Is Sleep Anesthesia Necessary?

Do I really need sleep anesthesia?

Hello, this is 4.4 Clinic.

This is one of the questions we hear most often before procedures that you might expect to be painful.

▶ Sleep anesthesia is not required

Most dermatology procedures can be performed with topical numbing cream alone.

Sleep anesthesia is an option for those who find pain very hard to endure.

▶ We recommend it for:

✔ People who are especially sensitive to pain

✔ People who are very nervous because it's their first procedure

✔ People receiving several procedures at once, which makes the session longer

Why can't I drink water before sleep anesthesia?

During sleep, the protective reflexes that make you cough or swallow are temporarily dulled.

If food or water is still in your stomach at that time, it can, in rare cases, pass into your lungs. This is called aspiration.

That's why keeping your stomach empty, including water, is the most important safety rule.

We'll give you specific fasting instructions when you make your booking.

▶ How 4.4 Clinic proceeds

① Health check before the procedure

② Fasting for the period we've advised

③ Monitoring your condition with equipment during the procedure

④ Rest sufficiently before heading home (please avoid driving on the day of your procedure)

Dr. Kim Soo-hyun will be with you personally, one-on-one, from consultation through the procedure.

If you've been putting off treatment because you're worried about pain, feel free to tell us during your consultation :)

📍 4.4 Clinic · 3rd Floor, 427 Dosan-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

📞 Consultation booking: [Naver booking link]

※ Sedation may be restricted depending on individual health conditions, and symptoms such as dizziness or nausea may occur. Results may vary from person to person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sleep anesthesia necessary for every procedure?

No, sleep anesthesia is not required. Most dermatology procedures can be performed with topical numbing cream alone, and sleep anesthesia is an option for those who find pain very difficult to endure.

Who is sleep anesthesia recommended for?

We recommend it for people who are especially sensitive to pain, those who are very nervous because it's their first procedure, and those receiving several procedures at once, which makes the session longer. However, it is not mandatory and is entirely optional.

Can I drink water before sleep anesthesia?

No. Keeping your stomach empty, including water, is the most important safety rule before sleep anesthesia. During sleep, the protective reflexes that cause coughing or swallowing are temporarily dulled, so any food or water left in the stomach can rarely pass into the lungs.

What symptoms can occur after sleep anesthesia?

Dizziness or nausea may occur. At 4.4 Clinic, we ask patients to rest sufficiently after the procedure before heading home and to avoid driving on the day of treatment.

How long is the fasting period before sleep anesthesia?

We'll give you specific fasting instructions when you book. Fasting, including water, to keep your stomach empty is the most important safety rule.