Twilight Anesthesia Explained

At our plastic surgery center in Fort Lauderdale, we understand why patients may feel hesitant to undergo cosmetic surgery due to the need for general anesthesia. General anesthesia does have its risks including required breathing assistance, increased medical costs, and side effects of feeling nauseous afterward. But did you know that there is an alternative to general anesthesia? Twilight anesthesia is the perfect replacement for general anesthesia and our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Zoran is explaining everything you need to know about this safe alternative option. 

Twilight Sedation Explained 

Twilight sedation is the perfect replacement for general anesthesia and our Fort Lauderdale plastic surgeon, Dr. Zoran is explaining everything you need to know about this safe alternative option. As people become more affected by Zoom’s impact on the plastic surgery demand, more patients are searching for alternatives to general anesthesia. 

What is Twilight Anesthesia? 

Twilight anesthesia, also known as twilight sedation, is an anesthetic technique that uses mild drug doses to stop the pain, reduce anxiety, and provide temporary memory loss. With twilight sedation, the patient is sedated but is still conscious, deeming them to be in a “twilight state.” While the patient is sleepy they are subtly conscious and can communicate with the surgeon. The drugs found in twilight anesthesia are easily reversed so the patient can be woken up within minutes. 

How is Twilight Anesthesia Administered?

The drugs found in twilight anesthesia can be administered through gases similar to nitrous oxide. It may also be administered intravenously with drugs such as ketamine, used primarily in pediatric patients. For adults being administered twilight anesthesia intravenously, propofol and midazolam are often used.  

Common Drugs Found in Twilight Anesthesia 

Specific drugs that are most commonly found in twilight anesthesia are:

• Fentanyl 
• Valium
• Ketamine
• Midazolam
• Propofol
• Nitrous Oxide also known as laughing gas 

General Anesthesia vs. Twilight Anesthesia 

The difference between general anesthesia and twilight sedation is the level of consciousness of the patient. With general anesthesia, the patient is induced into a coma state making them completely unconscious. The result of general anesthesia is loss of control of reflexes as well as the autonomic nervous system. 

With twilight anesthesia, the patient remains semi-conscious and the help of ventilators is not required. With twilight sedation, the patient does not become impaired making it necessary for breathing tubes. 

Is Twilight Anesthesia Safe? 

Twilight anesthesia is an extremely safe alternative to general anesthesia and offers many benefits. Some of these benefits of twilight sedation include quicker recovery times, reduced side effects of anesthesia, reduced risk of complications, and lower general costs. When getting plastic surgery, your surgeon will look at past medical records to ensure that twilight sedation is the best alternative for you.

Cosmetic Procedures That Twilight Anesthesia Can be Administered

At Dr. Zoran Potpraic twilight anesthesia can be administered in some of the following plastic surgery procedures. 

• Breast Augmentation 
• Facelift
• Eyelid Reconstruction
• Liposuction 

If you are interested in scheduling your cosmetic surgery with twilight anesthesia today, contact our team to get started! Our boutique surgery center in Fort Lauderdale is equipped with the latest state-of-the-art surgical technology. At our surgical suite, we provide safety, convenience, comfort, and discretion.

Related Readings

• Local Anesthesia for Rhinoplasty Procedures

Faith

Dr. Zoran Potparic is a board certified plastic surgeon in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, committed to performing surgery of the highest quality, safety, and artistry. He applies his years of global study and research, as well as more than 30 years of hands-on experience performing reconstructive and cosmetic surgery for patients coming from all over the United States.