Do the chances of not waking up increase with the amount of times a person is put under anesthesia?

Question

Adam Tattelbaum, MD · Answer

Unfortunately anything is possible, but what you're describing would be extraordinarily rare especially if you are healthy. At least in the U.S. elective outpatient surgery is limited to six hour max and is often less. Rare allergic reactions can occur from anesthesia, but  are extraordinarily unlikely. You should absolutely do what you are most comfortable with,there is no such thing as no risk, but interestingly I suspect the risk of driving would exceed the risk of not waking up from an anesthesia.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Anesthesia is very safe.  Having previous surgery safely should not impact further surgeries under anesthesia.

Sharline Z. Aboutanos, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Complications with anesthesia depend on your underlying health, the length of the surgery, the risks of the surgery and where you have surgery. A generally healthy person undergoing an hour surgery/procedure associated with minimal risks and a board-certified anesthesiologist will most likely have less complications compared to someone who has multiple medical problems undergoing surgery that has high risks. Typically, your board-certified plastic surgeon will review your medical history and discuss the risks of surgery as they pertain to you. He/She may then send you to have pre-anesthesia testing to help identify your risks for anesthesia. You will also have a chance to discuss the risks and benefits of anesthesia with your anesthesiologist before the procedure. I recommend that you ask questions and make a decision based on your level of comfort and the expertise of your surgeon. Good luck.

Jon A. Perlman, MD (retired) · Answer

For a generally healthy person with a BMI of less than 30 and an anesthesia of less than 5 to 6 hours the risk of death from general anesthesia is in the order of one in 50,000.  Repeating general anesthesia does not increase the risk as long as there is a reasonable recovery period separating the anesthetics.  Discuss your concerns with your surgeon and the anesthetist as well as your internist if you have any medical issues before proceeding.  The beauty of general anesthesia these days is that it is relatively light yet safe and patients awaken amazed that their procedure has been completed so easily.  Enjoy your results.Jon A Perlman M.D., FACSDiplomate, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)Beverly Hills, California

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

I can understand your concern, it's one patients speak of with some regularity. The chances of a healthy patient dying from anesthesia given by an experienced and board certified anesthesiologist are about 50 times less than the chance of you dying in an auto accident on any given day.

Do the chances of not waking up increase with the amount of times a person is put under anesthesia?

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Answer: Do the chances of not waking up increase with the amount of times a person is put under anesthesia?

Answer: Do the chances of not waking up increase with the amount of times a person is put under anesthesia?

Answer: Do the chances of not waking up increase with the amount of times a person is put under anesthesia?

Answer: Do the chances of not waking up increase with the amount of times a person is put under anesthesia?

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Do the chances of not waking up increase with the amount of times a person is put under anesthesia?

Answers (5)

Answer: Do the chances of not waking up increase with the amount of times a person is put under anesthesia?

Answer: Do the chances of not waking up increase with the amount of times a person is put under anesthesia?

Answer: Do the chances of not waking up increase with the amount of times a person is put under anesthesia?

Answer: Do the chances of not waking up increase with the amount of times a person is put under anesthesia?

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