Anesthesia for outpatient cosmetic surgery

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Plastic Surgery
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Cosmetic procedures have surged by 457% from 1997-2007, increasing patient safety concerns.
• Growing complexity and media attention necessitate safer anesthesia practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current methods for improving patient safety in aesthetic surgery.
• To address anesthesia concerns accompanying the rise in cosmetic procedures.

Main Methods:

• Review of safety and efficacy in aesthetic facial and breast surgeries.
• Analysis of anesthesia techniques including oral sedation, local anesthesia, and regional blocks.
• Evaluation of risk in combined gynecologic and plastic procedures.

Main Results:

• Oral sedation, local anesthesia, dexmedetomidine, and specific lidocaine doses enhance facial surgery safety.
• Nasopharyngeal tubes aid oxygen delivery, preventing operating room fires.
• Paravertebral blocks and multimodal analgesia reduce narcotic use in breast surgery.
• Combined procedures carry no greater risk; team approach is vital.
• Pulmonary embolism remains a primary mortality risk.

Conclusions:

• Current methods enhance patient safety in cosmetic surgery.
• Exponential growth necessitates ongoing research for evidence-based anesthesia.
• Future trials will establish best practices for this evolving field.