The Day of Surgery - Breast Augmentation and Implants
On the day of your breast augmentation, you will spend an estimated four to six hours at Dr Chan's Theatres. Please make sure that your support person is available for you all day.
Before arriving at Dr Chan's Theatres for your surgery, you should make a note of the following points:
- Nil by mouth from midnight onwards. No FOOD IS ALLOWED. Sip of water only up till 4 am of that day that you are having your surgery.
- Wear comfortable clothing. We recommend something warm that is easy to get in and out of. A warm jumper that zips up the front and loose fitting trousers is best. Slip on shoes are also preferred.
- Please don't wear any makeup or jewellery.
- Please ensure that your underarms have been shaved or waxed.
- Arrive at our rooms at the time specified on your contract. We are unable to operate on late arrivals.
- You will be given an Anaesthetic Sheet to detail your medical history for our anaesthetist.
- When having completed your paperwork you will be taken to your comfortable recovery bay and your medical photos will be taken.
- A theatre sister will then admit you and give you your pre-medication tablets.
- Dr Chan and our anaesthetist will see you prior to surgery. Expect to spend an hour in surgery. You will then be taken back to your recovery bay for two hours.
- We will contact your support person to advise your discharge time.
After surgery care
Your Cosmetic Surgery Consultant will be in contact with you after the operation to answer any questions you or your support person may have. If there is any pain or bleeding that worries you, sign of infection, or any other concerns, please do not hesitate to call the practice on 9251 3688.
Dr Chan is available to his patients and support person after hours on his mobile phone.
Twilight Sedation
Dr Chan prefers a method called Twilight Sedation using a Consultant Anaesthetist who specialises in
Twilight Sedation. With this type of sedation, patients require less time to recover from surgery and experience fewer side effects
such as swelling and bruising. Twilight Sedation is best described as being in a very deep sleep but still in control of your
reflexes. This means that you are breathing on your own throughout the procedure.
In Australia, both twilight sedation and general anaesthetic, administered by consultant
anaesthetists, are of a world - class standard.
Our Consultant Anaesthetists and surgeon prefer twilight anaesthesia because of the inherent safety and
suitability of twilight anaesthesia for cosmetic surgery.
After the surgery, you will spend an estimated two hours in a recovery area. Here you will be given pain relief if required. You are kept here until the anaesthetist is satisfied you are fit to be discharged.
COMMON QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
- What is Twilight anaesthesia?
Twilight anaesthetic is a combination of
1. Intravenous sedation to cause a sleepy state.
2. Local anaesthesia to remove pain at surgery.
Twilight anaesthesia should be approached with adequate preparation whereby on the morning of surgery you are already calm and relaxed, comfortable and confident.
The intravenous sedation is administered by a specialist anaesthetist who is assisted by a trained anaesthetic nurse. The term 'twilight' refers to a "dream-like state" somewhere between being awake and being asleep. You may have a period of vague awareness. The anaesthetist can in verbal contact with you . Amnesia is not essential, however most patients have no recollection. Intravenous medication is administered along the way according to your needs to keep you at the optimum level of sedation.
Before surgery commences and whilst you are asleep, you will be given local anaesthetic which will numb the area and you should NOT be in any pain or uncomfortable. You are not paralysed and can respond if need be. The anaesthetist will be by your side, to be in touch with you, for the entire operation to ensure your comfort and safety.
- Will I be able to hear people talking?
You may have vague memories of hearing conversations.
- How else will my memory be affected?
Most people don't remember anything about the operation. Sometimes, you don't even remember how you got home. However, your memory will be back to normal by the following day.
- Is twilight anaesthetic safe?
Yes. Twilight anaesthesia is very safe. It is widely accepted to be much safer than general anaesthesia.
- I have been sick after a general anaesthetic before. Will I be sick after this anaesthetic?
Please indicate this in your medical history. There is a possibility that you may also be sick after this anaesthetic although the likelihood is much less. The anaesthetist will discuss this with you. We will administer anti-nausea medication which will help to prevent this.
- How will I feel after the anaesthetic?
You will feel very relaxed and drowsy for a few hours afterwards. You should sleep off the effects when you get home. You may feel clear and confident but under no circumstances should you engage in activities like driving as your coordination is temporarily impaired.
Yes. You can eat and drink as soon as you feel like it. Try small portions for a start. It is particularly important to keep up your fluid intake to stay well hydrated.
- What if I have any other concerns?
Please include a full disclosure of your concerns regarding any anaesthetic experiences, during your consultation. Indicate this on your medical history form. Your anaesthetist will see you prior to your operation and will discuss this with you if they have not been dealt with already. |
General Anaesthesia vs Twilight Sedation with Local Anaesthesia
Twilight Sedation - The medication is lighter, safer, has less side efffects, ensuring a faster, simple recovery.
Hospital vs Day Surgery Procedure
Well equipped day surgery facilities should and are fully equipped to manage any emergencies. A Consultant Anaesthesist provides excellent service in any equipped environment they work in. Small private day centres have advantage of no hospital infections and quality of service can be extremely high with tight control.
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