Is A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Safe for Breast Augmentation?

The board certified plastic surgeon that I am considering having perform my breast augmentation uses a CRNA for general anesthesia in a AAAASF accredited facility. This surgeon uses this particular CRNA because he thinks he is really good. He said that if I preferred he could use a board certified anesthesiologist but I'd like him to use someone he's worked with before. Is a CRNA just as safe as a board certified anesthesiologist? I live in the state of California. Thank you.

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8 Doctor Answers | Asked by San Diego9999 in San Diego, CA

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Anesthesiologist versus CRNA for Cosmetic Surgery Procedure

Hello and thank you for the question. CRNAs are perfectly capable of performing anesthesia for aesthetic surgical cases. As with any profession, there are exceptional CRNAs and bad ones, just as there are very adequate anesthiologists and subpar ones. You may want to run your concerns by your plastic surgeon and perhaps ask to meet the CRNA prior to the procedure to ask questions/voice concerns/etc. Best, Glenn Vallecillos, M.D., F.A.C.S.

CRNA is definitely safe for breast augmentation

A CRNA is definitly qualified to perform your anesthesia. I have used CRNAs for many years and have been very comfortable with them.

Randy Proffitt, MD

3 reviews

Mobile Plastic Surgeon

CRNA versus anesthesiologist

CRNA and and anesthesiologist are both very good at what they do. As always though I would recommend meeting your CRNA or anesthesiologist to make sure you are comfortable with either. In most hospitals the CRNA is the primary one taking care of you.

CRNA or MD (nurse anesthetist versus anesthesiologist) for aesthetic plastic cosmetic surgery

I understand that it is difficult fot you to assess the skills of the anesthesia provider whether MD or CRNA and to some degree you must rely on the recommendation of the surgeon. You may want to meet with the provider prior to surgery to allay your fears or verify either's credentials through the department of professional regulation.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

33 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Anesthesiologists aor CRNA

A CRNA is a nurse who has experience in anesthesia. They are very qualified to do office based procedures. An anesthesiologist is an MD who is more qualified to do anesthesia.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Is a nurse anesthetist safe for my breast augmentation surgery?

The simple answer is that it really depends upon their training, oversight, and their experience. A title does not assure this. I would recommend asking them how long they have been practicing and how long they have worked with your surgeon. These questions can help you better understand how comfortably the two may potentially work together during your surgery. That being said, I have worked with both an MD and a Nurse anesthetist and have found that it really does... more

CRNA and breast augmentation

Yes most CRNAs are very good at what they do and if your surgeon feels comfortable with a specific one then he is likely very competent. However, surgeon comfort should not be the only factor used in deciding who does your anesthesia. YOUR comfort is vitally important as well, after all you are the one having surgery. Almost all plastic surgeons have at least one anesthesiologist that they use regularly. If you prefer to have an anesthesiologist then insist on one... more

Nurse Anesthetist or Anesthiologist

There are good and bad CRNAs and anesthesiologists. If your plastic surgeon operates in an AAAASF-accredited facility and is comfortable working with a particular CRNA, you are probably safe in having in having him/her perform your anesthesia. I personally know 25-30 CRNAs whom I would be comfortable giving me or my family members anesthesia.