or general anesthesia, would be economic. Yes, it adds to the cost of surgery, but safety and patient comfort should always be the bottom line.

Please, safety first…ask questions…educate yourself!

                                                                                                         -J. Barry Boyd, MD, Director, Winter Park Plastic Surgery