One of the first questions before a procedure is often about the anaesthesia. Will I be asleep? Will I feel anything? How quickly will I be awake again? There are three forms of anaesthesia: local anaesthesia, sedation and general anaesthesia. In this article you will read what the difference is and how it is decided which form suits a procedure.
With local anaesthesia only the area of the procedure is numbed, with an injection, as at the dentist. You remain fully awake and breathe on your own. You sometimes still feel pressure or movement. The anaesthesia is aimed at preventing pain, and if it is not sufficient, it can be adjusted.
Local anaesthesia is used for smaller procedures and treatments, such as some eyelid corrections and the removal of a small skin lesion. Local anaesthesia can also be used for (micro)breast augmentations. For treatments without surgery, a numbing ointment is often used, possibly supplemented with a local anaesthetic.
With sedation you receive medication through an IV that makes you deeply relaxed and asleep. You breathe independently. In addition, the area of the procedure is numbed locally. Most people afterwards remember little or nothing of the procedure.
Sedation is often used at ACLINIC, for example with liposculpture and with a breast augmentation. Because you continue to breathe on your own, the anaesthesia is less deep than with general anaesthesia.
With general anaesthesia you are completely unconscious. You receive largely the same medication as with sedation, but in a deeper form. A machine takes over your breathing. An anaesthetist monitors you throughout the procedure.
General anaesthesia is chosen for longer or more extensive procedures. With liposculpture, for example, it depends on the number of areas and the volume. The more areas, the greater the chance of general anaesthesia.
Which form of anaesthesia suits you depends on various factors:
The doctor discusses this during the consultation. For a procedure under sedation or general anaesthesia, an additional examination sometimes follows, such as a blood test or a cardiac examination, depending on your age and health.
Before the procedure
You discuss your health, medication, allergies and previous anaesthesia. You receive written instructions about when you have to be fasting.
The day itself
You come to the clinic fasting. Your blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen are monitored throughout the procedure.
Waking up
After the procedure you rest in the recovery room, under supervision, until you are sufficiently awake.
Going home
You go home with an accompanying person. For the first twenty-four hours you do not drive yourself and you do not make any important decisions.
For sedation or general anaesthesia you come to the clinic fasting. During the anaesthesia, the reflexes that protect the airways work less well. If there is still food or drink in the stomach, it can end up in the lungs. You will be told in advance exactly until when you may eat and drink. Follow those instructions carefully, even if it is just a sip of coffee.
After sedation or general anaesthesia you will be drowsy for the first few hours. Nausea, a dry mouth or a sore throat after general anaesthesia also occur. How long that lasts differs from person to person. You remain in the clinic until you are sufficiently awake.
After that you go home with someone who drives for you. For the first twenty-four hours you do not drive yourself, you do not drink alcohol and you do not sign any important documents. It is best if someone stays with you that first night.
No form of anaesthesia is without risk. Possible side effects are nausea, dizziness, a temporary drop in blood pressure and rarely an allergic reaction to the medication. Serious complications are rare, but cannot be ruled out. That is why it is important that you report your health, medication and previous experiences honestly and completely.
Which form of anaesthesia is planned, and why? How long will I be in the clinic? What may I eat the day before? Do I have to stop my usual medication? Whom can I call if I keep feeling nauseous after the procedure? An eyelid correction under local anaesthesia also raises questions. Feel free to ask them.
Some medication influences the anaesthesia or the risk of bleeding. Think of blood thinners, some medicines for diabetes or high blood pressure, and certain supplements. Therefore bring a complete list of everything you take, including vitamins, herbal preparations and supplements. Never stop a medicine yourself without consulting the doctor who prescribed it.
If you have ever had an unpleasant experience with anaesthesia, such as severe nausea or a slow awakening, tell us beforehand. It is also useful information if someone in your family had problems with general anaesthesia. The team can then take that into account.
Are you considering a procedure and would you like to know what the recovery involves in your case? Then make an appointment for a consultation, a first conversation. You can reach us on 050 97 79 30. Our clinic is located at Gruuthuselaan 7, 8020 Oostkamp.
This information is general in nature and does not replace a personal consultation.