Breast Augmentation in 4 Days. Fear of Dying From Anesthesia?

Question

Hi, I'm 26 and a single mother to a 4 year old daughter. I have elected to get breast implants. My surgery is in 4 days (This Friday). I have wanted to get them done for a couple of years. I am healthy for the most part. I had asthma as a child but I don't have to take anything for it now as an adult. I have difficulties breathing with the weather change but that's it. I am a smoker and I have smoked up until today. I have a awful fear of dying from anesthesia and surgery. Is this normal?

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

If your asthma is optimally controlled the risk is very small and you can undergo major surgery without significant asthma complications. Most anesthesiologists I have worked with will recommend that you take your asthma medicine the prior to surgery with a sip of water and bring your inhalers to the surgery center. In addition, steroids are given just prior to anesthesia in most patients any way which helps prevent asthmatic complications. On the other hand, if your asthma is poorly controlled, or you are steroid-dependent, you are at increased risk and therefore it is recommended that your asthma specialist provide any needed specific medical preparation prior to surgery including a written plan to give to your surgeon and anesthesiologist regarding asthma medication recommendations pre- and post-surgery. This will include a complete pre-surgical evaluation including pulmonary function test results, physical examination, and review of your medications and past medical problems. If your pulmonary function tests are not optimal your asthma doctor and/or anesthesiologist may choose to postpone surgery until your asthma is under optimal control prior to giving surgical clearance. In addition, it is advisable that you contact that anesthesiologist beforehand to discuss any issues that might arise and their management. . This is because surgery may cause an asthma flare or related bronchospasm during or immediately after surgery. Make sure you tell the anesthesiologist and your surgeon the amount and type of steroids you take so additional steroids can be given to prevent adrenal insufficiency which can result in a sudden blood pressure drop.#asthma#breastimplantswithasthma

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Your concerns about undergoing surgery/anesthesia are understandable and very common  Assuming you have chosen your plastic surgeon carefully and he/she works with well experienced anesthesia providers in a fully accredited surgery center the chances of you having a anesthesia related complication are very small.  Of course, your past medical and surgical history should be carefully evaluated as well. Based on your question and the ( almost palpable) anxiety,  I think that you will be best off spending additional time with your plastic surgeon discussing your specific concerns. You should be aware that, generally speaking, patients who are relatively calm prior to surgery tend to do well afterwards as well. Best wishes.

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question! The issue with nicotine is that it 
also acts as a vasoconstrictor, clamping down of blood vessels. Blood 
supply is always of great concern during any surgical procedure, but 
especially in such a procedure as a breast reduction where the viability of the
 nipple-areolar complex is obviously important. Since the vascularity to
 the area is already tenuous since it will be raised by cutting around 
the area, maximizing blood flow to the tissue is critical. Typically,

we recommend at least 6 weeks of smoking cessation prior to and at 
least 6 weeks after any surgical procedure. The longer, the better.  
Nicotine always increases the risk for infection, nipple necrosis, poor 
scarring, and 
wound complications, as well as other health consequences including blood clots.  The 
anesthesia risk is greater with general anesthesia as well as pulmonary 
issues/lung infections postoperatively. The anesthesia is very safe, but I would recommend smoking cessation immediately.  I would 
discuss this with your surgeon prior to your procedure. Hope that this 
helps! Best wishes!

Douglas L. Gervais, MD · Answer

Dear Debby26,  Many patients are fearful of general anesthesia. The reality is, the risk of anesthesia in a young, otherwise healthy patient is extremely low. Your smoking and history of asthma as a child should be discussed with your surgeon and the anesthesia provider, but should not change your surgery plans. The smoking is more of a concern for wound healing but we have not seen any major problems with our patients who smoke and have breast augmentation. Stop smoking if you can. Good luck and enjoy your new look.

Eric Swanson, MD · Answer

No it is not unusual at all, just as many of us have a fear of crashing when we go on plane trips.  But you cannot live life without taking any chances.  You just need to make sure the odds are well in your favor by (1) having an experienced and qualified plastic surgeon and (2) having your surgery in an accredited or licensed surgery center or hospital.  Sounds like your asthma is mild and could be treated if you developed any wheezing.  I would recommend you stop smoking for good.  Your chance of dying from lung cancer greatly exceeds the chance you will die during surgery, and you want to be around for your grandchildren.  Quit now and in 5 years your increased risk due to past smoking will be just about nil.

Breast Augmentation in 4 Days. Fear of Dying From Anesthesia?

Answers (10)

Answer: Very Worried About Anesthesia!!

Answer: Very Worried About Anesthesia!!

Answer: Need to worry about the health effects of smoking, which is more dangerous by far than your anesthesia.

Answer: Need to worry about the health effects of smoking, which is more dangerous by far than your anesthesia.

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Breast Augmentation in 4 Days. Fear of Dying From Anesthesia?

Answers (10)

Answer: Very Worried About Anesthesia!!

Answer: Very Worried About Anesthesia!!

Answer: Need to worry about the health effects of smoking, which is more dangerous by far than your anesthesia.

Answer: Need to worry about the health effects of smoking, which is more dangerous by far than your anesthesia.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.