IV Sedation and Local Anesthesia Safe Option for Facelift?

July 31, 2009
Asked By:jacqui-f in Norfolk, UK

I realise that the purely medical risks are less than general anesthesia, but isn't sedation risky in terms of a possibility, however small, for the patient to actually wake up mid-operation? Or of reaction to the sedation (e.g. restlessness) while actually being operated on? It sounds slightly scary to be semi-conscious during a lengthy, hours long procedure for a facelift. What is your advice, please?

Answers (16)

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VOTED MOST HELPFUL
July 27, 2014

Answer: It depends on the surgeon and the surgery.

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Toby Mayer, MDBoard Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
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VOTED MOST HELPFUL
July 27, 2014

Answer: It depends on the surgeon and the surgery.

2 people found this helpful
Toby Mayer, MDBoard Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
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MOST RECENT
December 27, 2018

Answer: Facelift with local anesthesia and twilight sedation

1 person found this helpful
Kevin Sadati, DOFacial Plastic Surgeon, Board Certified in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
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MOST RECENT
December 27, 2018

Answer: Facelift with local anesthesia and twilight sedation

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Kevin Sadati, DOFacial Plastic Surgeon, Board Certified in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
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February 22, 2016

Answer: Facelifts under local anesthesia is an option in the right hands

1 person found this helpful
Raymond E. Lee, MDBoard Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
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February 22, 2016

Answer: Facelifts under local anesthesia is an option in the right hands

1 person found this helpful
Raymond E. Lee, MDBoard Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
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March 9, 2014

Answer: Anesthesia options for facelift

Stanley Okoro, MDBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon
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March 9, 2014

Answer: Anesthesia options for facelift

Stanley Okoro, MDBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon
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July 22, 2012

Answer: IV Sedation with Local Anesthesia - Safe Option for Most Facelift Patients

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACSBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon
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July 22, 2012

Answer: IV Sedation with Local Anesthesia - Safe Option for Most Facelift Patients

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACSBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon
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October 19, 2010

Answer: Anesthesia Choice For A Facelift

Anil R. Shah, MDBoard Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
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October 19, 2010

Answer: Anesthesia Choice For A Facelift

Anil R. Shah, MDBoard Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
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