Breathing stopped during anesthesia before - does it happen all the time?

Question

I am a 30 year old woman with no known major health issues. I want to get a tummy tuck and a breast augmentation but I am very concerned about the anesthesia. When I was 25 I had an abortion. They used general anesthesia without a breathing tube. I woke up to a nurse saying, "you scared us. You stopped breathing". I was too out of it to ask further questions. I also stopped breathing during local anesthesia. I told my surgeon and he isn't concerned. Said it happens all the time. Does that sound right

Casey Anderson, MD, FACS · Answer

You will almost certainly have a breathing tube connected to an anesthesia machine that will do the breathing for you during surgery. You can confirm this with your surgeon. It would also be good to confirm that the surgery center has appropriate certifications to make sure everything will keep you safe.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding stopping breathing during “general anesthesia. “ Thank you for your concern regarding not breathing during general anesthesia. It is important to note the different types of anesthesia. There is local anesthesia all the way to general anesthesia. When we talk of general anesthesia, it is because there is a machine, namely a ventilator, which breeds for you. Therefore, technically during general anesthesia, you are not breathing. The machine is breathing for you. Therefore, I do not think you were under general anesthesia because they did not put a tube down your throat during your prior procedure. When tummy tucks are performed, I use a board-certified doctor anesthesiologist who administers general anesthesia. You are not breathing during general anesthesia. The machine is breathing for you. Therefore, like your other plastic surgeon, I am not concerned about you having stopped breathing during “general anesthesia.“ Stopping breathing during local anesthesia was probably because you were holding your breath.

Sometimes patients hold their breath during local anesthesia, and sometimes, they shake or pass out. It’s more common when the patient is standing or in a chair. Definitely, a tummy tuck is not performed under local anesthesia. Again, I would not be overly concerned about stopping breathing during prior surgeries. I’m sure your plastic surgeon will take every precaution to make sure you are breathing during the tummy tuck. Thank you for your question regarding tummy tucks and stopping breathing during anesthesia.

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery, and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

For the procedures you are considering you will be under general anesthesia and your breathing will be controlled by a machine and monitored by an anesthesiologist throughout the entire surgery.  I encourage you to discuss your previous episodes with both your surgeon and anesthesiologist.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

For surgeries that you want, general anesthesia will be needed. Your breathing will be controlled with mechanical ventilator and for that reason you do not have to be concerned of stopping breathing. However, discuss this issue with your anesthesia provider as well as your surgeon day of surgery. Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Momduck,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon and anesthesiologist. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Breathing stopped during anesthesia before - does it happen all the time?

Answers (6)

Answer: Endotracheal general anesthesia

Answer: Endotracheal general anesthesia

Answer: Breathing stopped during anesthesia

Answer: Breathing stopped during anesthesia

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Breathing stopped during anesthesia before - does it happen all the time?

Answers (6)

Answer: Endotracheal general anesthesia

Answer: Endotracheal general anesthesia

Answer: Breathing stopped during anesthesia

Answer: Breathing stopped during anesthesia

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Everything you need to know about Mommy Makeover

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