Local Anesthesia

As one of the most accomplished Philadelphia facial plastic surgeons, Dr. Jonathan Pontell is dedicated to enhancing patients’ appearance and self-image through advanced facial cosmetic surgery procedures.

Local Anesthesia Philadelphia

He 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 type of anesthesia used to numb a particular area of the body or face. Unlike general anesthesia, local anesthesia does not induce sleep. Instead, the patient is awake but does not have any sensation in the anesthetized area. Generally, local anesthesia is appropriate for surgical procedures that involve a relatively small area and do not require more than a few hours in surgery. Thus, local anesthesia is excellent for many facial cosmetic surgery 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 be also 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 have been thinking about facial plastic surgery, schedule your appointment with Dr. Jonathan Pontell today by calling his offices at (610) 549-4641. During your consultation at his South New Jersey / Pennsylvania practice, he will discuss the available anesthesia options and answer any questions you might have. Dr. Pontell will also perform an evaluation of your skin and bone structure and recommend the most appropriate procedures. As a talented facelift, neck lift, brow lift and eyelid surgery Philadelphia surgeon, he has many decades’ experience delivering highly rewarding results for his patients. Other procedures available at Dr. Pontell’s offices include chin implants, cheek implants, BOTOX® Cosmetics, Ultherapy and nose surgery in Philadelphia.