Is A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Safe for Breast Augmentation?

Safety is our number one concern when providing elective cosmetic surgery.  Our patients must be healthy and well prepared before any surgical procedure.  During surgery it is paramount that the best anesthesia be provided by a professional licensed anesthesia personal for the best possible outcome.There are two types of licensed anesthesia personal, one takes the path of a nurse before post graduate training (CRNA-Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist).  One takes the path of Doctor before post graduate training (MD-Medical Doctor).  Both the nurse and the doctor have the same training in their residencies or post graduate training.  They both must pass rigorous examinations during and after their training to become board certified.  In some states CRNA's can perform independently and in some states they must be supervised by an MD anesthesiologist or another MD in the operating room (ie-the operating surgeon).  Most hospitals use a combination of CRNA's and MD's to provide anesthesia for their patients.  Both are equally qualified to provide anesthesia for elective cosmetic surgery.When choosing your plastic surgeon, it is important to know who is providing the anesthesia.  If in a hospital setting, the hospital will assign an anesthesia provider and you and the surgeon may not know who will provide the anesthesia until the day of the procedure.  In the plastic surgeon's own operating theater, the anesthesia person will be known.  Ask who this provider is and their qualifications, you may also talk and/or meet with that person before surgery if you desire.  This is a very important topic, this person is not only putting you to sleep, but also waking you up!  You and your surgeon need to have confidence in this person, whether it is a CRNA or MD really doesn't make any difference, it is the competence of that person that makes the difference.  If your surgeon does not use a board certified anesthesia person, then I would consider not using that surgeon. why put yourself at unnecessary risk!Also, the facility needs to be nationally accredited.  This assures that all the safety features are in place, including board certification of not just the anesthesia personnel, but the doctors and nurses as well.  The AAAASF (American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities) is a nationally recognized organization for accrediting outpatient surgical facilities.Good Luck!

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