During your surgical procedure

You may receive some type of anesthesia during your surgery. An anesthesiologist from our team will evaluate you and determine the safest and most appropriate type of anesthesia for you. The type of anesthesia used will depend on the procedure.

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Local Anesthesia

Local anesthesia is an injection that numbs the specific area where the procedure will be performed. It is commonly used for procedures performed in a doctor's office, such as removing a mole or a fatty lump (lipoma).

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Regional Anesthesia

Regional anesthesia blocks pain in a larger area of the body. It is usually given by numbing the nerves in and around the area where surgery will be performed.

Patients receiving regional anesthesia may also receive conscious sedation, sometimes called monitored anesthesia care (MAC). This helps you relax and, in some cases, sleep during the procedure.

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General Anesthesia

General anesthesia puts you into a state of unconsciousness during a major procedure.

It may be given through a face mask, an intravenous (IV) line inserted into a vein in your arm, or a combination of both. The anesthesiologist may then place a breathing tube in your throat to help you breathe, provide oxygen, and, when necessary, deliver anesthesia.

During the surgery, the anesthesiologist carefully monitors your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. You will generally not be aware of the procedure until the effects of the anesthesia wear off after surgery.

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After Anesthesia

Once you have received anesthesia, the surgical team will clean and, when necessary, shave the area where the surgery will be performed. This helps reduce the risk of infection.

Once the surgery is complete, you will be taken to the recovery area, where you will be monitored as you wake up from the anesthesia.