Dangers of Using Twilight Sedation for Cosmetic Surgery Procedures

Table of Contents

Here at Centre for Surgery, we take our patient’s health and safety very seriously. We’ve noticed that many of you have been asking about a certain type of anaesthesia called ‘twilight sedation’, particularly those of you who are considering breast implant surgery. To ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision about your procedure, we’d like to take some time to explain why we prefer to use Total Intravenous Anaesthesia (TIVA) instead of twilight sedation.

Twilight sedation is a type of anaesthesia where a combination of sedative and pain-relieving drugs are administered to make you feel relaxed and pain-free during the surgery but not fully unconscious. While this might sound appealing to some, there are risks involved that we feel are important to highlight.

One of these risks is that, when a large volume of local anaesthetic is used (which is often the case with twilight sedation), it can potentially lead to local anaesthetic toxicity. This is a serious condition where the anaesthetic drug enters the bloodstream and causes adverse effects such as seizures, cardiac arrest, and in severe cases, can even be fatal.

On the other hand, we use a different kind of anaesthesia called TIVA, or Total Intravenous Anaesthesia. With TIVA, you’re completely unconscious during the operation, just like with traditional general anaesthesia, but the method and combination of drugs we use have several advantages.

For one, TIVA avoids the use of inhalational anaesthetics, which can often cause side effects like nausea and vomiting after surgery. TIVA also allows for a faster recovery time, with patients typically waking up feeling clear-headed and alert rather than groggy and disoriented.

The safety of our patients is our number one concern. By using TIVA, we can carry out surgeries with a much lower risk of complications compared to twilight sedation.

What is Twilight Sedation?

Twilight sedation, also known as conscious sedation, is a type of anaesthesia that combines a local anaesthetic with a medication to make you feel drowsy and forget the surgery. However, at our clinic on Baker Street, we prefer to use general anaesthesia for all patients who are undergoing breast augmentation.

General anaesthesia is administered by a highly skilled anaesthetist in the operating theatre. One of its advantages is that it allows the anaesthetist to place a breathing tube down your throat. This ensures that you can breathe easily throughout the procedure. They often also use a ventilator to prevent any complications related to breathing.

A significant risk with twilight sedation is the potential for a local anaesthetic overdose. This occurs when a doctor gives too high a dose. An overdose of local anaesthetic can be dangerous, and in severe cases, it can lead to life-threatening conditions such as seizures, cardiac arrest, or even death.

Even though you’re not fully unconscious during the procedure with twilight sedation, the drowsy-making medicine can lead to you feeling extremely uncomfortable and potentially experiencing pain. Yet, due to the amnesia effect of the medication, you won’t remember these sensations after the surgery.

One of the reasons why some clinics might offer twilight sedation is that it’s a less expensive option. This is because it doesn’t require the presence of a fully qualified anaesthetist, a proper surgical facility, or nursing staff. However, at Centre for Surgery, we only work with fully trained anaesthetists to ensure that our patients always feel safe and comfortable during the procedure and the recovery period.

Ensuring patient safety and providing peace of mind are key aspects of your experience with us. All our surgeons hold memberships in respected professional bodies such as ISAPS, FRCS, and EBPRAS. When you’re considering cosmetic plastic surgery in the UK, these are the types of accreditation you should seek in a surgeon.

If you have any more questions about twilight sedation, general anaesthesia, or anything else related to your upcoming surgery, please don’t hesitate to call our friendly staff at 0207 993 4849. We’re here to help.

What’s Next? Make Sure to Do Your Homework

Check out our Procedure Guides for a deeper understanding of your chosen surgery. Browse our website to gather more knowledge about the surgery you’re planning to have.

Do you need a reference from your GP to see a surgeon at Centre for Surgery?

For cosmetic surgery procedures, you don’t need a referral from your GP. You can contact us directly to arrange an appointment.

Making Your Consultation Count

We advise you to arrive a bit early for your in-person consultation. Feel free to bring along a friend or family member to help you digest all the information and discuss your choices. Be prepared that you may need to undress for a physical examination, so wear clothing that’s easy to change in and out of. Make sure to jot down notes during the consultation and thoroughly review all the documents you receive.

Would you like more information before you book your consultation?

Learn more about our pricing, medical payment plans, and how to finance your surgery. If you’d like more information about the procedure, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us either via call or email.

How to Schedule Your Consultation

To book your initial consultation, you need to pay the £100 cosmetic consultation fee in advance at the time of making your appointment.

WANT MORE DETAILS?

For more information about the surgery, our patient coordinator team, who are experienced and friendly, are ready to help. Contact us or call on 0207 993 4849 to arrange your surgeon consultation at our Baker Street clinic.

For further queries, email us at contact@centreforsurgery.com.

Why Choose Centre for Surgery?

At Centre for Surgery, we pride ourselves on offering not only world-class surgical procedures, but also an unparalleled level of care and attention to our patients. We understand that choosing to undergo cosmetic surgery is a significant decision, and we are dedicated to providing you with all the information and support you need to make the best choice for you.

One of the reasons our patients choose us is for our exceptional team of highly qualified and experienced surgeons. Our medical professionals are experts in their respective fields, having undergone rigorous training and holding membership with distinguished associations such as ISAPS, FRCS and EBPRAS. Their extensive experience, coupled with a passion for achieving outstanding results, ensures that you’re in the best possible hands.

We also employ cutting-edge technology and the latest surgical techniques to deliver the best possible outcomes. We are proud of our innovative approach to cosmetic surgery, and constantly strive to stay at the forefront of advancements in the field. This includes offering TIVA general anaesthesia, a safer and more comfortable alternative to twilight sedation, as part of our commitment to prioritising patient safety above all else.

We understand that everyone’s needs and goals are unique, and our approach is always personalised. During your consultation, our surgeons will spend time understanding your aspirations, discussing your options, and designing a treatment plan that’s tailored just for you.

We also believe in full transparency when it comes to cost. We provide clear, detailed pricing information up front, with no hidden charges. We offer a variety of payment plans and financing options to make our procedures accessible to as many people as possible.

Finally, the support we offer doesn’t end when your surgery does. We provide comprehensive aftercare, including follow-up appointments, to monitor your recovery and ensure you’re satisfied with the results. Our friendly patient coordinators are always on hand to answer any questions or concerns you might have, providing you with peace of mind from the start of your journey to the very end.

If you’re considering cosmetic surgery, we invite you to find out more about the Centre for Surgery. We believe you’ll see the difference in our commitment to excellence, patient safety, and personalised care. Feel free to get in touch with us if you have any further questions or to schedule a consultation.