More Information on the Types of Anesthesia used at Toronto Cosmetic Clinic

These are the common types of anesthesia used by physicians at Toronto Cosmetic Clinic.

Types of Anesthesia: General

A general anesthetic generally induces the temporary loss of consciousness, e.g. a deep sleep. The individual is unaware of anything, including any sensation of pain and memory. This is the most common form of anesthesia used in any major invasive cosmetic surgery. An example of a typical procedure that requires general anesthesia is a full tummy tuck.

The anesthesia may be administered by a gas which is breathed in and/or an intravenous fluid drip, i.e. and IV.

The individual will also usually have some type of breathing apparatus inserted into the mouth. This is to ensure that they will continue to breathe properly, even while unconscious.

Types of Anesthesia: Regional

Unlike the general type, a regional anesthesia does not cause any temporary loss of consciousness. Only a particular region of the body will be without sensation, as nerve impulses to the area are blocked. In this way, a cosmetic procedure can be performed by your physician in Toronto without encountering any of the potential risks involved with a general anesthetic.

The two most well–known kinds of regional anesthesia are the spinal anesthetic and epidural anesthetic.

Both kinds are usually used for the pelvic, lower abdominal area and/or lower extremities. The difference between them is based on where the anesthesia is injected.

For the spinal anesthetic, the anesthesia is injected into the spinal canal — namely, the fluid surrounding the spinal cord in the lower back. It also differs from the latter kind, as it has a greater impact on movement.

For the epidural anesthetic, the anesthesia is administered via a catheter — a small, thin tube — inserted into the "epidural space" of the spinal column in the lower back.

Types of Anesthesia: Local

A local anesthesia is much like a further refinement of the regional type. In this case, only a targeted area of the body is subject to the anesthetic, administered under the skin. Usually, only a simple injection into the targeted area is required, with no loss of consciousness.

Apparently, this is the most common form of anesthetic used in cases of very minor cosmetic surgery. It also may be favoured should the risks of a regional anesthetic outweigh its benefits.

The selection of which type of anesthesia administered by your physician at Toronto Cosmetic Clinic will depend a great deal upon the cosmetic procedure to be performed as well as the health and medical history of the individual patient.

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