Anesthesia
We recognize that many patients have anxiety and concerns about the anesthesia associated with their surgery. We maintain the highest standard of care and best practices for cosmetic surgery. Our anesthesia provider has over 20 years of experience in cosmetic surgery anesthesia and we maintain the most up to date, state-of-the-art anesthesia delivery and monitoring systems to provide the safest, most comfortable experience during and after surgery.
Dedicated Anesthesia Partner
Our anesthesia provider has over 15 years of experience in cosmetic surgery anesthesia and works with Dr. Cooper and his team 2 to 3 days a week and provides anesthesia for all of Dr. Cooper’s cosmetic surgery patients. Dr. Cooper has found that having a consistent anesthesia provider, as well as a consistent surgical team, results in smoother, safer, more successful surgery.
Highest Levels of Monitoring During Surgery
We have state-of-the-art monitoring systems to monitor patient’s vital signs, comfort and awareness during surgery. We use a BIS VISTA Monitoring System which is designed to measure the patient’s awareness during surgery and therefore regulate the delivery of anesthesia to ensure each patient is both comfortable and totally unaware during surgery.
Up to Date and Sophisticated Anesthesia Delivery
Our anesthesia machine and delivery systems are highly advanced and the most up to date. The same models and equipment are used in hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers.
Individualized Anesthesia Plan
Dr. Cooper and our anesthesia provider evaluate each patient’s past medical and surgical history as well as their past anesthesia history prior to surgery. The surgical procedures, length of surgery, patient medical history, and allergies are all contemplated and a best fit anesthesia plan is established for each patient.
Post-Operative Comfort
We are narcotic sparing wherever possible so that patients wake up feeling refreshed, without post-operative nausea or “hangover”. Each patient is monitored during post-operative recovery with one on one nursing care to ensure that patients wake up safely with as little discomfort as possible.
Anesthesia FAQs
The type of anesthesia can range from local anesthesia with sedation to general anesthesia, depending on the complexity and length of your procedure, your health history, and your comfort level. Your anesthesia provider will discuss the options in advance and recommend the safest and most appropriate choice for your specific surgery.
Your anesthesia will be administered by a dedicated anesthesia professional who specializes in cosmetic surgery and works regularly with Dr. Cooper’s team. This provider is typically board certified (MD anesthesiologist or CRNA with appropriate credentials) and experienced in outpatient plastic surgery care.
You will have an opportunity to review your medical history, medications, allergies, and prior anesthesia experiences with the anesthesia provider before surgery. This may occur at a preoperative visit or via phone, and it helps tailor your anesthesia plan and answer any last-minute questions.
Patients with medical conditions are evaluated carefully, and additional information or clearance from your primary care physician or specialist may be requested before surgery. Your anesthesia plan can be adjusted (i.e., medication selection, fluid management, monitoring intensity) to account for conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or sleep apnea.
Most patients are instructed not to eat solid food after midnight before surgery and to stop consuming clear liquids several hours before their arrival time. Your exact fasting instructions will be provided in writing prior to surgery to minimize the risk of aspiration and to keep you safe under anesthesia.
Many patients describe feeling drowsy but comfortable when they first wake up with staff present to reassure and assist them. You may notice a dry mouth, mild chills, or grogginess, which usually improves within the first hour in recovery.
Some patients are prone to nausea after anesthesia, especially if they have a history of motion sickness or prior post-operative nausea. Preventive measures can include giving anti-nausea medications during and after surgery and adjusting the anesthetic drugs to reduce this risk.
You will be awake and breathing on your own before leaving the recovery area, but residual drowsiness, slowed reflexes, and impaired judgment can last 24 hours. For that reason, you will need a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you the first night after surgery.
You may be asked to stop certain medications such as blood thinners, some supplements, or specific diabetes drugs several days before surgery. Other medications, like those for blood pressure, may be taken with a small sip of water on the morning of surgery, according to the written instructions you receive.