An Overview of Anesthesia
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 cosmetic surgeon 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.
A Little History
It is popularly believed that William Thomas Green Morton was the first person to adminster ether as an anesthetic during surgery in 1846. Some dispute this, however, saying it was Dr. Crawford Williamson Long in 1842.
The term, anesthesia, originally came from Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr., back in 1846, after observing its successful administration by Dr. Morton. It is the combination of two Greek words: an meaning without, and aisthesis meaning sensation.
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, vapours and other substances were used for anesthesia. A great deal of development in this area appeared to have been in the field of dentistry.
Anesthesia Today
While there were many difficulties during this early period, the technique of using anesthesia has progressed greatly to what cosmetic surgeons 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 cosmetic surgeon at Toronto Cosmetic Clinic is fully licensed and has extensive knowledge of any anesthesia administered during your procedure.
Before and After General Anesthesia
