General Anesthesia versus Sedation
Dr. Nicolaidis often hears patient remarks that they are scared of being put to sleep (general anesthesia) for their surgery. This is a very common misconception among patients that must be clarified.
General anesthesia is always administered by an Anesthetist, whose first and foremost priority is patient SAFETY with respect to breathing as well as hydration. His/her second priority is patient COMFORT, thereby allowing the Surgeon to do whatever techniques are necessary and to focus on getting the best outcome. On the other hand, sedation is performed by the Surgeon or an Anesthesia technician in an effort to keep costs lower. For example, aggressive liposuction of the patient’s sides is particularly painful because of the deep attachments located there. With general anesthesia, the patient does not feel anything. On the other hand, if sedation is too light, the patient will start writhing in pain, preventing the Surgeon from doing what is necessary for the best outcome. As the sedation is increased to allow for more aggressive liposuction, the respiratory dangers to the patient increase.
Patient SAFETY has to be the top priority for any surgical intervention, even if it comes at a slightly higher financial cost. General anesthesia is much safer than sedation for MAJOR surgical interventions. For this reason, Dr. Nicolaidis uses sedation for only the most MINOR surgical interventions.