Anesthesiology

Dr. Steve F. Lipson

Steve F. Lipson, M.D. is a board-certified anesthesiologist now practicing exclusively at Calobrace Plastic Surgery and Cosmetic Breast Center. Dr. Lipson received his M.D. degree from the University of Louisville School of Medicine and completed his residency in anesthesiology at Duke University. Dr. Lipson joined the faculty at Duke as an assistant professor and director of medical student clerkships and subsequently was assistant professor at the University of South Alabama. After teaching, Dr. Lipson returned to Louisville to take part in the Jarvik artificial heart project. He now has been in private medical practice for over twenty years and has been providing anesthesia care for Dr. Calobrace's patients for the past six years.

Dr. Lipson is here at Calobrace Plastic Surgery Center not only to provide anesthesia care using the newest and most advanced techniques, but he is also readily available for consultation with cosmetic patients preoperatively and to assist in managing care postoperatively.

Dr. Lipson invites all prospective patients to contact him to schedule a private, confidential consultation. He can be reached at 502.899.9979.

Information about Anesthesia

At Calobrace Plastic Surgery Center all anesthetics are provided by Dr. Lipson or another board-certified anesthesiologist. The same anesthetic techniques used in hospitals are used here to ensure your safety and comfort. There are basically three choices of anesthesia:

1. General anesthesia. Most patients are familiar with "going to sleep." This anesthetic involves a combination of medicines administered by your anesthesiologist to cause total loss of consciousness and pain sensation. These medicines may be through the IV or through a breathing tube. Your anesthesiologist will closely monitor all your vital systems throughout the procedure and look after you in recovery.
   
2. Monitored anesthesia care. Sometimes called MAC, this anesthetic also involves medications through an IV administered by your anesthesiologist to make you drowsy while your surgeon administers a numbing shot. Patients have often called these anesthesia medications "I don't care medicine." You will be monitored during and after surgery by your anesthesiologist.
3. Local anesthesia. Much like going to the dentist, your surgeon will administer a numbing shot so you cannot feel the surgery. An anesthesiologist will not be involved in your care. Unless you have taken pills before surgery that your surgeon has prescribed (pain pills, anti-anxiety pills), you may drive yourself home afterward.

Patients having surgery in our office will be asked to follow precautions similar to those in a hospital. For example, you will be instructed about not eating or drinking before surgery and the necessity of having a responsible adult with you overnight after surgery. We will ask you to discontinue the use of diet pills and some herbal supplements before any surgery. Lastly, we will want to know your health history in detail, including medicines you take and allergies to drugs or latex.

For most operations you will meet with Dr. Lipson or your assigned anesthesiologist on the day of your surgery. Your anesthesiologist will review your health history and examine you before surgery. However, if you have questions or would like to discuss the anesthetic further, we will be happy to arrange a consultation with Dr. Lipson.

We are glad you have chosen Calobrace Plastic Surgery Center, and we will do everything possible to ensure your safety and comfort.