Anesthesia
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Anesthesia is a controlled, reversible state of the elimination or significant reduction of pain sensation, achieved through the temporary inhibition of sensory signal transmission in the nervous system. It is a cornerstone of modern surgical and procedural medicine, enabling the safe performance of diagnostic, therapeutic, and aesthetic procedures. Depending on the scope of action, pharmacological mechanism, and route of administration, anesthesia can act locally, regionally, or systemically. Its application always requires an assessment of the patient's clinical condition, potential contraindications, and a balance of benefits and risks. Properly chosen anesthesia not only reduces pain but also limits the body's stress response, improves patient comfort, and enhances the safety of the entire medical procedure.
Anesthesia – what is it
Anesthesia is a medical intervention that involves the pharmacological inhibition of nerve impulses responsible for the perception of pain, temperature, and touch, and in the case of general anesthesia, also consciousness. The mechanism of action is primarily based on blocking sodium channels in the cell membrane of neurons, which prevents depolarization and the transmission of pain signals to the central nervous system.
The primary goals of anesthesia include:
- pain relief (analgesia),
- limiting the body's stress response,
- enabling the procedure to be carried out under controlled conditions,
- improving the safety of both the patient and the operator.
There are several main types of anesthesia:
- local,
- regional (e.g., nerve block),
- general,
- sedation (an intermediate state, often supplementary).
The choice of anesthesia type depends on:
- the type and duration of the procedure,
- the extent of the surgical field,
- the patient's age and general condition,
- comorbidities,
- the expected comfort and cooperation of the patient.
Every anesthesia, even local, should be preceded by a medical history interview and risk assessment of adverse effects.
Local anesthesia
Local anesthesia involves the temporary loss of pain sensation in a limited area of the body, without affecting the patient's consciousness. It is the most commonly used form of anesthesia in outpatient medicine, dentistry, dermatology, and aesthetic medicine.
Mechanism of Action
Local anesthetics:
- block sodium channels in sensory neurons,
- inhibit the conduction of pain impulses,
- act reversibly and temporarily.
Routes of Administration
- topical – creams, gels, aerosols (e.g., on skin and mucous membranes),
- infiltration – injection of the drug into tissues,
- nerve block – blockade of a nerve or nerve plexus.
Advantages
- patient's consciousness is preserved,
- minimal systemic burden,
- quick recovery to full functionality,
- low risk of general complications.
Limitations and Possible Side Effects
- shorter duration of action compared to general anesthesia,
- possibility of allergic reactions,
- systemic toxicity with improper dosing,
- local complications (hematoma, pain, swelling).
Local anesthesia requires precise selection of the preparation, dosage, and administration technique, especially in highly vascularized areas.
General anesthesia
General anesthesia is a state of pharmacologically induced, reversible loss of consciousness, combined with the elimination of pain, reflexes, and muscle tension. It is used in surgical procedures of large extent or long duration.
Components of General Anesthesia
- Hypnosis – loss of consciousness,
- Analgesia – elimination of pain,
- Muscle relaxation,
- Perioperative amnesia.
Routes of Administration
- Intravenous,
- Inhalational,
- Mixed (most commonly used).
Safety Requirements
- Presence of an anesthesiologist,
- Continuous monitoring of vital signs,
- Airway management,
- Access to intensive care facilities.
Risks and Contraindications
- Cardiovascular and respiratory diseases,
- Metabolic disorders,
- Anaphylactic reactions,
- Postoperative nausea, vomiting, disorientation.
General anesthesia, despite a high level of safety in modern medicine, always carries a greater risk than local anesthesia and requires careful patient qualification.
Anesthesia in aesthetic medicine
In aesthetic medicine, anesthesia primarily serves the function of improving patient comfort while maintaining a high safety profile. The vast majority of procedures are performed under local or topical anesthesia.
Most commonly used forms
- anesthetic creams and gels,
- infiltration anesthesia,
- nerve blocks in selected areas of the face,
- sedation (less commonly, in more invasive procedures).
Application
Anesthesia is used in, among others:
- injection procedures,
- laser procedures,
- outpatient aesthetic surgery procedures,
- skin regeneration therapies.
Aesthetic specificity
- necessity to maintain facial expression and patient movement control,
- avoiding excessive tissue swelling,
- precise dose control,
- shorter duration tailored to the procedure.
Safety
- thorough allergological interview,
- assessment of chronic diseases,
- adherence to maximum doses,
- patient observation after the procedure.
In aesthetic medicine, anesthesia is not a "technical addition" but an integral part of the medical procedure, affecting its quality, predictability of outcomes, and patient safety.
