At Signature Clinic, Consultant Plastic Surgeon Dr Carlo Debbas has issued practical advice designed to help patients recover more safely and comfortably following cosmetic surgery. With years of specialist practice, he notes that local anaesthesia frequently provides a preferable option to general anaesthesia, enabling strong results while limiting complications, reducing discomfort and shortening recovery periods.
His expert insights aim to guide individuals preparing for procedures who want a smoother, stress-free experience.
“Performing cosmetic surgery under local anaesthesia allows patients to remain fully awake and cooperative throughout their procedure, while experiencing a completely pain-free experience,” said Dr Carlo. “This approach offers numerous benefits over general anaesthesia.”
Dr Carlo sets out the five main advantages of using local anaesthesia in cosmetic interventions:
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Reduced risk of complications – “local anaesthesia avoids systemic side effects associated with general anaesthesia, such as cardiovascular or respiratory problems, aspiration and the need for intubation.”
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No post-operative nausea or vomiting – “patients recover comfortably without the side effects commonly caused by general anaesthetic medications.”
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Faster recovery – “after a short monitoring period, patients can return home feeling well without lingering effects.”
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Cost-effective – “local anaesthesia eliminates the need for hospitalisation, anaesthesiologist fees and additional medications.”
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Safety and efficiency – “procedures under local anaesthesia are extremely safe when performed by experienced GMC registered surgeons in CQC regulated clinics in the UK.”
Dr Carlo added: “The only consideration is that patients are awake during the procedure, which can cause some anxiety for certain individuals. However, this is far outweighed by the safety, comfort and efficiency benefits.”
For those weighing up their cosmetic surgery options, these pointers highlight that local anaesthesia can provide an effective, reassuringly safe and patient-friendly alternative while maintaining high standards of care.
Dr Carlo Debbas, a London-born consultant in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, practises at Signature Clinic in London, Birmingham, Cardiff and Manchester. He graduated from the American University of Beirut, trained in general surgery, refined his skills at Brazil’s famous Ivo Pitanguy Institute with a focus on body-contouring and high-definition liposuction, and undertook a fellowship in facial aesthetic surgery at Laclinic-Montreux in Switzerland. Fluent in English, French, Portuguese and Arabic, he is able to consult patients in several languages.
Signature Clinic is the largest cosmetic surgery network in the UK, with clinics in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Cardiff, London and Dublin, open every day of the week. The clinic provides a broad range of surgical and non-surgical services including facelifts, eyelid surgery, body-contouring, injectables and a variety of specialist skin treatments.
