Anaesthesia
A top priority at Dr. Cory Torgerson Facial Cosmetic Surgery is to ensure our patients are safe and comfortable as possible during any procedures that they undergo.
Also, because patients are often understandably concerned about pain they might experience, we provide all the information they need about anaesthesia.
All surgical procedures are conducted under some type of anaesthesia, which limits or blocks sensations temporarily.
Before undergoing surgery, it’s important for patients to understand various types of anaesthesia, their administration, and related effects. Some patients may feel uneasy about anaesthesia because they’ve heard about risks associated with it. While there are still some risks, advances in medical technology and techniques have reduced them dramatically in recent years.
The type of anesthesia you’ll receive may be based on the type of surgery or procedure to be performed. Your age, general health, or any specific medical condition will also be considered. Dr. Torgerson will review all available options with you during your consultation and explain the risks and benefits in a pre-operative consent-signing appointment.
General Anaesthesia
General anaesthesia is administered during surgery that requires lengthier OR time, or for procedures that are more invasive.
It may also be used if the patient is a child. GA results in a controlled unconsciousness state and may require respiratory support.
General Anaesthesia is given through Intravenous fluid and gas is usually administered for the patient to breathe in before falling asleep. Since general anaesthesia does carry some risks, the patient will be closely monitored by an anaesthesiologist throughout the procedure. General Anaesthesia is used for Facelifts, most Rhinoplasty surgeries, brow lifts, neck lifts, and chin implant surgery.
Patients are monitored regularly for heart rate, temperature, blood pressure, circulation, and ventilation in order to prevent complications. Dr. Torgerson’s team of Medical Professionals includes top qualified and experienced anaesthesiologists. All staff are registered with their respective Ontario Government regulatory bodies, and all of their qualifications are updated on a yearly basis.
Regional Anaesthesia
Regional anaesthesia is given to numb or block the nerve impulses of a comparatively larger area in comparison to the local area. However, unlike general anaesthesia, it does not cause the patient to go to sleep.
Conscious Sedation
Conscious Sedation is most commonly used for procedures such as blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), where it is important for the patient to still be able to respond (i.e. move their eyes) but not feel any pain. There is an altered level of consciousness associated with this type of anesthesia due to the fact that most patients will not remember the time period in which the procedure was performed.
Local Anaesthesia
Local anaesthesia, as the name suggests, is given to numb a local or specific area to prevent pain during surgery. The patient remains awake and conscious under the effect of local anaesthesia and knows what’s going on around them. This is a very safe form of anaesthesia administered in low amounts, and has very little risk associated with it. It can be administered through an injection, given in the form of spray, or applied as an ointment. This is more commonly used for non-surgical, non-invasive procedures such as laser treatments, Botox, and dermal filler injections. Local anaesthesia is almost always used for straightforward minor surgery such as mole removal.
Which Anesthesia Will Be Used For My Procedure?
The type of anesthesia used for your cosmetic surgery will depend on what procedure you’re having done. Other factors such as age and any health conditions may also play a role in determining the best form of anaesthesia to use. This is something that Dr. Torgerson will discuss with you during your consultation and as you prepare for your procedure. Generally speaking, a local anaesthesia is used for all non-surgical cosmetic treatments.
If you require a general anaesthesia for a facial plastic surgery procedure, rest assured that your safety is our top priority at all times. We will do our best to explain every detail to you beforehand by giving you a Surgical Package that outlines what to expect in greater detail. You’ll also have the opportunity to discuss the details in person with Dr. Torgerson at your pre-operative appointment.
Following surgery, Dr. Torgerson provides all surgical patients with his personal contact information so they’re able to contact him at any time if questions arise.
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State-Of-The-Art Surgical Facility
Our facility offers a luxurious, comfortable and private setting for consultations and surgery with a waiting room that is both spacious and inviting. Although we hope you don’t have to spend too much time waiting to see Dr. Torgerson, within a few minutes you will feel relaxed and at ease.