Today, anesthesia is safer than ever. The reason is giant strides towards patient safety and comfort achieved by the specialty of anesthesiology.
Several patients have asked me whether it is necessary to have an anesthesia specialist. They ask, “Is it not possible to do the procedure under local anesthesia, without an anesthesiologist?” I think this question is being posed because there are some marketing companies that promote “lunchtime” or “one-hour” or “quick” facelifts, whose patients do not have the benefit of an anesthesiologist.
Not having that “second doctor” in the operating room is one of the most foolish decisions a patient can make. For cosmetic surgery–or any surgery. Why wouldn’t you have a specialist whose entire work is devoted to patient comfort and safety? Is anything more important than either for you? Today’s anesthesia is so safe that, in fact, you’re safer in a certified outpatient surgery center or hospital, with a doctor anesthesiologist at your side, than you are on the freeway or road you took to get to the surgery center!
Finally, if people are attracted to a program that does not include an anesthesiologist within the package of services, consider that the anesthesiologist’s fee typically is no more than 10% of the total outlay for all services, including the surgeon’s fee, outpatient surgery center or hospital, postoperative medications, and postoperative recovery facility.
It’s a false bargain to try to save money when your very life is on the line.