Artful Awakenings’ Surgeon Develops Comfort Anesthesia as a Safe Alternative to General Anesthesia

Aug. 9, 2011 - PRLog -- Technological advances have made cosmetic surgical procedures less invasive and more cost effective than ever, but the complications associated with unnecessary anesthesia continue to rise.  In response, Frank P. Filiberto, MD, Chief Surgeon of Artful Awakenings (http://www.artfulawakenings.com/), developed Comfort Anesthesia as a safe and effective alternative.

“There are instances where general anesthesia is medically necessary, however, the risks are never warranted for elective procedures,” said Filiberto.

Utilizing his 25 years of surgical experience, Filiberto blends tumescent anesthesia (a mixture that includes a anesthetic, sodium bicarbonate, adrenalin and Xylocaine) with medications that leave patients feeling very relaxed with no sense of pain.  This method also eliminates burning and irritation at the injection site.
 
“Comfort Anesthesia is completely safe 100 percent of the time because it uses no medications that alter the body’s major functions such as heart rate and blood pressure,” said Filiberto.  “It also leaves the system immediately, unlike general anesthesia, which can remain in body and produce side effects for days afterward.”

Kim McMillan, a patient of Filiberto’s, extensively researched cosmetic surgery options to correct puffiness below her eyes.
 
McMillan said, “I don’t plan on growing old gracefully, but I definitely wanted to do it safely.  Dr. Filiberto’s Comfort Anesthesia appealed to me because it fit my holistic lifestyle.  I felt relaxed throughout the entire procedure, as if I had a couple glasses of wine.  He explained what he was doing every step of the way and encouraged me to ask questions.  Afterward, I was able to walk out of the office on my own.  No other surgeon I interviewed offered that type of experience.”

Filiberto said his patients generally feel so well following surgery that they have to be reminded to take their pain medications to avoid discomfort as the Comfort Anesthesia wears off.

Most individuals in good health do not have any difficulties with general anesthesia.  However, a small percentage of people actually wake up during their procedures.  Other complications can range from temporary mental confusion and lung infections to strokes, heart attacks and even death.

“Patients need to take these risks seriously,” said Filiberto.  “In fact, last year alone, 25 patients died from general anesthesia while undergoing face lifts in the state of Florida alone.”

When interviewing potential cosmetic surgeons, there are several questions Filiberto encourages every patient to ask, such as:

1. What type of method will be used to block pain during the procedure, and what are the potential side effects and complications?

2. What other types of procedures are performed in the surgical suite that could result in the transmission of dangerous infections?  

3. How is the surgical team equipped to respond should a complication arise?
 
4. How long is the recovery period?

“Patients should never stop asking questions and doing their homework.  I encourage all of my patients to seek second opinions and always opt for the safest, most conservative methods available – especially when it comes to anesthesia,” Filiberto said.

# # #

Patients at Artful Awakenings Cosmetic Surgery Center are under the care of Chief Surgeon Frank Filiberto, MD, a Nationally Recognized Board Certified Head, Neck and Facial Plastic Surgeon with 25+ years of surgical experience. Filiberto pioneered a number of conservative cosmetic surgical techniques, and is certified in advanced cardiac life support. He has performed more than 5,000 successful procedures. For more information or to schedule a free consultation in his Melbourne, FL, office, call 321.676.3101 or visit the Web site at http://www.ArtfulAwakenings.com