Anaesthesia FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about anaesthesia

For answers to questions about treatment at Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, please see the General FAQ.

General Questions

Preparing for Surgery

During Surgery

After Surgery

What kind of anaesthesia will I have during my surgery?

There are four different types of anaesthesia:

  • General Anaesthesia is often compared to sleep. With this kind of anaesthesia your anaesthetist will keep you in a carefully controlled state of unconsciousness. When your surgery is over, he or she will reverse the anaesthesia to allow you to regain consciousness in a controlled and comfortable manner.
  • Regional Anaesthesia produces numbness in a region of your body like your arm or leg. With anaesthesia of this kind you are comfortable but awake. Regional anaesthesia is often combined with sedation.
  • Local Anaesthesia numbs just a small part of your body. You remain conscious but feel no pain. Local anaesthesia may be produced by injection, creams or sprays and is often administered by your surgeon. The initial injection may sting slightly but then the area will go numb. If you would prefer to feel relaxed and sleepy during your procedure, local anaesthesia can be combined with sedation.
  • Sedation, which is usually produced with a tablet or injection, makes you feel pleasantly sleepy. You remain awake but usually remember very little of what happened during your procedure. Sedation is often combined with local or regional anaesthesia.

The kind of surgery you are having, your needs and preferences and your overall health will determine which of these kinds of anesthesia will be used during your procedure.

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What is the role of my anaesthetist?

Your anaesthetist will take care of you before, during and after your procedure, making sure you are safe and comfortable. He or she will also work closely with your surgeon to assure the correct blood supply and conditions for the area being treated. This is key to achieving the best results.

Here in the UK, anaesthetists are fully trained doctors with extensive training in how the body works, particularly the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys and liver. They are not only experts in anaesthesia but also in resuscitation, intensive care and pain control.

  • Before your procedure, your anaesthetist will meet with you to assess your fitness for surgery, decide with you and the surgeon which type of anaethesia will be used, and talk to you about your postoperative options, including any pain relief that will be required. He or she also checks all the equipment vital for your safety in the theatre suite and organizes the anaesthtic team to assure you the best and safest care.
  • During your procedure your anaesthetist will be at your side carefully monitoring your body's vital functions. If a general anaesthetic is being used, he or she will induce a state of unconsciousness that controls any pain and provides the best possible conditions for the areas on which the surgeon is working. Your anaestheist will also maintain your body's correct temperature, replace any fluids that are lost and help you wake up safely and comfortably when the procedure is over.
  • After your procedure your anaesthetist will look after you medically until you are discharged from the hospital. He or she will make sure you are not dehydrated, your vital functions are stable and you are as comfortable as possible. Your anaesthetist also advises the team and ward staff on when you can be discharged and on what pain-killing drugs you should take in hospital and at home.
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Are general anaesthetics safe?

Any operation and anaesthetic carries a slight risk, however if you are generally healthy this risk is very low. Millions of anaesthetics are administered every year, and thanks to modern expertise, techniques and equipment, serious problems are extremely rare

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Will my fitness affect my anaesthetic?

The fitter you are, the better your heart and lungs can tolerate anaesthesia. Your anaesthetist may ask about your physical fitness and if you have any significant medical problems you may need a preoperative consultation with the anaesthetist to optimize your state of health.

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Will I need tests?

Very occasionally you may need preoperative investigations such as blood tests, x-rays or electrocardiograms. These will be discussed with you during your preoperative assessment. For your convenience, testing can often be done on the day of your procedure, however, occasionally tests will be done in advance. All tests will be interpreted by the staff, including your anaesthetist and surgeon, before your procedure.

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How long before my operation do I need to stop eating and drinking

Normally you will be advised to stop eating and drinking eight hours before your procedure. In some circumstances this may change but you should seek confirmation from your team and anaesthetist. It is very important that you follow the advice of your team as any problem may cause your procedure to be cancelled for your safety.

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Why can't I eat or drink before my procedure?

It is vitally important, for you own safety, that you not drink or eat anything before your procedure, even if you are having a local anaesthetic. Times will vary according to the institution and you should check with your team.

You are advised not to eat or drink because of the danger of inhaling stomach contents, a process called "aspiration." When you are awake your body has an effective mechanism to stop this from happening, however when you are unconscious this mechanism does not work.

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Should I continue to take my prescribed medications?

In most cases it is important to continue taking your medications up to and including the day of your surgery. There are a few exceptions to this rule, however, so it's important to tell your team about all the types of drugs you are taking now or have used recently.

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Which of my medications do I need to tell my anesthetist about?

When you talk to your anaesthetist before surgery please show him or her all the medications you have been taking, including over-the-counter pills, supplements and other substances. This helps reduce the chance of an unexpected interaction between your anaesthetics and the other drugs present in your system.

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I recently had a cold, will I still be able to have surgery?

If you are an adult and are not feeling unwell, there is usually no cause for concern. If you suffer from chest problems like asthma or bronchitis, however, it would be wise to discuss this with your team before your operation. In the case of a child, if the patient has had a cold in the last two weeks this should be discussed with the team.

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Should I give up smoking?

Smoking can have an adverse effect on many operations. If you are considering stopping smoking, you should allow six weeks for the effects of smoking to wear off before your procedure.

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A close relative had a problem with anaesthetic. Should I be concerned?

You should discuss any family history of this kind with your anaesthetist before your surgery. Knowing exactly what happened can help your anaesthetist prepare for your procedure.

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I have crowns / bridges / veneers / dentures. Will this be a problem?

Please tell your team about any crowns, bridges, veneers, dentures or loose teeth. The special instruments used to place breathing tubes in very exact position can damage loose teeth or crowns. It is also possible that biting down on teeth or crowns as you wake up could cause a problem. We know how important your teeth and dental work are to you and will take special care to protect them; however in rare cases they may be damaged.

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I suspect I may be allergic to certain drugs and substances. Is this a problem?

It's important to tell your team about any allergies you suspect - even if you're not absolutely sure.

It is possible to have an allergic reaction to a drug during anaesthesia, but the chance of this happing is extremely low. If it were to happen, it is unlikely you would suffer any permanent harm as anaesthetists are experts at recognizing and treating allergic reactions, particularly those that occur during anaesthesia.

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What if I'm allergic to anaesthesia?

Some people believe they are allergic to anaesthesia because they've experienced nausea and vomiting after having an anaesthetic, however that is not the case. Nausea and vomiting are side effects. True allergic reactions produce hives on the skin, wheezing, swelling of the mouth, throat or eyes and sometimes a drop in blood pressure. Although true allergic reactions can occur with anesthetics, they are extremely rare. Please discuss your concerns with your team.

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I'm allergic to rubber and latex products. Should I tell my anaesthetist

Yes. Latex allergy is an increasingly common allergy that is usually not serious. However, if you think you have a latex allergy you should tell your surgeon and your anaesthetist promptly. Many latex and rubber products are used in the theatre setting. Informing your team as early as possible will allow them to see that these products are removed so your exposure to them is minimized.

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I'm having a general anaesthetic. How will it be administered?

Your anaesthetist will insert a needle (also called an intravenous cannula) into your hand or arm before your procedure. You will then be given your anaesthetic and pain medication through this cannula. It may sting a bit when the needle is inserted, but only for a moment. Your anaesthetist is an expert in placing cannulas quickly and with as little discomfort as possible.

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I hate needles. Are there any alternatives?

After certain operations such as facelift with neck lift, chin augmentation or buccal fat reduction, you will be advised to avoid all food that needs chewing for the If you dislike needles, please talk to your team. They can use a local anaesthetic cream to reduce the sensation of having the needle placed in your hand or arm. Your anaesthetist may also be able to start your anaesthesia without an injection by using an inhaled anaesthetic agent that you breathe through a facemask. In most cases, however, your anaesthetist will prefer a cannula in case you require additional medications as your anaesthesia takes effect.

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Will I have a drip?

During most general anaesthetics you will be attached to a bag of fluid containing a balanced salt solution designed to replace the body fluids lost during the time you were not allowed to drink and during your procedure. After your surgery more of this balanced solution will often be infused through your cannula whilst you rest.

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Will I wake up in the middle of the operation?

This is a very rare event and not usually a problem with this type of surgery.

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What kind of monitors are used to keep an eye on me during my operation?

Specialized monitors provide continuous observation of your heart, blood pressure, oxygen saturation and breathing. Some patients may requite additional monitoring depending on the type of surgery and their health. The most valuable monitoring in theater, however, is the close attention the anaesthetist and surgeon pay to your condition throughout the procedure.

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Will I be sick after the anaesthetic?

Some people experience nausea after anaesthetics, however this can often be treated successfully with appropriate medication. Our record of anti-emetic anaesthesia is very good and we can tailor your anaesthetic and painkillers to prevent nausea. If you have been sick after anaesthesia in the past please be sure to tell your team so we can take special care to prevent it happening again.

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Will may throat be sore after my surgery?

If you are having a general anaesthetic you throat may be mildly sore afterwards as a result of the placement of the breathing tube. It should feel better after a day or two and can often be eased by sucking certain types of cough lozenges. Please ask your team.

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Are there any other after effects of anaesthetic?

There are a number of infrequent mild complications including pain and bruising at the site of injections, headaches and dental damage. There are rare, easily treatable and get better quickly.

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How soon after my operation will I be allowed to get up?

That depends on the kind of surgery and anaesthetic you've had. Your team and nurses will let you know what to expect. Normally, though, you will be encouraged to be up and about as soon as possible after your operation.

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How soon after my surgery may I eat and drink?

That depends on the nature of your procedure. After some operations you may be able to eat and drink immediately. Your team and nurses will let you know what to expect. In any case you should not eat or drink a large amount straight away or you may feel sick.

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When can I get back to my normal activities?

That will depend on what kind of surgery you've had, however everyone needs some time to recover from surgery and anesthesia. Please ask your team about which activities you should avoid and for how long.