✨Plastic Surgery
Anesthesia for reconstructive and cosmetic procedures.
Educational information only. This guide is general and may not reflect your specific situation. Always follow the instructions from your own surgical and anesthesia team.
1 · Anesthesia commonly used
Plastic surgery anesthesia ranges from local anesthesia for small procedures to sedation or general anesthesia for larger or longer operations.
Your anesthesia depends on the size, length, and area of surgery, and your overall health.
2 · How to prepare
Have a realistic discussion about recovery time.
Stop smoking well in advance — it significantly impairs healing.
Arrange help at home, especially after body or facial surgery.
Optimize nutrition and avoid supplements that increase bleeding.
3 · Fasting instructions
| Before surgery | Guidance |
|---|
| Solid food | Stop eating at least 6 hours before |
| Light meal / milk | At least 6 hours before |
| Clear fluids (water, clear juice) | Usually allowed up to 2 hours before |
| Alcohol | Avoid for 24 hours before |
| Smoking | Stop as early as possible before surgery |
4 · Medication guidance
Avoid aspirin, anti-inflammatories, and certain herbal supplements (such as fish oil, ginkgo, vitamin E) that increase bleeding — confirm timing with your team.
Continue essential medications as advised.
5 · On the day of surgery
IV placed for fluids and medication.
Sedation or general anesthesia is given depending on the plan.
Long procedures include warming and clot-prevention measures.
You're monitored closely throughout and in recovery.
6 · Common risks & side effects
Bruising and swelling — expected and settle over weeks.
Nausea after general anesthesia — treatable.
Blood clots — reduced by movement and prophylaxis for longer surgery.
Follow wound-care instructions to reduce infection risk.
7 · Recovery expectations
Recovery depends on the procedure — from a few days for minor work to several weeks for major surgery.
Swelling can take weeks to months to fully settle. Follow activity restrictions to protect your results.
8 · Frequently asked questions
Will I be asleep?
Smaller procedures may use local or sedation; larger ones use general anesthesia.
Why stop smoking?
Smoking reduces blood flow and dramatically increases healing problems and complications.
How long is recovery?
It varies widely by procedure — your surgeon will give you a specific timeline.
Which supplements should I stop?
Those that increase bleeding (fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo) — confirm with your team.
9 · Related educational videos