In 2004, Olivia Goldsmith, author of the First Wives’ Club, died during cosmetic surgery. More recently, Dr. Donde West, mother of rapper Kanye West, died following cosmetic surgery.

Aside from post-mastectomy reconstruction, there are NO medical reasons for cosmetic surgery. Therefore, no avoidable anesthesia risks, like those associated with general anesthesia, are acceptable.

Since all cosmetic procedures can be performed under local anesthesia only, any and all additional anesthetic agents must be selected and given with the utmost care.

Most patients desire not to hear, feel or remember their surgical experience, a condition often associated with the state of general anesthesia. To accommodate patients’ wishes, general anesthesia is most often given for cosmetic surgery.

According to Aspect Medical Systems, makers of the BIS monitor, the sleep portion of general anesthesia ideally occurs at 45-60 on a scale of 0-100. Minimally invasive anesthesia (MIA)® (BIS = 60-75) gives patients what they desire from general anesthesia with the lesser trespass of sedation.

During MIA, muscle tone in the legs is preserved in addition to pre-emptive analgesia being provided. Preserving leg muscle tone along with the ability to rapidly walk after surgery because of minimal postoperative pain are among the significant advantages of MIA compared to general anesthesia.

General anesthesia for cosmetic surgery is not only unnecessary but also fraught with potentially lethal consequences, like pulmonary embolism, vomiting with aspiration, and respiratory arrest secondary to postoperative narcotic pain medications. “All of these potential complications are avoided with MIA.

More anesthesia providers are recognizing the advantages of MIA. Both surgeons and anesthesia providers need to be asked to provide it to optimize patient safety for cosmetic surgery.

More information can be found @ http://www.cosmeticsurgeryanesthesia.com, a patient oriented, non-commercial web site.