Anesthesia in Facelift Surgery: What to Expect, Options, and Safety

Anesthesia is a fundamental pillar for achieving safe, comfortable and pain-free facelift surgery. Renowned for his modern and precise approach to facial rejuvenation, Dr. Richer explains that understanding the differences between anesthetic techniques helps patients make informed decisions and have realistic expectations about the surgical experience.

Each type of anesthesia has a specific purpose, a well-defined safety profile and a direct impact on the recovery process.

In this article you will find a clear, complete and up-to-date guide to facelift surgery, with detailed explanations of each option, how to choose the ideal technique and what to expect before, during and after the intervention.

Types of anesthesia in facelift surgery

General anaesthesia

General anesthesia is one of the most common options in facelift surgery, especially when it comes to complete procedures or surgeries that combine several areas of the face and neck. It consists of inducing a state of deep unconsciousness, in which the patient does not feel pain or remember any moment of the operation.

During general anesthesia, the anesthesiologist controls vital functions such as breathing, heart rate, and oxygenation. This level of control allows for a more extensive intervention, without movements and with maximum comfort.

Although this type of anesthesia usually has a slightly longer recovery, including drowsiness, nausea, or fatigue in the first few hours, the modern safety of these protocols is extremely high when performed on healthy patients and in the hands of a certified team.

Intravenous sedation (twilight sedation)

Intravenous sedation, also known as “twilight sedation”, places the patient in a state similar to deep sleep. You're not completely unconscious, but you also don't notice pain, anxiety, or memories of the procedure.

This technique is often combined with local anaesthesia in the area to be operated on. The patient breathes on their own, making it a lighter option than general anaesthesia, ideal for less extensive lifts or lifts performed with modern techniques that minimize tissue manipulation.

Recovery is usually faster and with fewer side effects. In addition, it allows for a smoother experience for people who want to avoid the depth of general anesthesia.

Local anaesthesia

Local anesthesia numbs only the area of the face that will be treated. While it's not usually the primary option for full facelift surgery, it can be used for minor procedures such as mini lifts or more localized rejuvenation treatments.

In a full facelift, the extended duration of the procedure means that keeping the patient awake can cause anxiety or discomfort. For this reason, its use is reserved for specific cases, usually combined with mild sedation to increase patient comfort.

How do you choose the type of anesthesia?

The choice of anesthesia for facelift surgery always begins with a full medical evaluation. Dr. Richer, together with the anesthesiologist, performs a comprehensive review of the patient's health status to determine the safest and most appropriate anesthetic method for your case.

This initial process is critical to ensure not only a successful procedure, but also a comfortable and hassle-free recovery.

During this evaluation, the medical history, current medications, the presence of heart or respiratory diseases, possible allergies and the results of preoperative studies are analyzed in detail. Each of these elements directly influences the choice of the type of anesthesia, since they allow us to anticipate risks, adjust doses and select the technique most compatible with the patient's individual conditions.

This personalized approach is essential to optimize safety during surgery, minimize adverse effects and ensure that the patient experience is as stable, controlled and comfortable as possible.

Patient preferences and level of anxiety

Some people prefer to be completely asleep; others are more comfortable with controlled sedation. Previous experience with surgery also influences the choice.

While general anesthesia guarantees an absolute level of unconsciousness, deep sedation allows for a faster recovery without compromising comfort.

Extent of surgery

The duration and complexity of a facelift directly influence the anesthetic selection. A deep lift, for example, usually requires general anesthesia or deep intravenous sedation, while shorter techniques can be performed with moderate sedation.

Role of the anesthesiologist

The anesthesiologist is the one who ultimately determines the safest technique based on the findings of the initial evaluation. Their presence throughout the procedure is key to monitoring the patient, adjusting doses and ensuring stability at every stage of the surgery.

What to expect on the day of surgery?

Before entering the operating room

The patient arrives on an empty stomach and vital signs, recent tests and surgical planning are reviewed again. The anesthesiologist explains once again which technique will be used and resolves any final questions.

The administration of medications to reduce anxiety or nausea may be part of the preoperative protocol.

During surgery

During surgery, the patient's experience is directly dependent on the type of anesthesia that has been previously chosen. When general anesthesia is used, the patient remains completely asleep throughout the intervention.

On the other hand, intravenous sedation keeps you relaxed, pain-free and without subsequent memories of the procedure, offering a very comfortable experience without having to be totally unconscious.

In very specific cases, local anesthesia may be used, where the area of the face becomes numb while the patient remains awake; however, this modality is less common and is only indicated in very limited interventions.

Regardless of the type of anesthesia used, vital signs are monitored minute by minute. This constant monitoring makes it possible to detect any variation and ensures that all surgery takes place under safe and perfectly controlled conditions.

After surgery

After the procedure is over, the type of anesthesia largely determines what the patient's immediate recovery will be like. After general anaesthesia, it is common to experience drowsiness, fatigue or a slight feeling of nausea in the first few hours.

With intravenous sedation, recovery is usually faster, with mental clarity that returns in less time. In the case of local anaesthesia, the systemic effects are minimal, so that the patient usually feels stable almost immediately.

In either modality, the patient remains under observation until the medical team confirms that he is in optimal conditions to be discharged.

Thereafter, you can return home or move to a recovery home to continue your rest and post-operative care process.

Comparison between general and local anaesthesia in facelift surgery?

Why do many modern lifts prefer sedation or general anaesthesia?

Although some types of lifting can be performed under local anaesthesia, in current practice most modern procedures are performed under deep sedation or general anaesthesia.

This is because contemporary lifts often involve deep planes of the face, requiring absolute immobility, a stable surgical field and a level of comfort that local anaesthesia alone cannot always provide.

Beyond the patient's well-being, this control allows the surgeon to work with precision and obtain more harmonious and natural results.

Differences in patient status

One of the key distinctions between these modalities is the level of consciousness. Under general anesthesia, the patient is completely asleep, with no sensations or memories of the procedure.

Instead, local anaesthesia keeps the patient awake, which can work for small procedures, but it's not always ideal for more extensive surgeries. For many patients, remaining conscious can create tension or anxiety, especially when the procedure involves extended time or deep tissue manipulation.

Pain Management and Overall Comfort

Pain management changes significantly between the two options. General anaesthesia guarantees total painlessness throughout the surgery, while local anaesthesia only numbs the treated area.

This works well for limited procedures, but full lifts may be insufficient or uncomfortable, even if combined with light sedation. Therefore, deep sedation or general anesthesia often provide a more stable, comfortable and predictable experience.

Recovery times and aftereffects

Immediate recovery times also influence the choice. After general anaesthesia, some patients may experience drowsiness, fatigue, or a little nausea in the first few hours. With local anaesthesia, these systemic effects are minimal and recovery is often faster.

However, this advantage must be evaluated together with the scope of the procedure and the patient's general comfort, since in large lifts the stability offered by general anaesthesia may be more relevant than the initial speed of recovery.

Emotional Factors and Anxiety

The patient's emotional response is another important element. General anesthesia completely eliminates the possibility of anxiety during the procedure, since the patient is not conscious at any time.

With local anesthesia, some people can stay calm, while others may experience nervousness when listening to sounds, feeling pressure, or simply being awake during surgery. This psychological aspect is often decisive in the final decision.

Why should the choice be personalized?

Each of these differences demonstrates that the choice of the type of anesthesia cannot be based on a single criterion. It depends both on the type of lift to be performed and on the patient's needs, tolerances and preferences.

That's why Dr. Richer analyzes each case individually, always looking for the option that offers the best balance between safety, comfort and surgical control.

Modern Trends in Anesthesia for Facelift Surgery

Technological evolution has transformed the way in which anesthesia is administered in facelifts. Currently, more controllable, fast-acting agents with fewer residual effects are being used.

Among the most prominent trends are:

• Combination of deep sedation and local anaesthesia. This is to avoid general anesthesia.
  
  
• Advanced monitoring with artificial intelligence systems that adjust doses in real time.
  
  
• “Accelerated recovery” protocols, which allow you to rejoin faster.
  
  
• Minimally invasive techniques that reduce total anesthetic time.
  
  

These innovations allow for safer, more comfortable and efficient procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions About Anesthesia for Facelift Surgery

How long does anesthesia last in a face-lift?

It depends on the type of lift, but usually between two and four hours. Anesthesia covers the entire duration of the surgery to ensure total freedom from pain.

Is general anaesthesia always necessary?

No. Although common in full lifts, many procedures can be performed with deep sedation, especially if the surgeon uses modern, less invasive techniques.

Is local anaesthesia sufficient for a deep lift?

In most cases, no. A deep lift requires immobility and total comfort, so it usually requires intravenous sedation or general anaesthesia.

Is intravenous sedation safe?

Yes. When administered by a certified anesthesiologist, sedation is very safe and allows for a comfortable experience with faster recovery than general anesthesia.

Safety, precision and well-being in expert hands

The choice of anesthesia for facelift surgery is a highly personalized process that combines medical factors, patient preferences and the extent of the procedure. Dr. Richer emphasizes that well-selected anesthesia not only ensures safety, but also significantly improves the overall face-lift experience.

Understanding the options available, the differences between each technique and what to expect at each stage allows us to make more informed decisions and live the process with peace of mind and confidence.

If you are looking for natural results, safety and a surgical experience guided by modern technology and precision, Dr. Richer's approach offers an ideal combination of expert knowledge and personalized support.