IV Sedation vs. General Anesthesia: What Patients Should Know

When preparing for surgery, one of the most common questions patients ask is about anesthesia. Dr. Alfonso Barrera and Dr. Eric Ruff perform all cosmetic procedures using a combination of IV sedation and local anesthesia, not general anesthesia. This approach helps make your experience safer and more comfortable at West Houston Plastic Surgery in Houston, Texas.

The Differences Between IV Sedation and General Anesthesia

IV sedation, also called conscious sedation or twilight sedation, puts you into a deeply relaxed, sleep-like state. You won’t feel pain, and you likely won’t remember the procedure. However, you continue to breathe on your own and don’t require a breathing tube.

General anesthesia, by contrast, involves a complete loss of consciousness. It typically requires intubation (a breathing tube), inhaled gases, and a longer recovery time. While general anesthesia is common and can be safe when properly monitored, it comes with more side effects and risks than IV sedation.

Dr. Barrera and Dr. Ruff use IV sedation with local anesthesia for all procedures. You remain relaxed throughout surgery, and there’s no need for gas-based anesthesia or intubation.

Is IV Sedation Safer Than General Anesthesia?

In many cases, yes. IV sedation carries a lower risk of certain complications, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism. Because you can breathe on your own, there’s also no risk of throat irritation from a breathing tube. Nausea and grogginess after surgery are far less common with IV sedation than with general anesthesia.

It’s important to note that not all procedures can be done this way in every setting. However, at West Houston Plastic Surgery, this method has been used successfully for years. 

Why Dr. Barrera and Dr. Ruff Use IV Sedation

With decades of combined experience, both surgeons at West Houston Plastic Surgery have found that IV sedation helps patients recover faster and feel more at ease before and after surgery. All procedures are done on-site in their fully accredited surgical facility, so you’re able to go home the same day with minimal downtime.

Call 713-468-5200 to schedule your consultation and find out how IV sedation aligns with your surgical plan.