Fear of Anesthesia: What You Need To Know And What You Can Do To Minimize It
Patients who come to my plastic surgery practice are usually not afraid of the surgery—they fear anesthesia. They fear “going under,” losing control, and not waking up. It sounds like the perfect story line for a horror movie, when, in fact, it’s more like the story of Cinderella.
The reason this fear exists is because our media circulates rare stories of plastic surgery blunders, the worst of which are related to anesthesia. Perception is reality even though statistics would tell an entirely different story.
Professional anesthesia is very safe and reliable. It is a gift from the Gods because it allows us surgeons to perform our craft in the perfect environment — no patient pain, anxiety or discomfort. There is no better way to fly. Modern anesthesia is on and off—it works when we need it, and when we are done it’s over. Statistically, the risk of harm from anesthesia is far less than that of things you do every day in your life — like driving your car or flying in an airplane.
I always inform my patients that in my 28+ years in the medical profession, I have never seen a problem with anesthesia other than some nausea afterwards. Yes, there are risks, but in professional hands and in healthy folks, they are quite low.
So if you are one of those people who fear anesthesia, I would suggest that you put things into perspective and learn to truly appreciate the value of expert anesthesia—the plastic surgical procedure with results that you have always dreamed of, without any pain or anxiety.
At Westlake Plastic Surgery, we have a full-time, board certified anesthesiologist who is here to make your journey as safe and comfortable as possible. It simply doesn’t get any better. Your comfort and safety are always my primary concern.
— Robert Caridi, MD
Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery
Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)
Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
Member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Founder of the Austin Gynecomastia Center
