---
title: "General Anaesthesia Safety & Am I a Good Candidate for Surgery?"
description: "General anaesthesia is very safe for the vast majority of healthy patients undergoing plastic surgery, with serious complications occurring in fewer than 1..."
---

**General anaesthesia is very safe for the vast majority of healthy patients undergoing plastic surgery, with serious complications occurring in fewer than 1 in 100,000 cases.** Modern anaesthetic drugs, advanced monitoring equipment, and highly trained anaesthesiologists have made general anaesthesia one of the most well-controlled aspects of any surgical procedure. Whether you are a good candidate for plastic surgery depends on your physical health, psychological readiness, and realistic expectations—factors that are thoroughly assessed during your consultation.

## Quick Answer

General anaesthesia carries a very low risk profile, with mortality rates below 1 in 100,000 for healthy patients. Good candidates for plastic surgery are in good overall health, non-smokers (or willing to quit), have realistic expectations, and are undergoing surgery for personal reasons rather than external pressure. [Book a consultation](https://drsabaalmarush.ae/contact-us/) with Dr. Saba Al Marush to determine whether you are a suitable candidate.

## What Is General Anaesthesia?

General anaesthesia is a medically induced state of unconsciousness, analgesia (pain relief), muscle relaxation, and amnesia. It is administered by a specialist anaesthesiologist who remains with you throughout the entire procedure, continuously monitoring your vital signs including heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, carbon dioxide levels, and body temperature.

During general anaesthesia, you will be completely unaware of the surgery and will feel no pain. A combination of intravenous drugs and inhaled gases is used to induce and maintain this state. A breathing tube or laryngeal mask airway is typically placed to protect your airway and assist with breathing.

### How Is General Anaesthesia Different from Sedation?

It is important to distinguish between general anaesthesia and other forms of sedation:

- **Local anaesthesia:** Numbs a specific area only. You remain fully conscious.
- **Sedation (twilight anaesthesia):** You are relaxed and drowsy but can still respond to stimuli. Often combined with local anaesthesia.
- **General anaesthesia:** You are completely unconscious and unaware. Required for longer, more complex procedures.

The type of anaesthesia recommended depends on the procedure. For example, a [breast augmentation](https://drsabaalmarush.ae/breast-augmentation-dubai/) or [liposuction](https://drsabaalmarush.ae/liposuction-dubai/) typically requires general anaesthesia, while minor procedures may only need local anaesthesia with sedation.

## Is General Anaesthesia Safe for Plastic Surgery?

Yes. General anaesthesia is considered extremely safe when administered by a qualified anaesthesiologist in an accredited facility. The key safety factors include:

- **Pre-operative assessment:** Before surgery, you undergo a thorough medical evaluation to identify any conditions that might increase anaesthesia risk, such as sleep apnoea, obesity, cardiac conditions, or a history of adverse reactions to anaesthesia.
- **Modern monitoring technology:** Continuous monitoring of vital signs, end-tidal carbon dioxide, anaesthetic gas concentrations, and neuromuscular function allows the anaesthesiologist to make real-time adjustments.
- **Safer anaesthetic agents:** Today’s anaesthetic drugs are rapidly metabolised, allowing for smoother induction, maintenance, and emergence from anaesthesia with fewer side effects.
- **Accredited facilities:** At Valiant Clinic & Hospital in City Walk, Dubai, where [Dr. Saba Al Marush](https://drsabaalmarush.ae/dr-saba-al-marush/) operates, all surgical theatres meet international standards for equipment, staffing, and emergency preparedness.

### What Are the Risks of General Anaesthesia?

While serious complications are rare, potential risks include:

- **Nausea and vomiting:** The most common side effect, occurring in approximately 30% of patients. Anti-emetic medications can prevent or treat this effectively.
- **Sore throat:** Caused by the breathing tube. Usually mild and resolves within 24–48 hours.
- **Dizziness and confusion:** Temporary effects as the anaesthetic clears your system. More common in elderly patients.
- **Allergic reaction:** Extremely rare, occurring in roughly 1 in 10,000–20,000 anaesthetics. The anaesthesiologist is trained to manage these immediately.
- **Malignant hyperthermia:** A very rare genetic condition causing a dangerous rise in body temperature. Occurs in approximately 1 in 50,000–100,000 anaesthetics.
- **Awareness during surgery:** Exceedingly rare (approximately 1–2 in 1,000 general anaesthetics), and modern depth-of-anaesthesia monitors have further reduced this risk.

The overall mortality risk from general anaesthesia in healthy patients is approximately 1 in 100,000 to 1 in 200,000—lower than the risk of many everyday activities.

## How Do I Know If I Am a Good Candidate for Plastic Surgery?

Being a good candidate for plastic surgery involves physical, psychological, and practical considerations. During your consultation, [Dr. Saba Al Marush](https://drsabaalmarush.ae/dr-saba-al-marush/) will assess each of these areas carefully.

### Physical Health Requirements

- **Good general health:** You should be free from uncontrolled chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease. Well-managed conditions may still allow you to proceed with surgery.
- **Non-smoker:** Smoking dramatically impairs wound healing and increases the risk of complications. You must stop smoking at least 4–6 weeks before and after surgery.
- **Stable weight:** Significant weight fluctuations after surgery can compromise results, particularly for body contouring procedures.
- **No active infections or illnesses:** Surgery will be postponed if you have an active infection, cold, or other acute illness.
- **Adequate skin elasticity:** For procedures that involve skin tightening, sufficient skin quality is necessary for optimal results.

### Psychological Readiness

- **Realistic expectations:** You understand what the procedure can and cannot achieve. Plastic surgery enhances your appearance; it does not create perfection.
- **Personal motivation:** You are pursuing surgery for yourself, not to please someone else or meet external expectations.
- **Emotional stability:** You are not making the decision during a period of emotional crisis, such as immediately after a divorce or bereavement.
- **Understanding of recovery:** You accept that recovery takes time and are prepared for temporary discomfort, swelling, and bruising.

### Practical Considerations

- **Adequate time for recovery:** Can you take the necessary time off work and daily responsibilities?
- **Support system:** Do you have someone to help you during the first few days of recovery?
- **Financial preparedness:** Have you reviewed the [costs involved](https://drsabaalmarush.ae/cosmetic-surgery-cost-dubai/) and planned your finances accordingly?

## Who Is NOT a Good Candidate for Plastic Surgery?

Certain factors may make you unsuitable for elective cosmetic surgery, either temporarily or permanently:

- Uncontrolled medical conditions (e.g., unmanaged diabetes, severe heart disease)
- Active smokers who are unwilling to quit
- Individuals with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) who may not benefit psychologically from surgery
- Patients with unrealistic expectations despite thorough counselling
- Those currently pregnant or breastfeeding
- Patients taking certain medications that significantly increase surgical risk (e.g., blood thinners that cannot be temporarily stopped)

A responsible surgeon will always prioritise your safety over performing a procedure. If surgery is not appropriate for you at this time, Dr. Saba Al Marush will explain why and discuss alternative options or timelines.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**How long does it take to wake up from general anaesthesia?**
Most patients begin to regain consciousness within 5–15 minutes after the anaesthetic is stopped. However, it can take several hours to feel fully alert. You will be monitored in a recovery area until the medical team is satisfied that you are stable.

**Can I eat or drink before general anaesthesia?**
No. You will be instructed to fast—typically no food for 8 hours and no clear fluids for 2 hours before surgery. Fasting reduces the risk of aspiration, a potentially serious complication where stomach contents enter the lungs.

**Is there an age limit for plastic surgery?**
There is no strict upper age limit for plastic surgery. Candidacy depends on overall health rather than age alone. Many patients in their 60s, 70s, and beyond safely undergo procedures when they are in good health. A thorough pre-operative assessment is essential for older patients.

**What if I have had a bad reaction to anaesthesia before?**
Inform your surgeon and anaesthesiologist about any previous adverse reactions. The anaesthetic plan can often be modified to use alternative drugs and techniques that avoid the substance that caused the reaction.

To find out whether you are a good candidate for plastic surgery, [schedule a consultation](https://drsabaalmarush.ae/contact-us/) with Dr. Saba Al Marush at Valiant Clinic & Hospital, City Walk, Dubai.

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