Anesthesia Information

At the Bel-Red Center for Aesthetic (Cosmetic Plastic) Surgery we have performed several thousand of procedures effectively and safely either under conscious sedation ("twilight sleep") anesthesia monitored by Dr. Zemplenyi and our experienced, specially  trained nursing staff as well as  under general anesthesia administered by board-certified anesthesiologists.  Dr. Zemplenyi, as an experienced facial plastic surgeon, cosmetic surgeon and otolaryngologist, performs smaller surgeries under straight local anesthesia while most frequently, Dr. Zemplenyi performs surgeries under sedation anesthesia.  Noteworthy is the fact that we are usually able to accommodate preferences of our patients with respect to any level of anesthesia desired. 

Our choice of medications and techniques is carefully designed to minimize post-operative discomfort and nausea.  About one hour prior to the procedure our patients receive pills for relaxation, reduction of stomach acid and reduction of post-operative nausea and swelling. An oral or intravenous antibiotic is also administered immediately prior to selected procedures.  Once in the operating room, additional medications are administered to achieve a pleasant level of sedation and sleepiness. Our patients tend to be very comfortable during the surgical procedures, and upon awakening and discharge home from the recovery room our patients do not have recollection of the surgery.  Our patients usually leave the recovery room accompanied by a responsible adult about 30 to 60 minutes following completion of the surgical procedure.  A baseline laboratory blood test to rule out anemia is usually obtained prior to the surgical procedure.  We require a baseline electrocardiogram (EKG) in patients older than fifty year of age.  A pre-operative clearance from a primary care provider is usually required depending on the age and complexity of the patient's past medical history.