Anesthesia used during a facelift?

My doctor said he could perform my facelift under local anesthetic and just give me some sedation. I am 42, would general anesthesia be safe for me? I don’t know what is worse – the general anesthesia, or not being fully knocked out.

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26 answers to “Anesthesia used during a facelift?”

A: Many Options For Facelift Anesthesia

D.J. Verret, MD

Depending on the type of facelift procedure performed, there are several options for anesthesia. Most forms of facelifts can be easily and safely performed with local anesthesia. As you note though, you will be awake. The next level of anesthesia, termed IV sedation or monitored anesthesia care... more

A: Awake Face Lift - Local Anesthesia Option

Jonathan Hoenig, MD

I routinely do full face lifts with local anesthesia and oral sedation. It is not just for mini facelifts. You are given enough oral medication to make you sleepy and relaxed, plus injections of local anesthesia so you feel no pain. Sometimes, I'll give an injection in the muscle to further relax you. (For... more

A: Facelifts can be done under Monitored Anesthesia Care

Corey S. Maas, MD

Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC) is a good anesthesia option for facelifts.  With this technique, an anethesiologist sedates the patient so that he/she is sleeping but breathing on their own.  Patients are not paralyzed. Facelift incisions and areas of flap elevation are injected with anesthetic so... more

A: Facelifts can be performed under general anesthesia or local and IV sedation

Sanjay Grover, MD

Facelifts can be performed under general anesthesia or with local and IV sedation.  It is important to discuss these options with your plastic surgeon to discuss which option is best for you.  Many plastic surgeons choose either method.  Both methods are safe if you are a healthy person and have... more

A: Anesthesia used during a facelift?

Michael Kulick, MD

 Hello, While age is a factor, the real key is your health regarding the type of anesthesia.  If you are medically cleared by your primary care doctor then you can either form of anesthesia. It is very common to have a Facelift using IV sedation.  Some doctors feel that there is less post... more

A: Type of anesthesia best for facelift surgery

Maurice M. Khosh, MD

General anesthesia and local anesthesia with sedation are both good options for facelift surgery. You should probably stick with your surgeon's preference. When the sedation choice is used, I prefer that a board certified anesthesiologist be present for safety issues. The more important question in my mind is... more

A: Facelifts can be done under a variety of anesthetics

Scott Trimas, MD

Facelifts can be done under a variety of anesthetics. Depending on the extent of your facelift, it can be done under local, iv sedation or general anesthesia. If you are in otherwise good health, the risk from anesthesia at an accredited center where they use either anesthesiologists or supervised nurse... more

A: Local with IV Sedation is the best compromise

Stephen Prendiville, MD

The great thing about this website is that a prospective patient can ask a question and receive educated opinions.  My opinion is that local anesthesia with sedation provides the best compromise of pain control, relaxation, and safety while allowing the surgeon to work efficiently.  I use this... more

A: Anesthesia choices

Lavinia Chong, MD

I have used both General Anesthesia as well as Monitored Anesthesia Care with excellent results.  There are advantages and disadvantages to both techniques, depending on the surgeon or patient's perspective: The presence of either a Laryngeal Mask or Endotracheal tube ensures a secure airway for... more

A: LIVS vs General Anesthesia for Facelift Surgery

David L. J. Wardle, MD

Anesthesia techniques have improved considerably over the past decade.  The medications used are more precise in action with regards to predictability of onset and wear-off.  Both LIVS (local anesthesia with IV sedation) and General Anesthesia, performed by qualified medical personnel (MD... more

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