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

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.

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

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.