Dr. Denton prefers not to use general anesthesia, whenever possible, to avoid side-effects such as an increase in blood vessel dilation which leads to increased bleeding during surgery and thus results in bruising, swelling and increases recovery time. What’s more, for some patients, general anesthesia can induce vomiting that can cause additional trauma and the possibility of tearing of sutures.
What is Twilight Anesthesia?
Dr. Denton has performed thousands of facial plastic surgical procedures at his accredited Vancouver surgical suite using twilight anesthesia (also referred to as IV sedation). Through the use of twilight anesthesia, which is administered intravenously, patients sleep throughout the procedure, without the aid of a breathing tube, unaware of the surgery taking place. The medications used can block pain, reduce anxiety, and cause temporary memory loss. This enables patients to feel comfortable during and after their facial plastic surgery procedures.
The medications used in twilight anesthesia are similar to those used in general anesthesia, but the doses are lower. Some of the common medications used include midazolam, diazepam, and fentanyl. The effects of these medications can be reversed quickly, consequently, patients can be awoken in seconds. Because of the ability to rapidly reverse the medications, their safety profile is excellent.
The Benefits of Twilight Anesthesia in Facial Plastic Surgery
One of the main advantages of this form of anesthesia is that the patient wakes up without the side-effects of general anesthesia (nausea, cough, hangover, headache). Furthermore, by using twilight anesthesia, Dr. Denton is able to reduce bleeding and bruising when compared to using general anesthesia. Likewise, during facelift surgery, he can monitor how facial nerves function since there is a normal non-paralyzed tone in the facial muscles.
Generally, what most patients like about twilight anesthesia is that it is safe, and when their surgical procedure is over, they feel that they have just woken up after a good night’s sleep
To learn more about twilight anesthesia or any other form of sedation used during facial plastic surgery procedures and to find out what is right for you, schedule your consultation here or call us at 604-879-3223 today. Dr. Denton can help you achieve the result that will make you feel more confident about your appearance.