Can I get full facelift under local anesthesia/twilight sedation as I have severe sleep apnea?

Question

Is it safer/possible to get a full facelift under local anesthesia or "twilight sedation" instead of general for severe sleep apnea? General anesthesia is not recommended, looking for other safe options. Thanks. 63year old female

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. Actually we perform all of our facelifts under local. Of course you are given some sedation and analgesics to help with pain. It is a safer method to utilize for facelifts.

Donald Groves, MD · Answer

In short- every surgeon's practice is different. Although some surgeons prefer putting patients fully asleep under general anesthesia for this procedure, some perform it under IV sedation ("twilight sedation") with local anesthesia, or just under straight local sedation, as you are describing here. The severe sleep apnea is definitely a concern to bring up in both a conversation with your surgeon, and with your anesthesiologist. The last thing anyone would want is to do something unsafe in the setting of an elective surgery like this. Everything ultimately comes down to surgeon, anesthesiologist, and patient preference, so always have the conversation with your surgeon and anesthesiologist so you all know exactly what to expect, agree on the safest plan to proceed, and so everyone feels comfortable with how the procedure will be performed (if at all) prior to proceeding. I hope this helps!
Best, 
Dr. Donald Groves 
Plastic Surgeon

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

The decision to undergo a full facelift under local anesthesia or twilight sedation depends on several factors, including your health status and the surgeon's preference. However, having severe sleep apnea can pose some risks during the procedure. General anesthesia may be preferred for patients with sleep apnea as it allows for better airway management during the surgery. It's important to discuss your sleep apnea and any related health concerns with your surgeon during your consultation to determine the best anesthesia option for you.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

With sleep apnea, your best option is local anesthesia with a light oral sedative.  This will keep you from obstructing your airway during the procedure.  You can get an excellent result this way.  If you are too anxious to do it awake, then a general anesthetic is needed.  Twilight will likely cause you to obstruct your airway during the procedure and is  probably not the safest option.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Whoever told you that general anesthesia is safer than sedation is incorrect. Twilight is an uncontrolled airway environment where you can obstruct. Under general anesthesia, your airway is secured and patent during the entire procedure. Afterwards upon emerging, it is 'twilight' anesthesia that might leave you more sedated compared to general anesthesia.

Can I get full facelift under local anesthesia/twilight sedation as I have severe sleep apnea?

Answers (10)

Answer: Local Anesthesia

Answer: Local Anesthesia

Answer: General Anesthesia Safer for sleep apnea

Answer: General Anesthesia Safer for sleep apnea

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Everything you need to know about Facelift

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Can I get full facelift under local anesthesia/twilight sedation as I have severe sleep apnea?

Answers (10)

Answer: Local Anesthesia

Answer: Local Anesthesia

Answer: General Anesthesia Safer for sleep apnea

Answer: General Anesthesia Safer for sleep apnea

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facelift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.