Sagging skin on the face is linked to a loss of facial fat, along with damage or loss to the collagen and elastin fibers that provide support for the skin. As we age, it’s common to develop a gaunt or sunken appearance in the cheeks and temples, while skin may begin to sag around the lower jaw area. When injectables and other minimally invasive options are no longer enough to maintain a youthful appearance, a facelift may be what a patient needs to restore definition. General anesthesia is typically used for many forms of plastic surgery, because it puts a patient into a “sleep state” so that they are unable to feel pain. Some patients, however, maybe reluctant to choose this approach because of the associated side effects, risks, and recuperation required. Using general anesthesia is safe, but there are patients who wonder: Can a facelift be safely performed without general anesthesia? The answer is yes. Dr. John Cook has developed an advanced technique that enables patients to have a facelift under local anesthesia at the Whole Beauty® Institute.
General anesthesia has long been safely used in a wide range of medical settings, but it may cause side effects such as temporary confusion and memory loss, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Unlike general anesthesia, local anesthesia allows a patient to remain conscious, but reduces sensation in small, isolated areas on the body—and is even safer than general anesthesia.
Facelift Before and After
Facelift Before and After
When a full facelift is performed with local anesthesia, the patient won’t have to be put to sleep, recovery time may be reduced (which translates to returning to desired activities faster), and there is less discomfort while healing. Patients can also eat and drink as normal without having to fast before the procedure, and there are no IVs involved.
During your consultation, you can ask any questions you have about anesthesia and sedation. Dr. Cook will provide honest answers and help you decide whether local anesthesia on its own or combined with a light general anesthetic or IV sedation is the best method for you.
Get more advice on having a facelift under local anesthesia from Chicago-based plastic surgeon John Q. Cook and the Whole Beauty® Institute. Call 312-751-2112 (Chicago Gold Coast Office), 847-446-7562 (North Shore (Winnetka) Office), or submit a contact form to request an appointment.
Dr. Cook developed an approach for facelift surgery that allows most patients to have surgery under local anesthesia. He has lectured at national and international meetings about his approach to facial rejuvenation surgery.