How safe is general anesthesia? And is penicillin and general anesthesia related?

Question

I'm considering having a breast reduction done but I'm a bit concerned about how safe general anesthesia is and does it have any relation to penicillin. I've been told I have an allergic reaction to penicillin when I was a baby. It broke my skin out. Btw, I was premature. If that helps any.

Andres Taleisnik, MD · Answer

If your surgery is performed in a fully accredited surgery center or hospital, using a board-certified anesthesiologist, then general anesthesia should be very safe (unless you have significant medical problems such as heart disease). Your surgeon can help you to determine whether general anesthesia is appropriate for you. I perform almost all of my surgeries under general anesthesia.Penicillin is an antibiotic to prevent or treat infections. It has nothing to do with your anesthesia. Choosing an antibiotic should not be difficult for your surgeon, even with your history.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Generally speaking, general anesthesia is considered very safe today. Of course, much will depend on the individual patient's health status, choice of plastic surgeon and anesthesiologist, and safety/quality of surgery/hospital facility. There is no association between penicillin allergy and and anesthesia related complications. Of course, it will be important for you to communicate all medical concerns and allergies to the physicians involved. Best wishes.

Frederick G. Weniger, MD, FACS, MBA · Answer

These days, GA is quite safe, although it really depends on a patient's preop health.  An allergy to PCN really has nothing to do with GA, so you don't need to worry so much.

How safe is general anesthesia? And is penicillin and general anesthesia related?

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How safe is general anesthesia? And is penicillin and general anesthesia related?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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