Will twilight sedation be adequate for a full Tummy Tuck, breast lift and implants. Will I wake up in the procedure?

General anesthesia would likely produce the smoothest and least anxiety provoking experience for the patient.   Kenneth Hughes, MDBeverly Hills, CA

Hello,When twilight or light sedation is used you can be easily aroused, follow commands, and at  times are responsive.  Total iv anesthesia (TIVA) is often used interchangeably with twilight sedation, though it is different.  TIVA is general anesthesia that is given only with iv medication, and while you continue to breathe on your own you are not easily arousable and do not have consciousness during the procedure.  Total iv anesthesia does not provide pain relief from surgery and is used in conjunction with local anesthetics during the procedure.It is key that the anesthesiologist performing the TIVA is qualified and experienced.  I have worked with both ends of the spectrum and TIVA done by a well trained anesthesiologist can be used safely and comfortably for a full TT, breast lift and implants.  I perform most of my cosmetic cases in our office operating room under TIVA with the help of an excellent anesthesiologist and have not hand any major issues. If you have already met with a plastic surgeon and discussed the above procedures be sure to ask more about the details of the anesthesia so that your concerns can be put to rest.Best of Luck!Dr. Rednam

Technically the answer to your question is yes. I personally would not do it is I think it's the best interest of the patient to go under general anesthesia for this combination of operations.

No, in my opinion, it's not. In fact, I don't know of any board certified plastic surgeon who would perform those surgeries under anything other than general anesthesia. Best, Dr. Nazarian

For the complexity and length of time of your procedures I would strongly suggest that your comfort would greatly be improved with a general anesthesia. This is the most common technique. 

Thank you for your question.  Twilight sedation is normally administered as medicine through an IV with patients going through a range of levels of alertness - from answering questions and following commands to being fully asleep.  In my practice, based on the extent of surgery you are looking to have,  I would recommend general anesthesia for your own comfort, as well as to allow your surgeon to work quickly and safely.  Hope this helps.

For these procedures I prefer patients to have general anesthesia. This is for the patient's safety as well as giving the surgeon the opportunity to optimize your results. This is done in a hospital setting or accredited surgery center with a board certified anesthesiologist to ensure quality and safety.

An important part of the TT is tightening the abdominal wall. It is really difficult to assess and perform this properly without use of general anesthesia. I would not therefore endorse sedation for a TT operation. All the best. 

Thanks for your question.  This is a long procedure and I would recommend working with a combination of a good anesthesiologist and general anesthesia.  Cheers and best wishes!Steven Camp MD#HappyCamperMD 

Personally, I do not know any surgeon that would perform that extensive combination of procedures under twilight sedation. Given the amount of local anaesthetic that would be needed, it also sounds like a dangerous idea. I would most definitely suggest to change your plan, if not your surgeon.