As an expert in the field of anesthesiology, I can provide some insights into the relationship between red hair and anesthesia. It is important to note that the susceptibility to anesthesia is a complex matter that depends on a variety of factors, including genetics, body weight, and the specific medications used.

Redheads, who often have a genetic trait known as a melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) variant, have been observed to have different responses to certain medications. This receptor is involved in the production of melanin, the pigment that gives color to our skin, hair, and eyes. However, the connection between this genetic trait and anesthesia is not straightforward.

There is some evidence to suggest that individuals with the MC1R variant may require slightly higher doses of certain local anesthetics, such as lidocaine, to achieve the same level of numbing effect. This is due to a potential altered response in the nervous system's pain pathways. However, this does not necessarily mean that redheads are "less susceptible" to anesthesia in general, as anesthesia involves a combination of medications and techniques that go beyond just local anesthetics.

It is also crucial to consider that the practice of anesthesiology is highly individualized. Anesthesiologists tailor the anesthetic regimen to each patient based on their unique health status, the type of surgery, and other operative conditions. Therefore, while there may be some genetic predispositions that could influence an individual's response to anesthesia, it is not as simple as categorizing redheads as less susceptible.

In conclusion, while there may be some genetic factors that could influence an individual's response to certain anesthetic medications, it is an oversimplification to say that redheads are less susceptible to anesthesia. Each person's response to anesthesia is unique and depends on a multitude of factors.

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And in 2005, researchers found that redheads are more resistant to the effects of local anesthesia, such as the numbing drugs used by dentists. The mutation in the MC1R gene also occurs in brunets, although it's less common. ... Redheads really do require more anesthesia, and by a clinically important amount.��read more >>