There are three main types of anesthesia in use today. The types are local, regional and general. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages over other types. However, certain types of surgery performed by your physician in Toronto and at Toronto Cosmetic Clinic will require the use of a particular type. There are other considerations, aside from the cosmetic procedure involved. They mainly have to do with the particular individual receiving the anesthetic. Such variables can include the individual's general health, age, gender and any particular medical condition that the person may have.

The difference in the type of anesthesia employed is primarily based upon the area of the body that has been targeted to be affected. What each type has in common, though, is their goal: a cessation of feeling. This feeling is one of any pain that could be felt due to the nature of the cosmetic procedure.

The term, anesthesia, originally came from Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr., back in 1846. However, its roots go back much further. The concept of eliminating or reducing the perception of pain for the purposes of surgery dates back to the Classical period. The common ingredients at that time were opium and mandragora. Whereas in early China, Taoist doctors employed acupuncture.

Apparently, it wasn't until the 19th century, in the West, that various kinds of gases and vapours were used for anesthesia. A great deal of development in this area appeared to have been in the field of dentistry. In fact, this is when Holmes, Sr. originally coined the term anesthesia.

While there were many difficulties during this early period, the technique of using anesthesia has progressed greatly to what physicians in Toronto use today. It has come to the point where the medical profession has a particular field of study for it and the doctors who specialize in it: anesthesiologists (the doctors) and anesthesiology (the study). In fact, usually, it's anesthesiologists - also known as anesthetists - who are certified to administer a general anesthetic.

Anesthetists are trained to administer the anesthesia, and most importantly, monitor the individual undergoing the anesthetic. Your physician at Toronto Cosmetic Clinic is fully licensed and has extensive knowledge of any anesthesia administered during your procedure.