Facelift Scheduled in March. Is It Normal to Have Alot of Anxiety?I Have a Great Doctor....but the General Anesthesia Scares Me!

Nothing is as anxiety provoking as  as elective surgery. You are 100% normal and if you weren't concerned it would be abnormal.  Healthy concern and skepticism is a good thing.

It is likely your worry that led you to do your research and find a "great doctor".

It is the job of your board certified plastic surgeon to to explain the risks too you and to do his or her best to minimize them.

While general anesthesia is scary in perspective it is more likely that your local interstate is a more dangerous.

If you embark upon your surgery may I wish you a safe and speedy recovery.

 

   Many patients have anxiety about general anesthesia.  Sometimes meeting with the plastic surgeon again along with the anesthesiologist may help.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Anesthesia techniques are very safe in patients without active, symptomatic cardiovascular or coagulation issues.  I have performed a lot of Facelifts in my practice over the last 11 years and I have never seen a patient who wasn't anxious.  You are supposed to be anxious, but this can be overcome with anxiolytic medications (valium or ativan) in the week or two prior to your procedure.  There has been a lot of infomercial advertising describing "potentially dangerous anesthetics".  The key word is "potentially".  If you aren't a candidate for a Facelift under IV or General Anesthesia for health reasons, I certainly wouldn't recommend a Facelift under local anesthesia as a safer alternative; patients in poor health aren't candidates for elective procedures period.

 

it is normal to be nervous before a facelift or any surgery for that matter. general anesthesia scars many people but it shouldn't. I have always heard the anesthesiologists say that statistically the ride to the surgery center the day of the surgery is more dangerous than undergoing anesthesia (for a healthy patient). Eat a well-balanced diet and get plenty of exercise. That will help. You will get through it. Also, your surgeon might not have discussed this with you, but it is worth mentioning that some patients feel a little down for a month or two after a facelift. It is normal and if it happens be open with your doctor about it. I have never seen it be severe and patients always get through it. But it is a rarely discussed phenomenon that is worth knowing about in advance.

 

Your  anxiety before surgery is perfectly normal and for many patients, the general anesthesia is what concerns many patients.General anesthesia is very safe when administered properly. Another option, however, is to consider having the surgery under I'V sedation, which  many plastic surgeons commonly do.  Ask your surgeon if this is an option for you; it sounds like you may be more comfortable with this option.

Hi Kidhal,

It is not uncommon to have anxiety prior to surgery. It is a natural reaction that causes many patients to feel nervous.   If you have chosen a Plastic Surgeon who is board certified and are having your surgery performed at an accredited facility then the risk of complication is very low.  I would recommend expressing your concerns to your doctor and anesthesiologist to help calm your anxiety. Best of luck!