You’ve heard it before – anesthesia increases your risk of complications during surgery. But recently, a study compiled by John Starling III, M.D, of the University of Cincinnati’s department of dermatology, used 10 years worth of data from cosmetic surgeons’ offices in Florida, and 6 years from offices in Alabama. What this study concludes is that “more than two-thirds of deaths and three-quarters of hospital transfers were associated with cosmetic surgery performed under general anesthesia”. Liposuction was identified as the procedure with the highest anesthetic risk – 32% of cosmetic procedure-related deaths and 22% of all cosmetic procedure-related complications were attributed to it.
The researchers noted that they were not able to obtain data on the total number of liposuction procedures performed in either Florida or Alabama, which was an obstacle in determining the overall fatality rate.
So what can we do when we are seeking a cosmetic procedure, but are fearful of the risks involved with general anesthesia? Luckily, there are options available that do not use general anesthesia and are far less invasive. For example, I have created the SLUPlift, which is a minimally invasive mini-suture face lift. This procedure uses only a local anesthetic and is done in 1 to 2 hours at the office. The SLUPlift is a very popular option for individuals who want a more youthful look with a short recovery time, while avoiding the risks of general anesthesia.
In fact, I offer several types of cosmetics surgeries using only local anesthesia. Eyelid Lift (Blepharoplasty) Surgery is another popular one, with results lasting 10-15 years. Neck Lift surgery is another option using local anesthesia, as are some rhinoplasties. Local anesthesia eliminates the risks associated with general anesthesia, does not require lengthy hospital or office stays, and wears off quickly after the procedure.
If you are interested in any cosmetic procedure, a consultation would be the next step needed to determine which procedure and what type of anesthesia would be best for you. With over 18 years of experience and dual board certification, I have seen hundreds of individuals who want a change in their appearance without the risks of anesthesia. Together we can identify the safest option for your individual needs.
