ANESTHESIA FAQS

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What You Need to Know Before Surgery

When preparing for surgery, understanding anesthesia can help ease your concerns. Anesthesia ensures you are comfortable and pain-free during your procedure. However, there are different types of anesthesia, and knowing what to expect can make the process less stressful. 

Types of Anesthesia

Sedation (Conscious Sedation)

Sedation is commonly used for minor procedures, such as colonoscopies. It involves medications that help you relax and may make you drowsy or sleepy. With sedation:

 

  • You may have no memory of the procedure.
  • You may hear voices or respond to questions.
  • You may still feel pain if a painful stimulus occurs.
  • You will continue breathing on your own.

 

General Anesthesia

General anesthesia is used for more invasive procedures, such as:

 

  • Liposuction
  • Chest sculpting
  • Breast augmentation
  • Tummy tucks
  • Mastopexy (breast lift)

 

With general anesthesia:

  • You will be completely unconscious.
  • You will not feel pain during surgery.
  • Anesthesia is given through IV medication, inhaled gas, or both.
  • You may breathe on your own or require an airway device for oxygen support.

 

Most surgical procedures benefit from general anesthesia because it allows the best surgical outcome while keeping you safe and comfortable.

How Anesthesia is administered

Your anesthesia provider is a highly trained medical professional who ensures your safety and comfort throughout the procedure. Anesthesia is typically administered:

  1. Before surgery – You may receive sedatives like Tylenol PM (Tylenol 1000 mg + Benadryl 50 mg) to help with relaxation.
  2. During surgery – Medication is delivered through an IV or inhaled gases.
  3. After surgery – Medications are adjusted to wake you up smoothly and comfortably.

what to expect before surgery

  • You will walk into the operating room.
  • Your identity and procedure will be verified.
  • You will be connected to monitors for safety.
  • Once anesthesia is started, you will not remember the procedure.
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common concerns about anesthesia

It’s normal to feel anxious before surgery, especially if it’s your first time under anesthesia. Common fears include:

 

Loss of control

Not waking up

Saying something embarrassing

Pain after surgery

 

Rest assured that modern anesthesia is safer than ever. Your anesthesia team carefully monitors you at all times.

possible side effects and how to manage them

 

Most side effects are minor and temporary. Here’s what you might experience and how to handle it:

 

Mild Side Effects

More Serious Considerations

  • Sore throat (from oxygen flow or airway placement)
     → Use warm saline gargles or lozenges; should resolve in 24 hours.
  • Nausea (common with anesthesia)
     → Inform your provider if you get motion sickness; anti-nausea medications can be given.
  • Dizziness when standing (from dehydration)
     → Drink electrolyte fluids like Gatorade or protein shakes.
  • Fatigue (“couch potato mode”)
     → Rest as much as possible to reduce swelling and bleeding.
  • Poor appetite (body recovering from surgery)

→ Eat protein-rich small meals like shakes or bars.

 

  • Do not take pain medication on an empty stomach → This can cause nausea and irritation.
  • Follow fasting instructions (no food or drink for 8 hours before surgery) → This prevents aspiration (stomach contents entering the lungs), a serious risk.
  • Monitor Tylenol intake → No more than 4000 mg in 24 hours to avoid liver stress.

Anesthesia FAQs

Anesthesia is a vital part of surgery, designed to keep you safe, comfortable, and pain-free. While concerns are normal, your anesthesia provider is there to ensure everything goes smoothly. By following pre-op instructions and knowing what to expect, you can feel more confident going into surgery.

Have more questions? Contact us today!