We were all taught to tell the truth, right? Well, it is never more important than when you are meeting with your anesthesiologist before surgery. As a board certified plastic surgeon, I am dedicated to my patients’ education, safety, and comfort. It is very important that you understand that the safety and success of your surgery is greatly influenced by how open and honest you are during the pre-surgical screening.

Anesthesia affects your entire body and it is your anesthesiologist’s responsibility to monitor your breathing, heart rate, and other important responses before, during, and right after surgery. Open and clear communication will ensure that both your anesthesia and plastic surgery experiences will come with minimal discomfort, quick healing, and as little post-surgery downtime as possible.

Provide thorough, truthful answers

It is important to consider your anesthesiologist’s questions carefully before any surgical procedure, and you should answer them completely and honestly. It might even help to write a list of things you want to share, so you do not forget anything significant. It is important to tell your anesthesiologist about your past and current lifestyle habits, such as whether you have been or are a smoker, how often you drink alcohol, what prescription and over-the-counter drugs you take, and even if you use or have used illegal drugs; all these factors influence your reaction to anesthesia. In fact, when many patients discuss smoking and surgery with their doctor, they are motivated to quit, which will clearly have positive effects on their overall health.

Mention existing conditions and prior reactions

Be sure to mention any pre-existing health conditions also, such as diabetes or asthma, as well as any allergies (especially to soy or eggs) you may have. Your anesthesiologist will advise you to stop taking certain herbal supplements several weeks prior to your surgery because some popular supplements can negatively affect blood clotting and cause other adverse responses.

Finally, it is important to note and share any past reactions to anesthesia so your anesthesiologist can formulate a protocol that lessens any possible post-surgical discomfort. For example, some patients are nauseated by certain types of anesthesia. If your anesthesiologist knows this is true for you, they can attempt to minimize this side effect.

Just as I am committed to giving you the best possible results from cosmetic surgery, your anesthesiologist works on your behalf to ensure the best and most comfortable surgical and recovery experiences possible. As always, feel free to contact my office with questions about preparing for your surgery, including questions about your anesthesia. We are happy to provide you with the answers.

Patti Flint, M.D., P.C. is a board certified plastic surgeon that strives to ensure that all of her patients are thoroughly educated about the plastic surgery procedures they desire so that the can make a confident, well-informed decision. She is a devoted and experienced professional whose focus is to help her clients feel more beautiful and confident by delivering natural results. Learn more about Dr. Flint and read Dr. Flint’s reviews.

Categorized in: Surgical Procedures