Scared of Going Under General Anesthesia for 5 1/2 for Mommy Makeover???

Anxiety regarding anesthesia is an extremely common phenomena. In our experience people are often more concerned about anesthesia than their actual surgical procedure. The science of anesthesia has made significant advances in the past twenty years. In the past inhalation agents were often associated with slow recoveries and significant post-operative nausea. Current anesthetic agents are associated with quicker recoveries and less post-operative nausea.

When patients are in good health and have no major risk factors, a five hour anesthesia is not unusual and is relatively safe. It’s important to realize that the mommy makeover is an extensive procedure that combines cosmetic breast surgery, liposuction and abdominoplasty. By its very nature, the mommy makeover will require a longer period of anesthesia.

If you’re strongly considering a mommy makeover procedure then everything should be done pre-operatively to remove your anxiety. This starts with a comprehensive pre-operative medical evaluation to ensure that you’re in good health and a good surgical risk.

People fear the unknown, so make sure your well educated on this topic. Make sure you spend time with your surgeon and anesthesiologist and get your questions answered. This will do more than anything else to alleviate your anxiety.

Thank you for your question.

Some anxiety prior to surgery is to be expected.  Assuming that you are working with a board certified plastic surgeon and board certified Anesthesiologist in a fully accredited surgery center, your risks are low - I am also assuming you have good medical health.

It may give you peace of mind if you speak to other patients who have had similar procedures performed.

Thank you!

If you are young and healthy, you should be able to tolerate general anesthesia for 5 hours for surgery.  You should first obtain medical clearance from your primary care physician, which would require possibly an EKG and lab work. If you are concerned about the recovery, you can have the procedure performed in a hospital or stay overnight in an aftercare facility.

In general, the longer the surgery, the more likely you are to develop blood clots in your legs. The chance is still quite low, about 1-2%.

If you have any concerns you need to discuss this in detail with your surgeon prior to surgery and possibly separate the procedures on two different days.

Best wishes,

Dr.Bruno