Is twilight anesthesia safe for a breast augmentation & why would a surgeon prefer it?

Question

I am starting to get in my head about my surgeon doing twilight anesthesia. He explained the process to me, and his success with it for a long time. I have the option of going under general anesthesia with an anesthesiologist if I want to. I do like the idea of not having to go through general anesthesia, but I also feel a little uneasy since twilight doesn’t seem as common. Is twilight anesthesia safe? Should I be worried? Why would a surgeon prefer this method? Thank you for your help!!

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question!
Every surgeon has their own protocol. Some surgeons do prefer to use Twilight anesthesia vs general. It is considered to be a safe option. Reach out to your surgeon for clarification to ease your concerns. Best wishes!

Celal Alioglu, MD · Answer

Hello If you dont have any deases general anesthesia will not effect to your health, because the surgery must be done under the general anesthesia.

Gianfranco Frojo, MD · Answer

General anesthesia with a board certified anesthesiologist is the safest way to provide appropriate anesthesia for a breast augmentation in my professional opinion. You really want a certified anesthesia provider managing your anesthesia regardless of the type of anesthesia. Your plastic surgeon should do plastic surgery and your anesthesiologist should provide anesthesia.

Mark McRae, MD · Answer

Twilight anesthesia is a great option provided that you have a board certified anesthesiologist providing it.The official medical term for this is sedation. Sedation can be quite deep or light. I perform many procedures under sedation performed by anesthesiologists that really know how to do it well. I can do many surgeries with excellent comfort for the patient and the patient recovers much more quickly from anesthesia.
I would be very wary of having sedation performed by a non board certified anesthesiologist. Anesthesia complications are potentially deadly, and I wouldn't want someone that is not fully trained , and fully attentive to that portion of the procedure while it is being performed.
 You get what you pay for in an anesthesiologist that is well trained in sedation. You will rest secure knowing that you are safe.
Sedation is not for every patient though so I would encourage you to speak to your physician, or ask his anesthesiologist if they think that you are a good candidate for this form of anesthesia.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Exciting748104,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Mark A. Schusterman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  As far as type of anesthesia, sedation is ok but I would definitely have some type of anesthesia professional in the room to monitor you during the procedure.

Leo McCafferty, MD · Answer

This is a very acceptable option for breast augmentation.  Certainly a twilight anesthetic has certain advantages but the procedure can be done successfully with either a twilight or a general anesthetic.  I personally prefer twilight but the best option is the option that works well with you and your operating surgeon.  Please feel comfortable because this is a very safe way to have your breast augmentation.  Good luck!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Breast augmentation is typically a fairly short procedure.  General anesthesia ensures there is an anesthesiologist (or CRNA) whose primary purpose is to monitor your airway and comfort.  This frees your surgeon to focus on your augmentation.  I encourage you to discuss your concerns with your surgeon including pros and cons.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

"Twilight anesthesia" can vary depending upon what the specific surgeon does. It could involve an anesthesiologist or anesthetist and IV sedation without using the breathing tube and being paralyzed. I had used this method safely for many years. Some surgeons will not use an anesthesia personnel, but give you oral medication for some relaxation.  This is more challenging for the surgeon if implants are being placed behind the muscle.

Mark Eberbach, MD · Answer

A few possibilities for you to check

It is certainly possible. But...

Is it a cost saving attempt without an anesthesia provider present to look out for your safety and maintain your airway?

Is this because they lack credentials to do this at a hospital? A work around of state laws?

Is it worth it?  30 minute operation with an LMA and quick general anesthesia with an anesthesia specialist there to manage just your safety. VS just the surgeon and a nurse to save money?

Or maybe legitimate, but rare now days.

Beware.

Is twilight anesthesia safe for a breast augmentation & why would a surgeon prefer it?

Answers (11)

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