Fear of general anesthesia - Is there anything I can do to ease my nerves before surgery?

Question

I'm having a rhinoplasty soon and I'm very nervous. My procedure will be done in one hour. My only concern is the general anesthesia. I have never been put under or had any type of surgery. I'm scared of not waking up or going into a coma. I'm completely healthy I don't drink or smoke. Is there anything I can do to ease my nerves before surgery?

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

You are safer during general anesthesia assuming you are healthy than you are driving in a car. It’s natural to fear general anesthesia. It’s a well controlled safe procedure. You might ask your doctor for something like Valium to relax you before surgery

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question. General anesthesia is overall very safe. Most patients, even those with significant health conditions, can be administered with general anesthesia without serious problems. If you’d like, premedication may be prescribed to relieve your anxiety. But the best way to achieve the peace of mind you need before your surgery would be to talk with your surgeon. Communication is always key. A reputable board-certified facial plastic surgeon should be able to address all your concerns and goals and put your mind at ease before surgery. Hope that helps!

William Portuese, MD · Answer

General anesthesia is very safe and is routine in our practice for rhinoplasty. In our practice, we use board certified physician anesthesiologists for patient safety and comfort, and the procedure is performed our Medicare certified outpatient surgery Center. Might be helpful to talk with your anesthesiologist a few days before the surgery, or consider taking an anxiety medication like Valium the night before

Jeffrey C. Hamm, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
As you know by now (since you've been through it), the best treatment for preoperative anxiety is communication with your doctors, with your nurses, and with staff members. They will allay your fears, prepare you for surgery, and provide you with care. These folks do this every day. They will guide you through it.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery...

Fear of general anesthesia - Is there anything I can do to ease my nerves before surgery?

Answers (4)

Answer: By the time you get this... fear of upcoming general anesthesia (in one hour? dated 7.22.22).

Answer: By the time you get this... fear of upcoming general anesthesia (in one hour? dated 7.22.22).

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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

Fear of general anesthesia - Is there anything I can do to ease my nerves before surgery?

Answers (4)

Answer: By the time you get this... fear of upcoming general anesthesia (in one hour? dated 7.22.22).

Answer: By the time you get this... fear of upcoming general anesthesia (in one hour? dated 7.22.22).

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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