Anesthesia and babiesMy daughter needs to have cosmetic surgery on her hand. We have 3 opinions on when to do it. One plastic surgeon suggest doing it when she is 1 year old because of the anesthetics. However, she is only 3 months old and she weighs 15 pounds. The orthopedic we saw that just specializes in hands suggest doing the surgery at 6 months. The second plastic surgeon we saw suggest somewhere between 6 months and 1 year. I want to have it done at 6 months, so that her hand will be the way it will be when she begins using her hands more. My husband thinks there is more risk to her at 6 months than at 1 year. My question – Is there anymore risk to an infant going under anesthetics at 6 months than at 12 months? Thank you. Hello, I commend you for getting a second and even third opinion. It helps you get different advice, and make a more informed opinion. Also, the anesthesia should be performed by a board certified pediatric anesthesiologist, or a board certified adult anesthesiologist who does a lot of children. Almost all surgical cases have no anesthesia complications. To be on the safe side, let your child get a little bit more “meat” on her bones, and to make sure that your baby will be well cared for, get an anesthesiologist who specializes in children. It will make you and the plastic surgeon feel better. I hope that helps you. Dr. Mike This article was reviewed 04/20/2011 07:13 AM |
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