Why IV Sedation?

Dr. Barrera performs all of his surgical procedures under a combination of IV Sedation and local anesthesia.

Why IV Sedation?

Dr. Alfonso Barrera chooses to perform surgical procedures under a combination of IV sedation and local anesthesia because it is very comfortable for the patient. It is similar to taking a nap and comes with the following additional benefits:

Safer than having general anesthesia
Eliminates the risk for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolus
Faster recovery time
Typically no nausea or vomit after surgery

One of the primary benefits of IV sedation is that we can achieve a desirable level of sleep state without having to intubate a patient. The avoidance of a breathing tube can improve the overall experience for the patient by preventing the sore throat that may occur after intubation.

IV sedation is extremely safe and effective. Adjustments to dosing and depth of this sedation enable us to ensure the desired level of relaxation throughout an entire procedure. The rate at which the body responds to adjustments also fosters safety related to the use of reversal agents, should we need to lighten the level of sedation at any time.

Will I Feel Any Pain While Under IV Sedation?

Patients do not feel any pain during their sedated procedure. Dr. Barrera combines IV sedation with a local anesthetic. He adds often a long-acting local anesthetic (EXPAREL) which will allow the patient to go home soon after the procedure and with minimal to NO pain at all.

How Will I Feel After Being Under IV Sedation?

Patients should expect to feel a little sleepy for several hours after treatment. We suggest that a loved-one drive our patients home and that someone remains with the patient for the remainder of the day. Assistance may be needed to get out of bed or use the bathroom during the first day.

Testimonials

“Thank you for all you have done for me this past year and for being so considerate and patient and being a friend as well as my doctor. It really makes a difference.”

– Warren and Lorna G.

“Thank you for taking great care of Andy. I have never known a doctor to be as caring and patient as you are (and I have worked with over 100 others) you can be sure we will spread the good news.”

– Sue and Andy

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type Of Anesthesia Is Necessary For Eyelid Surgery?

I always do my eyelid surgeries under a twilight IV Sedation and Local anesthesia. There is No pain at all during surgery and little to no pain afterwards. It is extremely rare to have nausea or vomiting after surgery, which allows a faster recovery to go home or to a local hotel the same day soon after the procedure. This also eliminates the risk for Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary emboli which may occasionally occur when done under General Anesthesia with gases.

What Type Of Anesthesia Is Best For Rhinoplasty?

Generally, I do all my Rhinoplasties under a twilight IV Sedation and Local anesthesia, There is no pain at all during surgery and little to no pain afterward. It is extremely rare to have nausea or vomiting after surgery, which allows a faster recovery to go home or to a local hotel the same day soon after the procedure. Only if extensive septal or turbinate surgery is needed, then I would use general anesthesia.

What Type Of Anesthesia Is Best For My Breast Augmentation?

All my breast augmentations are done under a twilight IV Sedation and Local anesthesia. There is No pain at all during surgery and little to no pain afterwards. It is extremely rare to have nausea or vomiting after surgery, which allows a faster recovery to go home or to a local hotel the same day soon after the procedure. This also eliminates the risk for Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary emboli which may occasionally occur when done under General Anesthesia with gases.

What Type Of Anesthesia Is Necessary For Gynecomastia Correction?

Dr. Barrera does all his gynecomastia correction surgeries under twilight IV Sedation and Local anesthesia, No pain at all during surgery and minimal pain afterwards. It is extremely rare to have nausea or vomiting after surgery, which allows a faster recovery to go home or to a local hotel the same day soon after the procedure. This also eliminates the risk for Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary emboli which may occasionally occur when done under General Anesthesia with gases.