Frequently asked questions.

For many appropriately selected patients, yes. Awake anesthesia combines local anesthesia with a personalized comfort plan, which may include sedation, and continuous anesthesiologist monitoring. Some patients value avoiding some effects associated with general anesthesia, such as nausea or grogginess, but experiences vary. Awake anesthesia has its own risks and is not right for every procedure; your surgeon and anesthesiologist will help you compare options for your situation.

Awake anesthesia can be a very good alternative to general anesthesia for many appropriately selected aesthetic surgery patients. Suitability depends on the procedure's length and extent, your health, anatomy and preferences. Your surgeon and anesthesiologist will assess this with you and explain the options.

Yes. A board-certified anesthesiologist is present throughout your procedure, even when no anesthetic medication is being given at that moment. This dedicated monitoring and ability to adjust your comfort are important parts of our awake anesthesia pathway.

We take your preference seriously and will assess whether awake anesthesia is a good alternative for your procedure, health and comfort. If general anesthesia is the better fit, we will explain why and discuss the benefits and risks of each option with you. The goal is the right anesthetic for you, not awake at all costs.

Local anesthesia is used to numb the surgical area; you may still notice pressure, movement or other sensations. Your anesthesiologist checks in and can adjust your comfort plan, including sedation when appropriate. Awake anesthesia can be a comfortable alternative to general anesthesia for selected patients, but no approach can guarantee that you will feel nothing.

Yes. Your team monitors your comfort and safety throughout. The anesthesiologist may adjust sedation or other support, and may recommend a change in anesthetic approach if needed. Awake anesthesia is planned with alternatives in mind; any change depends on what is safe and feasible for your situation.

Recovery depends mainly on the procedure and the individual. Some patients appreciate avoiding some effects associated with general anesthesia, such as nausea or grogginess, but this is not guaranteed and awake anesthesia does not promise a faster recovery. Your team will give you personalized expectations and written instructions.

You receive an itemized written quote after assessment. See pricing.

Only your name, email and phone. Please do not include medical details in scheduling.

Yes. Share your favourite music on the welcome form or with the operating-room team on the day of surgery. We will plan your room around it and keep the volume at a level where you can still hear and talk with your team.

It depends on your anesthetic plan. Awake anesthesia may use local anesthesia alone or carefully tailored sedation; with local anesthesia alone you are aware, while sedation may affect how much you remember. We cannot promise what you will or will not recall. Your anesthesiologist will discuss a plan that fits your preferences and the procedure.

Tell your team right away. Your anesthesiologist can reassess the area, provide additional numbing medicine or adjust sedation when appropriate. That real-time support is one reason awake anesthesia can be a reassuring alternative for selected patients.

It may be. Awake anesthesia is a good alternative for some patients who prefer to avoid general anesthesia, and the plan can include extra preparation and individualized sedation. Anxiety, procedure and health all matter, so it is not right for everyone. Tell us about your concerns on the welcome form or take the Comfort Compass; general anesthesia remains a valid option when it is the better fit.

Fasting instructions depend on your planned anesthesia and are given to you in writing. Follow them exactly.

Do not stop prescribed medications on your own. Your team will review your medications and supplements, including blood thinners and GLP-1 medications, and give you written instructions.

A responsible adult should take you home and, in most cases, stay with you for the first night. Your team will confirm what applies to you.

Some facial procedures, including selected eyelid operations and facelifts, may be performed with awake anesthesia, often using local anesthesia with sedation tailored to you. It can be a very good alternative to general anesthesia when the procedure and your health are suitable. The extent of surgery and your preferences matter; see our facial surgery overview.

No. Results vary and cannot be guaranteed. Your surgeon will discuss realistic expectations and limitations.

All surgery and anesthesia carry risks, including bleeding, infection, scarring, asymmetry and anesthesia-related events. Awake anesthesia may avoid some effects associated with general anesthesia for some patients, but it is not risk-free or automatically safer. Your surgeon and anesthesiologist will compare the options and discuss risks specific to you at consultation.

Yes. A virtual consultation is a good first conversation, especially if you live outside Ottawa. A physical examination in person is required before surgery is confirmed.

230 Main St, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 1C7. See our Ottawa page.

Some procedures may be covered by OHIP when medically necessary, but coverage is not guaranteed. We will explain what applies to you.

Yes. You can apply with Beautifi or Medicard. See pricing and financing.

Use our payment page, which takes you to our secure Stripe payment portal. Do not include medical information in any payment field.

Through the secure welcome form. Please do not email health information or photos.