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5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Be Scared of Going Under for a Facelift Procedure

facelift procedure

These days, minimally-invasive and non-invasive treatments like Botox injections and dermal fillers have allowed patients to enjoy incredible youthfulness without having to go under the knife. However, for some patients, a facelift may be a transformative surgery, and one that will save them money over time. If you are interested in a facelift but find general anesthesia terrifying, here are five reasons why you don’t need to worry.

#1 – The Anesthesiologists are Board Certified

One of the biggest fears regarding general anesthesia is the fear of the anesthesiologist making a mistake. Back in the 1980s, this was far more commonplace than it is today. Fortunately, universities and medical schools that train anesthesiologists have improved their practices, and the technologies themselves have improved dramatically since then, too. Anesthesiologists are board certified, which means they’ve undergone extensive training and are highly qualified to care for you during your procedure.

#2 – The Process is Gentle

Some people fear the idea of losing control and being put to sleep against their will. They believe that they will fear it as it occurs, and some even believe they may have panic attacks. If you have a fear of losing control or going to sleep, talk to your anesthesiologist. You have options available to you that will help you feel more comfortable. For example, you may ask to be given a sedative, such as Valium (or an equivalent) before being taken into the operating room. This will help you feel more at ease.

#3 – Allergic Reactions are Rare

If you fear an allergy to anesthesia, remember that in most cases, as many as 15 different drugs are used to carefully control your level of consciousness. With that in mind, while there certainly is a possibility that you may react negatively to one of those medications. Often, people experience side effects rather than allergic reactions, and while they may be bothersome or uncomfortable, they are not often dangerous and dissipate within a few hours. You are most likely to be allergic to a pain medication or muscle relaxer, which is often part of your general anesthesia, but your surgical team is well-trained and prepared to handle this should it occur.

#4 – You Will Not Talk During Your Procedure

A few patients have mentioned a fear of talking and saying something embarrassing while unconscious. Keep in mind that general anesthesia and sleeping are two completely different things. Patients may talk a little as they are falling asleep, and it isn’t uncommon for them to say something while coming out of anesthesia, but these are usually completely coherent thoughts and nothing at all like talking in one’s sleep.

#5 – You Shouldn’t Worry about Incontinence

Finally, a handful of patients worry about emptying their bladder or bowels during their procedures. This is incredibly rare, and when it does occur, it is typically in infants. Remember that you are typically asked to avoid eating or drinking after midnight the day of your surgery, so if you empty your bowels and bladder before heading to the operating room, there is absolutely nothing to fear. Even if you did empty your bladder or bowels on the table, remember that you are among medical professionals, so there is no need for embarrassment.

These are the five most common reasons why patients fear general anesthesia for facelifts, and as you can see, there is really no need to fear. Above all else, remember that your surgical team and anesthesiologist have been well-trained, and they are prepared to handle anything that may happen.