Local Anesthesia
Dr. Jonathan Pontell, an esteemed facial plastic surgeon in Philadelphia, is wholeheartedly committed to improving the appearance and self-perception of his patients by utilizing state-of-the-art techniques in facial cosmetic surgery.
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Local Anesthesia Philadelphia
Dr. Pontell performs a number of treatments aimed at emphasizing the natural beauty of the face, reducing the signs of aging, or reconstructing a face injured in accidents or affected by various medical conditions. Dr. Pontell offers many of the latest surgical techniques and technologies in order to deliver exceptional results in the safest, least invasive manner possible. He performs many facial cosmetic procedures while the patient is under local anesthesia. To learn more about this method, explore the information below.
Local Anesthesia: What Is It?
Local anesthesia is a form of anesthesia employed to numb a specific region of the body or face. Unlike general anesthesia, it does not cause unconsciousness. Instead, the patient remains awake but experiences no feeling in the anesthetized area. Typically, local anesthesia is suitable for surgical operations involving a relatively small area and lasting a few hours or less. Consequently, it is highly effective for various facial cosmetic procedures.
Types Of Local Anesthesia
Local anesthesia can be administered in the form of an injection, cream or spray. The application of an anesthetic cream is appropriate for most non-surgical facial procedures, such as chemical peel and laser skin resurfacing. For surgical facial procedures, Dr. Pontell administers local anesthesia through an injection.
Once the anesthetic solution is injected into the surgical site, this area becomes numb. In order to enhance the relaxing, anxiety-relieving aspect, Dr. Pontell often combines local anesthesia with oral Ativan to relax the patient. The goal of oral Ativan is not to numb the surgical site but to make the patient more comfortable.
Local Anesthesia: Is It For Me?
Whether you should undergo your procedure under local or general anesthesia can be determined only during a consultation with Dr. Pontell. If you are very nervous and would prefer not to see or remember your procedure, general anesthesia might be a better option. In addition, general anesthesia might be preferable if you will undergo a comprehensive procedure combination, such as facelift in conjunction with neck lift and blepharoplasty.
Important Considerations for Local Anesthesia
Most importantly, you should discuss with Dr. Pontell any allergies or adverse reactions you might have. You should also disclose all medications you are taking, including any supplements and over-the counter drugs. You should also discuss important lifestyle aspects, such as smoking. If you are having general or intravenous anesthesia, Dr. Pontell and your anesthesiologist will provide you with detailed instructions on how to prepare for you surgery. You will be instructed not to eat for 12 hours before the treatment.
This is necessary to avoid one of the more common complications of anesthesia – vomiting during the procedure, which can obstruct breathing and create other safety concerns. You will also be instructed to arrange for somebody else to stay with you during the first 24 hours after your procedure while the effects of anesthesia wear off completely. During this time, you won’t be able to perform certain activities, such as driving, operating machinery and other tasks that require a high degree of concentration.
Schedule Your Appointment with Dr. Pontell Today
If you would like to learn how Dr. Jonathan Pontell can help you rejuvenate your facial appearance or correct various aesthetic flaws, schedule a personal consultation by calling his offices at (610) 688-7100. During your in-person or virtual consultation, Dr. Pontell will explain your facial plastic surgery options and help you determine whether you might be an eyelid surgery, forehead lift or facelift Philadelphia candidate. Similarly, Dr. Pontell can help you choose the most appropriate facial implants, lip augmentation and rhinoplasty procedures. He can also explain various non-surgical treatments tha