Some type of anesthesia is necessary for all facial plastic surgery procedures, but it is not necessary if you are undergoing a non-surgical treatment (such as BOTOX Cosmetic). If you are undergoing a facelift, the type and amount of anesthesia you need will depend on the extent of the procedure, and your own tolerance for discomfort. In most cases, facelifts, brow lifts, and eyelid surgery can be all performed under local anesthesia with IV sedation.
Using IV sedation in conjunction with local anesthesia allows us to monitor your comfort level. The amount of medication you are given will be tailored to your specific needs. Once you are sleeping, we will use numbing medication on your skin to provide additional comfort. IV sedation ensures that you are still breathing on your own; it does not require putting a breathing tube down your throat, and there is less of a “hangover” compared to the after-effects of general anesthesia.
If you are undergoing a complete facelift that requires extensive work, you may need deeper sensation or general anesthesia. There is no hard and fast rule for anesthesia use during facial plastic surgery; it all depends on what kind of procedure is being performed, and your own tolerance level and preferences as a patient. Dr. Lee will discuss your options with you in detail during a personal consultation.
If you have further questions about anesthesia and facial plastic surgery, please contact Dr. John J.W. Lee today to schedule your consultation. We serve patients in Philadelphia and Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Northern Maryland.