Are you planning to have cosmetic surgery – nips and tucks to straighten your nose; to perk up your eyelids; to flatten your tummy; or, to sculpt your face? You’ve probably done your research about the particular cosmetic procedure you are opting for and discussed the procedure with your plastic surgeon. But there is another thing that you need to do before you decide on having cosmetic surgery – you need to understand your options for anesthesia.

Anesthesia comes in different forms, each of which carries its own risks and benefits. To help you make a more informed decision, be sure to ask your surgeon the following five questions:

• What anesthesia options are available to me for this procedure? What are the risks?
• What are the qualifications of the person who will be responsible for administering my anesthesia?
• Who will monitor me throughout the procedure?
• Will you or an anesthesia specialist conduct a pre-surgery evaluation?
• What should I expect while coming out of anesthesia and as it wears off?

Making knowledgeable decisions with regard to your cosmetic procedure is the key to having a safe surgical experience and achieving an optimal outcome.