Can a mini facelift be performed without the use or Demerol?

Question

I went for a consult for a Mini Face Lift focusing mostly on jowls. I was told a Demerol shot would be given. For personal reasons, I do not want to take the shot. My question is, can I refuse to take the shot and has any doctor here ever had a patient that refused and you still moved forward with the procedure? If my face is going to be numb, what is the need for Demerol?

Farhad Rafizadeh, MD · Answer

I do all my facelift under local anesthesia, Many times we have an intravenous line and give patients some sedation to help them tolerate the injection of local anesthesia. In fact once the local anesthesia is effective, you wouldn’t require any other narcotic or sedation. One can also use these medications by mouth with no shots, but remembers there will be injection of local anesthesia.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

Local anesthesia is used to anesthetize the area where your mini facelift would be done. Some form of sedation is frequently given in addition to the local anesthesia to help patients relax and make the experience better.  Numerous medication’s can be used for this and your plastic surgeon should be able to offer you other options besides the Demerol.  There is also the option for you not having any type of sedation at all and relying only on the local anesthesia to keep you comfortable. This can be an excellent way forward for people who do not want any sedation. Best wishes.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

If you have a history of narcotic abuse, having surgery will not necessarily lead to recidivism. Demerol is one of many narcotics, and are rarely used during surgery (Fentanyl is the drug most anesthesiologists use because it is easy to control - fast onset, fast washout). Regardless, pain management is part of the anesthetic process, which can be tailored in many ways. Talking to surgeons about anesthesia may lead to unintentional misinformation because surgeons are not anesthesiologists, doctors that have an array of ways to keep people asleep comfortably and safely.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

There are many options available for use other than Demerol. You should discuss this with your physician including why you don’t want Demerol. I’m no sure other options could be used

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

We occasionally do face and neck lift in local anesthesia only. Those are patients whom we know very well from previous contacts(surgeries) and believe that uncomfortable injection of local anesthetic will be well tolerated. Most frequently we use twilight anesthesia, based on Propophol. In cases where additional surgeries of breast and abdomen are performed simultaneously, general anesthesia may be used. Demerol is not a critical part of any anesthesia and can be replaced o and avoided. Hope this helps.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

We do all our face lifts and liposuctions under local anesthesia and patients do great.  A little demerol can be administered for complete comfort if the patient wants it but it is not necessary.  Avoid getting general anesthesia at all costs.  That's were the biggest risks are.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

There are a variety of anesthesia methods that could be used for a mini facelift.  In my opinion, it certainly would be possible to perform the procedure without the use of demerol.  It is possible that a mini facelift could be performed with general anesthesia, local anesthesia with IV sedation, or just local anesthesia.  I would discuss your concern with demerol with your surgeon and you should be able to come up with a plan that is acceptable to both you and your surgeon.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Your question is confusing? Are you having mini face lift under local anesthesia only? The injection of the "Demerol" is to help with pain management during the operation? Why not have local anesthesia with I.V.sedation from a anesthiologist or CRNA?

Can a mini facelift be performed without the use or Demerol?

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