Anesthesiology and resuscitation

Many patients considering plastic surgery have natural concerns about undergoing anesthesia. Fortunately advances in monitoring equipment and improved anesthesia drugs have largely contributed to improved overall anesthesia safety. The risk of serious injury from anesthesia is statistically quite low.

At The Platinental Aesthetic Lounge, administration of anesthesia is overseen by board certified anesthesiologists Natalia Sarkisova, M.D., PhD.  At a preoperative appointment prior to surgery each patient is evaluated by one of our anesthesiologists for a thorough history and examination. On the day of surgery, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists  will assist in delivering anesthesia medication and monitoring patients under anesthesiologist supervision.

Patients undergoing procedures The Platinental Aesthetic Lounge will have either monitored total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA sedation) or general anesthesia. More minor procedures such as small scar revisions or excision of lesions can be performed under local anesthesia administered by the plastic surgeon and do not necessitate an anesthesiologist or operating room.

TIVA anesthesia

Monitored sedation or TIVA anesthesia is delivered intravenously to make you temporarily drowsy while local anesthesia is injected.  While the local anesthesia will keep you numb at the surgical site, you will also be kept sedated to avoid any anxiety or restlessness. Your vital signs will be monitored and supplemental oxygen supplied. The advantages of TIVA anesthesia are that recovery can be somewhat quicker and there is a minimized risk of nausea. Procedures that are often done under TIVA anesthesia include some eyelid procedures and small areas of liposuction.

General anesthesia

General anesthesia relies on a combination of inhaled gases and intravenous medications to render an individual unconscious and thereby pain free. It is necessary to complete more involved procedures such as facelifts, breast surgery, and body contouring procedures like liposuction or tummy tucks. Vital life functions such as blood pressure and oxygen saturation are monitored throughout the surgery.

Intensive care

Following completion of surgery patients are transported to the recovery room or post anesthesia care unit. In the recovery room, a nurse will continue to monitor vital signs and administer medications if necessary for pain control or nausea.  The amount of time in the recovery room can vary but generally is about an hour. At this point patients can be discharged to home in the care of a friend or family member. In some cases, patients may elect to stay overnight in one of our five recovery suites. The suites are staffed by a trained nursing team who can assist with early post operative needs and comfort, such as dressing changes, pain control and bathing.