What is the difference between local anesthesia, IV sedation, and General?

Anesthesia at the DeRosa Center- an AAAASF Certified Full Surgical Center

When you come in for your surgical procedure, you may require anesthesia in order to have your procedure done safely and with minimal discomfort. 

Generally, there are 3 different types of anesthesia that can be used.  A specific procedure may require a certain type of anesthesia depending on various factors, including what type of surgery is performed.

Local anesthesia

This involves injecting numbing medication (such as lidocaine) into the tissues surrounding the incision. This anesthesia will almost always be used regardless of whether intravenous medications will be added.  This is because it will help to lessen any discomfort during the procedure.  Local anesthesia alone is typically used for small incisions, scar revisions, earlobe repairs, for example.  It will also be used for procedures including a facelift or a rhinoplasty in addition to IV Sedation (twilight sleep) or general anesthesia. Local anesthesia will be injected by Dr. DeRosa, and it does not require participation of an Anesthesiologist when used alone.

IV Sedation (twilight sleep)

This anesthetic will be used to supplement your local anesthesia for procedures including facelifts, neck lifts, brow lifts and lower blepharoplasty (eyelid lift).  This anesthetic requires participation of an Anesthesiologist.  For IV sedation, as the name suggests, an IV will be placed into your arm so that medications to help relax you and decrease pain will be administered to keep you comfortable and sleepy.  This is why it’s also called “twilight sleep”.  Although you may take an occasional nap or sleep through the whole procedure altogether, you will not be “put under” and may be more or less awake throughout your surgery.

General Anesthesia

This anesthetic will be used for your rhinoplasty.  This is “full anesthesia” when you are being “put under” for the entire procedure.  An IV will be placed into your arm, and you will be receiving continuous infusion of anesthetics to keep you fully asleep throughout your surgery and will be awakened as soon as the procedure is complete. 

During both IV Sedation and General Anesthesia, your anesthesiologist will be monitoring your vital signs closely, assuring that you are comfortable and safe

Your Anesthesiologist,

Dr. Artem Grush, MD MBA