Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 3/27/2009

Question
I am considering breast augmentation and my surgeon of choice has said there will be no anaesthetist so I am assuming that he will be doing it himself. Is this safe? There will only be him and 2 nurses in a day clinic. I am concerned that something will go wrong.

Answer
For a beast augmentation with sedation, it is often done without a anesthesiologist but there should be a separate nurse (not the one who assists the surgeon) to monitor you and there should be emergency airway equipment available. You have the right to ask about these things.

Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston