Risks of Twilight Sedation for Breast Lift and Augmentation?

I'm a healthy 27 year old. I've been to a consultation with a local Dr. and I'm considering a Breast lift/Breast implants. However, I want to eliminate as many risks as possible. Is twilight "safer" than general? What are the risks of twilight sedation during this procedure?

And, can you please recommend someone in Mississippi, TN, or TX who does this procedure and is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon? I'm having a difficult time finding a qualified Surgeon who uses twilight sedation. Thank you in advance for your help!

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12 Doctor Answers | Asked by thesuz82 in MS

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Go with a general anesthesia by a physician anesthesiologist

A twilight sedation for a breast augmentation is usually supplemented by nerve blocks with local anesthesia. I am aware of a situation where these were done and punctured the lungs causing serious complications. Under a light general by a physician anesthesiologist, these nerve injections are not necessary and this risk is eliminated.

Breast Lifting and Type of Anesthesia?http://youtu.be/HGkTDGPjJzE

Thank you for the question. There is absolutely no evidence that “twilight sedation” is safer or provides for a better experience/outcome for patients undergoing plastic surgical procedures. In my practice I prefer the use of general anesthesia provided by board-certified plastic surgeon who knows my routine well. In regards to finding a plastic surgeon in your area, I would suggest starting with the American Society of Plastic Surgery and/or the Aesthetic Society... more

Twilight vs general

While twilight is fine, probably general is safer. In twilight type of anesthesia the airway is not "controlled" and patients drift in and out of sedation which can also affect breathing.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Twilight vs. General

I recommend that you focus on the anesthesia provider rather than the type of anesthesia. I insist on a board certified M.D. anesthesiologist to provide my patients' anesthesia care. Most of my patients undergo breast lift/implant surgery under LMA (laryngeal mask airway) anesthesia, but depending on their history, anatomy, etc., the anesthesiologist may recommend endotracheal intubation or a lighter form of anesthesia called MAC (monitored anesthesia care).

Breast lift with implants using twilight sedation

There are many ways to perform a breast lift with implants. Patients that receive twilight sedation will not be aware of their surroundings and will not be completely asleep. It is important to ensure that your board-certified plastic surgeon has a great deal of experience performing this procedure with this type of anesthesia. The anesthesiologist must be very vigilant to make sure that you are comfortable but that you do not experience pain. The portion of the procedure that... more

Board Certified Anesthesiologist very important for breast lift with breast implants.

Hi. Both twilight anesthesia and general anesthesia are very safe and equally safe for breast lift with breast implants. The important question is WHO is giving you the anesthesia. Also make sure you are done in an ACCREDITED operating room.

Type of Anesthesia

Twilight anesthesia may not be safer than general anesthesia especially if you are going to be under for a while, as you will be for a breast augmentation and breast lift. So I would be very carefull in regards to this. As long as you are healthy and have no medical problems that you may be ok for general anesthesia.

BAM: Do you really want your plastic surgeon to be your anesthesiologist?

There are many issues here: 1) Some people believe twiligtht is safer. This is not necessarily the case. 2) Some believe it is less expensive Only if your surgeon is the anesthesiologist and do you want him or her to worry about the heart rate, oxygenation, and blood pressure while giving you anesthesia or do you want him/her to focus on your surgery 3) Is your implant under or over the muscle. If under the muscle, it may be difficult to adequately anesthetise the area... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

33 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Be sure there's an anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist giving anesthesia...

I'm also a proponent of general anesthesia...not because it can't be done under sedation, its just much more patient dependent and the chance of inadaquate anesthesia is higher than it would be with general. The point I wanted to add was to be sure its not THE SURGEON giving the anesthesia. Unfortunately, some docs recommend sedation to cut corners. They give the anesthesia AND do the surgery. Obviously, you can't keep track of both at the same time and, even with a nurse helping you, its not th more

Breast Augmentation and Twilight Anesthesia

Your fears are understandable, but with a light general anesthetic the risks should not be much more than a twilight anesthetic. The general anesthetic is also cleared very rapidly after you "wake up". Also, in certain states you cannot have twilight anesthesia as an office operating room procedure, it must be done in a certified ambulatory surgical center. or facility. You want the best possible outcome for your surgery, certainly with reasonable risks, and a surgeon can do a... more