Utah's Boutique Surgical Facility For Plastic Surgery

Why have anesthesia? Anesthesia is utilized to make you emotionally and physically comfortable during surgery. It can relieve anxiety, block pain, and in some cases put you in a deeply sedated state so that you are not aware of, and do not remember your surgery. Prior to surgery, you will complete an online health history questionnaire, which will be reviewed by your anesthesia provider to assess your overall health. If you have had previous medical concerns, such as heart, lung or neurological issues, this will be further discussed because you may be at higher risk for complications. In addition, alert your anesthesia provider if you have a family history of a rare condition known as malignant hyperthermia, a severe increase in body temperature that can be triggered by certain medications used during general anesthesia.

Food and Drink Before Surgery. Also, do not eat eight (8) hours before surgery because there is a risk of aspiration. This means food in your stomach could enter your lungs while you are under anesthesia. You may drink clear liquids such as water, apple juice, Gatorade, and/or black coffee (no milk or creamer) up to two hours before the surgery.

Medications you are taking. In addition, while filling out your pre-operative questionnaire, it is important you share an accurate list of medications you are currently taking, including prescriptions, supplements, herbal or otherwise. We will be inquiring about your health habits and medications, and use of alcohol or recreational drugs. We will ask about your prior experience with anesthesia, your fears, your questions, and your recovery. We may ask you to take new medications prior to anesthesia, or we may ask you to stop taking certain medications that may cause complication when receiving anesthesia. It is important to bring your home medications with you on the day of surgery. If you have any questions about which medications you should or should not take, please email us at Info@MillcreekSurgery.com

It depends on the type of anesthesia. To start, you can expect placement of an intravenous line, or an IV. This allows the medication to flow directly into your blood stream for quicker action. After consent forms and procedures are confirmed, you will likely receive sedation to help calm your nerves. When you are taken into the operating room, we will connect monitors that help us assess your heart and lung function. Then, after receiving oxygen through a facemask, you will be ready to receive more powerful anesthetic medications through the IV. The type of anesthesia you receive will depend on the procedure you undergo.
Your anesthesia will include one of the following types:

• General anesthesia —We render you fully unconscious so you are in a sleep-like state. You will be unable to recall the procedure when you wake.

•Monitored anesthesia (a.k.a. twilight anesthesia) — Medications for sedation and pain relief are given to make you feel calm and relaxed, but you may hear what is going on around you. An anesthesia provider is present throughout the procedure to ensure you are relaxed and comfortable.

•Local anesthesia — You will receive an injection that is isolated to the area of the procedure. The drug will numb only that area, and you will remain conscious. Sedation can be administered according to your comfort level.

Surgery and anesthesia are safer today than ever before, thanks to continuing advances in science, but this does not mean there is zero risk. In fact, surgery and anesthesia are inherently risky, and as with any medication or procedure, there is always the chance that something could go wrong. Most side effects are minor and temporary, such as nausea, vomiting, shivering, short-term confusion, and a sore throat.

However, though rare, there are some more serious risks to be aware of:

• Malignant hyperthermia –Some people inherit this serious, potentially deadly reaction to anesthesia that can occur during surgery. If you or any family member has ever had heat stroke or suffered from malignant hyperthermia during a previous surgery, be sure to tell the anesthesia provider.

Other risks of anesthesia include, but are not limited to, heart attack, stroke, blood clot, breathing difficulties, difficulty placing a breathing tube, dental damage, adverse drug reaction, and post-operative delirium. These risks are minimized in a healthy patient, and our anesthesia providers will carefully review your health history with you, and discuss risks. A certified anesthesia specialist will be with you throughout your entire procedure to keep you as safe and comfortable as possible. If you have additional concerns, or a history of anesthesia complications that you would like to discuss, please contact our anesthesia team at Info@MillcreekSurgery.com.

There are certain medications that you will be asked not to take before surgery due to bleeding side effects. These medications include ibuprofen, aspirin, and blood thinners. In most cases, not stopping blood thinning medications will result to your surgery being re-scheduled. Please discuss these medications in advance with your surgeon or anesthesia provider regarding when these medications should be stopped. The majority of patients will be asked to avoid ibuprofen and aspirin for 7 days prior to the procedure. 

Certain medications should be taken the day of surgery. This includes most blood pressure (heart) medications, anti-seizure medications, and asthma medications. Other medications are permissible, such as acetaminophen containing pain medication. Other medications should not be taken day of surgery, such as water pills (hydrochlorothiazide) and certain blood pressure medications called ACE inhibitors (end in –pril) and ARB’s (end in –artan), diabetes blood sugar lowering medication, ADHD medication such as adderall, and weight loss medication such as phentermine. If you have any questions about which medications you should or should not take, please email us at Info@MillcreekSurgery.com

In addition to prescribed medications, you may be taking herbs or supplements that could potentially affect your anesthesia, surgery or recovery period. It is important to discuss all supplements being taken with your anesthesia and surgery specialists. Although not all inclusive, below is a list of supplements which could potentially be problematic for your surgery. To be most prudent, it is advised to stop all supplements at least one week before your surgery.