How Long Does Anesthsia Stay in System?

Question

On 8/9 I had a mommy makeover .three days later I had severe pain in my left buttock/hip area ..no lipo was performed..that problem has resolved but 2 days later I began to have red raised hot itchy flare ups on my arms and legs. On 3 occasions I wokeup with my lips,eye or forehead swollen. My primary care says med allergyy. Why do the swelling face/lips happen at night while I'm sleeping? The swelling usually goes down in a day or 2 then I wake up to a new swelling on my face somewhere.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

I have never seen this type of reaction to anesthesia this far out from the surgery. I agree with your doctor that it is probably a medicine you are allergic to. Cortisol levels go down in our system at night so you will have increased swelling then. Hope that helps!Sheila Nazarian

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

It sounds as though you may be having an allergic reaction to some of the medications. Common culprits are antibiotics and narcotics. You need to report this to your surgeon.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

What you are experiencing sounds like an allergic reaction.  It would be unusual to have these symptoms from anesthesia, so they may be related to another medication you are currently taking.  I encourage you to discuss this situation with your surgeon.

C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

The answer to your question depends on what type of anesthesia did you have? Did you have general anesthesia with a gas agent, or did you have general anesthesia with IV medications (such as propofol) also known as TIVA? Need more info please to answer your question more accurately. Thanks!

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

The anesthetic agents mostly used in plastic surgery cases is gone within hours. Likelier suspects are medications you have taken after surgery. It will be best to review these with your surgeon and/or primary MD rather than getting advice from strangers who know nothing else about you save for these few sentences.

	Gravity may explain the nocturnal face swelling, and its resolution during the day when you are upright. This is the opposite of leg swelling which resolves at night and gets worse while standing during the day.

	All the best.

Richard J. Brown, MD · Answer

Most anesthetics are out of the system in 24 hours. What you describe could be a reaction to medications that you are taking. I would make sure to touch base with your team of doctors so that they can help you trouble shoot why this may be happening.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

This is based on medical history, gender, and weight. You describe some interesting issues that need to be discussed with your Plastic Surgeon, as well as your Internal Medicine Doctor. Follow up with your doctors as soon as possible. Best wishes!

How Long Does Anesthsia Stay in System?

Answers (7)

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How Long Does Anesthsia Stay in System?

Answers (7)

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