General anesthesia for rhytidectomy: a review of 100 consecutive cases

Although local anesthesia will, and should, continue to be the principal method of anesthesia for most face lift operations, we believe that general endotracheal anesthesia, supplemented by local anesthesia with epinephrine, offers significant advantages in a selected group of patients. We review 100 consecutive rhytidectomies done under this combination of anesthetics. These patients had no significant intraoperative or postoperative problems, and the results compare favorably with the usual technique of local anesthesia plus basal sedation. Good cooperation between surgeon and anesthesiologist, and a thorough understanding of the principles involved in such anesthesia administrations (particularly when relatively large volumes of local anesthesia with epinephrine are going to be used) are necessary for the patient's safe course during the procedure.