Anesthesia for Cosmetic Surgery

Learning Objectives: After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Recognize the anesthetic choices available to patients undergoing outpatient cosmetic surgery. 2. Identify the various medications selected for use in outpatient cosmetic surgery. 3. Understand the complexities of providing safe anesthesia to patients undergoing outpatient cosmetic surgery.Summary: Increasing numbers of plastic surgery procedures are performed in diverse environments, including traditional hospital operating rooms, outpatient surgery centers, and private offices. Just as plastic surgeons develop areas of specialization to better care for their patients, anesthesiologists have specialized in outpatient plastic surgery, both cosmetic and reconstructive. The methods they utilize are similar to those for other procedures but incorporate specific techniques that aim to better relieve preoperative anxiety, induce and awaken patients more smoothly, and minimize postoperative sequelae of anesthesia such as nausea and vomiting. It is important for plastic surgeons to understand these techniques since they are the ones who are ultimately responsible for their patients' care and are frequently called on to employ anesthesiologists for their practices, surgery centers, and hospitals. The following is a review of the specific considerations that should be given to ambulatory plastic surgery patients and the techniques used to safely administer agreeable and effective anesthesia. (Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 125: 1e, 2010.)