Written by Dr. Julian De Silva
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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.
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.
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.
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%).
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.
Renowned expert in Facial Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery. Signature techniques in Blepharoplasty, Rhinoplasty and Facelift surgery. Expert in revision surgery and pioneered use of regenerative medicine in Natural Looking Results
