I am 57-years-old and I am terrified of being under anesthesia

Question:

I am 57-years-old and I am terrified of being under anesthesia. If I am having a facelift, can I be awake during the procedure?

Answer:

The thought of anesthesia can be daunting. Anesthesia is extremely safe in someone who is 57 years old and otherwise healthy. A facelift can be performed under local anesthesia if it is a mini facelift, but, if you are really fearful of anesthesia, I would suggest having your facelift under IV sedation rather than being put entirely to sleep. IV sedation is like taking a very strong sedative but, you are still partially aware of what is going on around you. Local anesthesia is used so that you do no feel any pain during your surgical procedure and the IV medications will make you emotionally comfortable while your facelift is being performed.

Posted by Dr. Philip Schoenfeld