The level of sedation required to ensure that you feel no pain and that you are comfortable and relaxed varies with each procedure. Therefore, sedation options include general anesthesia, twilight sleep and local blocks. Individual comfort levels as well as the demands of the surgical procedure will be discussed with you to ensure the appropriate sedation.
Following a procedure, you will be asked to stay until the anesthesia is no longer effective. You will then be discharged into the care of the friend or family member who will assist in your postoperative care.
What can I expect during my convalescence?
The period of convalescence required will depend on the type of surgery performed and, to a lesser extent, your body’s innate capacity to heal. You will be given written instructions both pre- and post-operatively to facilitate recovery, and encourage optimum results. Typically, you will be scheduled to return to our office every few days to be examined by Dr. Agarwal, Dr. Maloney, Dr. Ross, Dr. Holmes and/or the nurse. Should an emergency arise in the interim, the office is available 24 hours a day.
Anesthesia for Facial Plastic Surgery
Strenuous physical activity will be prohibited during the period immediately following surgery. You may experience some discomfort, but this should be surprisingly minimal.
Dr. Agarwal, Dr. Maloney, Dr. Ross, and Dr. Holmes take great care to “bury” incisions in natural skin folds or hair-bearing areas of the scalp so scarring is virtually undetectable. You should expect several months to pass before healing of the surgical area is complete. The first few weeks following your procedure, however, incisions may appear obvious to you, but not to others. You will be able to apply makeup the day after your sutures are removed, in order to camouflage the bright pink hue characteristic of recent incisions. A fine, white incision line is the final stage of the healing process.