patient awake surgery

This Advanced Surgical Strategy at Our Dover, Ohio, Practice Has Advantages

Patient-awake surgery at the Dover, Ohio-based Fine Arts Skin and Laser represents a leap forward inpatient care. General anesthetic has historically been the go-to choice for surgical patients, rendering them unconscious for the duration of their procedure, while local anesthetic was used for more minor procedures. Careful research and study have shown, however, that when applied properly, a local anesthetic can be both safe and effective for more significant cosmetic procedures.

The point of an anesthetic is to improve the surgical experience for patients by reducing sensation and allowing them to remain relaxed and comfortable. This reduces trauma to the patient and allows the surgeon to work without also having to deal with someone enduring a great deal of pain. Patient-awake surgery ensures the patient stays comfortable not only during the procedure but after since general anesthesia can cause a range of side effects that must be dealt with during recovery.

How Does Patient-Awake Surgery Work?

A general anesthetic is administered as a gas that patients breathe in combined with various drugs given through an IV, causing the patient to fall asleep. Patient-awake surgery is accomplished with a local anesthetic delivered directly into the area targeted for surgery.

With precisely placed injections of a solution that contains lidocaine, sensation in the surgical site can be reduced so that patients do not feel the incisions. Also known as tumescent anesthesia, this technique causes the tissue to become firmer and numb. At most, the sensation of pressure will register, but the procedure should remain comfortable.

What Are the Advantages of Patient-Awake Surgery?

While surgeries performed with the patient under general anesthesia have a long history and are considered safe, there are some risks to watch for. Patients who are unconscious throughout their surgery must be monitored for a variety of reasons, many of which are much less of a concern with patient-awake surgery.

Using only a local anesthetic dramatically reduces the risk of:

  • post-operative nausea
  • vomiting
  • aspiration
  • spiking and/or dropping blood-pressure
  • nerve compression injury
  • peripheral blood clots
  • cardiac dysrhythmia

What Can Patient-Awake Surgery Be Used For?

Virtually any cosmetic surgery available at Fine Arts Skin & Laser can be performed as a patient-awake procedure, including facelift, brow lift, blepharoplasty (eyelid rejuvenation), and liposuction/living fat transfers. Patients can discuss their desired surgery with Dr. Hartman to discover whether patient-awake surgery is an option for them and learn what to expect.

A Final Word on Patient-Awake Surgery

Patient-awake surgery is a sophisticated technique that has many advantages but should be performed only by an experienced team led by a plastic surgeon with an excellent reputation, surgical skill, and a superb record. Dr. Hartman is a firm believer in the benefits of this type of surgery and has worked to fully understand the process from start to finish and beyond, all with a goal of making the entire experience as safe and comfortable for his patients as possible.
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