How long does anesthesia last?

The duration until anesthesia wears off is not fixed and primarily depends on the type of anesthesia used. Local anesthesia tends to wear off relatively quickly, while general anesthesia takes longer to dissipate, with additional influences from drug dosage and individual metabolism. A detailed analysis is as follows:

Local anesthesia is commonly used for minor procedures such as tooth extraction or skin suturing, where the medication acts only on local nerves. With standard local infiltration anesthesia, effects typically wear off within 30 minutes to 2 hours. Nerve block anesthesia, due to its broader area of action, may take 4 to 8 hours to fully subside. Sensation usually returns first, followed gradually by pain perception, and mild tingling or swelling may be experienced during this process.

General anesthesia suppresses the central nervous system, and postoperative recovery occurs in stages. Consciousness usually returns within 30 minutes to 1 hour after surgery, but the effects of muscle relaxants may last 2 to 6 hours, during which patients may experience weakness in limbs or dizziness. Individuals with faster metabolism or those administered short-acting drugs tend to recover more quickly, whereas elderly patients or those with impaired liver or kidney function may have a prolonged recovery period.

Proper care is essential during the period when anesthesia is wearing off. After local anesthesia, avoid touching the surgical site to prevent accidental injury. After general anesthesia, remain lying flat and turn your head to one side to prevent aspiration in case of vomiting.