Planning for breast augmentation - How safe is Tiva anesthetic?

Hello! TIVA (total intravenous anesthesia) is definitely safe and a type of general anesthesia that is commonly used for elective plastic surgery. Rather than using gas anesthesia throughout the case (which requires endotracheal intubation and can have postoperative nausea as a main side effect), TIVA can be performed safely without the use of a breathing tube. Think of it like a deep sleep where your body is still doing the work of breathing. This also helps maintain blood circulation and decrease the chances of operative blood clots. In efforts for TIVA to be done safely and comfortably, the surgeon should be judicious with the use of local anesthesia and/or tumescent solution and the anesthesiologist will be titrating the medication accordingly to make sure you are comfortable and relaxed.

If by TIVA, you mean twilight anesthesia, this is quite safe and you are given Iv medication to relax you and let you sleep. However, you do continue to breathe on your own and will not need the breathing tube. If the muscles need to be stretched, then general anesthesia is better for relaxing the muscles.

Dear TokiyoC,
anethesia is very safe and millions of people worldwide get TIVA every year. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery