At Signature Clinic, Consultant Plastic Surgeon Dr Carlo Debbas has issued expert recovery guidance aimed at helping cosmetic surgery patients heal more comfortably and with fewer risks. He notes that local anaesthesia frequently proves to be the safer and more efficient choice compared to general anaesthesia, offering excellent clinical outcomes while easing recovery and minimising potential complications.
His recommendations give practical reassurance to anyone planning cosmetic procedures and hoping for a smooth post-operative period.
“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 highlights five standout advantages of using local anaesthesia in cosmetic treatments:
- 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.”
- No post-operative nausea or vomiting – “patients recover comfortably without the side effects commonly caused by general anaesthetic medications.”
- Faster recovery – “after a short monitoring period, patients can return home feeling well without lingering effects.”
- Cost-effective – “local anaesthesia eliminates the need for hospitalisation, anaesthesiologist fees and additional medications.”
- 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 patients considering cosmetic enhancement, these insights show that local anaesthesia delivers a safe, effective and more comfortable alternative, offering peace of mind alongside strong results.
Dr Carlo Debbas is a distinguished consultant in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, practising at Signature Clinic branches in London, Birmingham, Cardiff and Manchester. Born in London, he graduated from the American University of Beirut, trained in general surgery, developed advanced body-contouring and high-definition liposuction skills at Brazil’s acclaimed Ivo Pitanguy Institute, and completed a facial aesthetic surgery fellowship at Laclinic-Montreux in Switzerland. Fluent in English, French, Portuguese and Arabic, he provides multilingual consultations for a diverse client base.
Signature Clinic is the UK’s leading cosmetic surgery provider with a national network of clinics across Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Cardiff, London and Dublin, open seven days a week. It delivers a wide array of surgical and non-surgical procedures, including facelifts, eyelid surgery, body-contouring, injectables and a variety of advanced skin treatments.
