is it safe to go under general anesthesia for breast augmentation with panic and anxiety issues?

Thank you for your question. Both types of anesthesia can provide a safe and comfortable platform for breast augmentation surgery. It is more important that you feel comfortable with your surgeon and the surgical plan as this is ultimately what you will be remembering after the procedure.

Thanks for your question!  Believe it or not, panic attacks and anxiety are fairly common, and many patients experience these symptoms.  Leading up to a surgery can be especially stressful, and we understand that.  Talk with your plastic surgeon about what medications you can take leading up to surgery.  If you are feeling anxious the morning of surgery, please keep your doctor, nurses and anesthesiologist well aware of your symptoms.  They will monitor you closely and make sure you're comfortable.  Most importantly, to answer your question, it is safe, and you will be fine.  Good luck!

I am one of a few board certified plastic surgeons who perform breast augmentation under local anesthesia. However, if you have a history of panic attacks it would probably be safer to go under general anesthesia than have an attack while you are awake.Best Regards,Dr Gartner

General anesthesia is the safest and best way to go about your surgery. Inform your anesthesiologist about your situation. You will be closely monitored before, during and after your procedure. 

I think that general is really the best what to go for a breast augmentation and especially if you have panic attacks. Tell the anesthesiologist before hand. Perhaps he can give you something to relax you.

If you are prone to have panic attacks and anxiety then you are probably better off having general anesthesia for breast augmentation or any other procedure. This will ensure that you have an anesthesiologist who is someone dedicated to ensuring that you are comfortable and will be able to properly monitor you. They will make sure that you were not there of anything that is going on that may cause anxiety. The whole experience will be much better than if you are awake and aware which is possible even with twilight sedation. The last thing you want to happen is that you have a panic attack while awake in a procedure. Then the surgeon is unable to concentrate on what he's doing because he's trying to calm you down.If you do elect to have general anesthesia make sure that you're having the procedure done at a certified ambulatory surgery center or hospital 

Yes, given your description, it will likely be safe for you to undergo breast augmentation surgery under general anesthesia. However, your perioperative course will likely be “smoother” if your  "panic and anxiety issues” are optimally controlled. If you are under the care of a psychologist/psychiatrist, he/she will be able to help you. If not, consider this type of professional help (prior to proceeding with breast augmentation surgery).  Best wishes.

Panic and anxiety issues are not an absolute contraindication to having surgery. Many times patients with these issues may have to have surgery and they can do fine. You should discuss your issues with your primary care physician, plastic surgeon, and anesthesiologist. They can develop a plan to help minimize any potential issues. 

This is a question that you need to clearly discuss with your plastic surgeon as well as your  prior to surgery. It is normal to have some degree of anxiety before surgery and they may want to give you some anxiolytics prior to the procedure.

Hi!I understand your concern-- almost everyone, including docs feel out of control in this situation, and that leads to anxiety. But anesthesia is quite safe, especially for you, since you are very healthy. Once you get to  your surgery center on the day of your procedure, you will feel more relaxed! Breast Wishes!