Sedation & Eyelid surgery

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Sedation Anaesthesia, what is it?

Written by Dr. Julian De Silva

Sedation anaesthesia, also known as “twilight anaesthesia,” which is a combination of local anaesthesia and sedative medications.
Our patients literally sleep through their surgery, just like when you sleep at night, however brought on with medicines.
At the centre we have developed our own specialised form of twilight anaesthesia, based on practices in the USA. This sophisticated sedation uses tiny amounts of four to five sedation medications that cumulatively give a relaxing and safe experience avoid the risks and side effects of general anaesthesia.
In the NHS sedation can mean having a single medication (commonly midazolam) this is limited in effectiveness, Dr De Silva’s team use a more sophisticated form of sedation.
Our patients by definition are conscious and breathing themselves, but very relaxed and often euphoric, and typically patients do not remember the procedure.
The recovery period is much shorter than general anaesthesia, with most patients able to leave between 30 to 60 minutes following the procedure.
This is the most advanced sedation technique available, highest level of safety and speed of recovery
Dr De Silva considers this the best option for patients undergoing eyelid surgery.
All our anaesthesiologists specialise in sedation, have completed thousands of cases and are trusted by Dr De Silva to sedate his friends and family.

Patient experience of Blepharoplasty under sedation anaesthesia with Dr Julian De Silva

Watch Video: My personal experience of upper and lower blepharoplasty with Dr. Julian De Silva

Patient experience of Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty with Dr. Julian De Silva under Sedation Anaesthesia.

Watch Video: My Blepharoplasty Surgery, my patient journey...my fears and concerns…

Blepharoplasty Surgery Patient Diary

Watch Video: My Upper Blepharoplasty experience with Sedation Anaesthesia…recovery story with photos

Blepharoplasty Surgery Patient Diary

Watch Video: My Upper & Lower Blepharoplasty experience with Sedation Anaesthesia…recovery story with photos

Blepharoplasty Surgery Patient Diary

View More Testimonials *Results May Vary

Reviews

5.00 from 511 reviews

Patient Experience 1: The patient’s story below is of a patient who underwent surgery under sedation anaesthesia, she had previously undergone general anaesthesia:

“Sedation was a simple a “plesant” and easy experience. As I am usually a very nervous person you can imagine how I worried about all the complications of general anesthesia and all that could go wrong. Needless to say I also worried about “Sedation”. However I went ahead with the procedure and was put at easy by very a warm and friendly team of doctors and nurses, who explained how I would be sedated and what drugs would be used and what each would do to me. I wasn’t anxious or nerveous and as soon as I got the first shot I drafted off. As the procedure cam to an end I recall simply slowly waking from a paceful rest. I was completely calm and not disorientaited at all. I did not feel confused or nauseated… it was just like the 3 hours had passed and nothing had happened. Only I had had the procedure. I was slightly off balance but knew fully where I was and after 30mins was able to get up and walk out of the centre. As I had had general anasthesia before I feel this is definitly the better option for procedures like Rhinoplasty. Especially as there is no long wait post op and also no side effects at all. I would strongly recommend it to anyone. Its safe comfortable and leaves no haziness afterwards
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Patient Experience 2: The patient’s story below is of a patient who underwent surgery under sedation anaesthesia:

“I would like to share my experience with you under sedation, I had upper and lower eye lid surgery with Dr Julian De Silva, I was very nervous and apprehensive before hand but Dr De Silva was very reassuring. I found the sedation very relaxing and did not feel anything although I could hear what was going on around me. After the operation I had no sickness and was able to go home an hour afterwards, I would highly recommend this sedation and I was 100% happy with the operation, the results and the whole experiences.”
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Read More Reviews Here *Results May Vary

Will I be awake?

Most patients feel a little anxious or excited before surgery, once sedation is started fall asleep, and literally sleep through the surgery. You will be drowsy, relaxed and comfortable during the procedure, with no discomfort or pain. The sedative medications combined with local anaesthesia ensures that you are comfortable and relaxed.

Will I remember the surgery?

Typically, patients do not remember the procedure or the short period of time following it, though you will feel a little euphoric. Occasionally patients can remember just before having sedation and waking up afterwards.

Is Sedation safe?

Sedation is a very safe form of anaesthesia as you are literally sleeping during the surgery. You are breathing yourself and all your protective reflexes are working normally. The sedation could be stopped at any time and you would just wake up. Sedation anaesthesia is far less invasive than general anaesthesia.

What are side effects of sedation?

As with any medication, the use of sedative anaesthetic agents can result in side effects. Notably, the incidence of side effects with sedation are far less than general anaesthesia: drowsiness, dizziness, shivering (4%), headaches (4%), and post-sedation nausea & vomiting (0.7%).

Anaesthesia Description

There are essentially three types of anaesthesia. The first option is local anaesthesia alone. This means that an injection of anaesthetic will be applied to the eyelid area, which will effectively numb the eyelid area and limit bleeding. This may sting for 2-3 minutes until the anaesthetic takes effect, and the patient is awake and alert throughout the procedure. Dr De Silva does not recommend this option for the more delicate areas of the face, as this can cause patients unnecessary stress and tension throughout the procedure. This is an option that many plastic surgeons offer, as few surgeons in the UK will offer sedation for cosmetic procedures.

The second option is general anaesthesia. With general anaesthesia, a specialized anaesthesiologist will intravenously apply much stronger doses of anaesthesia that will put the whole body in an unconscious state. Breathing is monitored and aided with a breathing tube, and the anaesthesiologist will monitor the patient throughout the entire procedure. The downsides of general anaesthesia include a longer recovery period of hours and there may also be some stronger side effects, such as drowsiness or nausea, making this option not suitable for all patients. It is generally unnecessary for eyelid surgery. There are very rare and serious issues associated with general anaesthesia including thrombosis in the leg (termed DVT) or allergic reaction to inhaled anaesthesia.

The third option is sedative anaesthesia, also known as “twilight anaesthesia,” which is local anaesthesia coupled with sedative medications. At the centre we have developed our own specialised form of twilight anaesthesia, based on practices in the USA. This sophisticated sedation uses tiny amounts of four to five sedation medications that cumulatively give a relaxing and safe experience avoid the risks and side effects of general anaesthesia. A much shorter recovery period than general anaesthesia, with most patients able to leave 30 to 60 minutes following the procedure. This is the most advanced sedation technique available, and the best option for patients considering eyelid surgery.