In an insightful YouTube video, Dr Carlo Debbas sheds light on a subject that is changing the face of cosmetic surgery: the use of local anaesthesia instead of general anaesthesia. Watching him speak, it quickly becomes clear that his passion lies in making cosmetic procedures safer, more comfortable, and more accessible for patients.
As he calmly explains, “I perform all of my cosmetic surgery procedures under local anaesthesia without any general anaesthesia. So the patients are fully awake during the procedure, fully cooperative during the procedure and it’s absolutely a pain-free experience.”
For anyone considering cosmetic surgery, this video offers a refreshing perspective. Here, we’ll break down the key points Dr Debbas raises, why they matter, and how this approach is reshaping the patient experience all from the point of view of a viewer learning from his expertise.
Meet Dr Carlo Debbas: Expertise, Training, and Philosophy
Before diving deeper into the advantages of local anaesthesia, it’s worth understanding more about the surgeon behind the video. Dr Carlo Debbas is not only an advocate of safer, more effective cosmetic surgery, but also a highly accomplished Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgeon with international training and over 15 years of experience.
Born in London, Dr Carlo Debbas obtained his medical degree from the American University of Beirut, one of the most prestigious universities in the Middle East. His career took a remarkable turn when he was personally selected by the legendary Professor Ivo Pitanguy, widely regarded as the “Father of Aesthetic Surgery” for advanced training at the world-famous Ivo Pitanguy Institute in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. There, he mastered the art of aesthetic surgery, particularly in body contouring and pioneered his personal techniques in High-Definition Liposuction and Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL).
Following this, Dr Debbas undertook a Fellowship in Facial Aesthetic Surgery at the renowned Laclinic-Montreux in Switzerland, where he refined his expertise in procedures such as facelifts, neck lifts, brow lifts, and blepharoplasties, under the guidance of Dr Michel Pfulg, once considered one of the top five aesthetic surgeons in the world. His work was so well-regarded that he was later appointed Coordinator of the ISAPS Fellowship Programme, mentoring young surgeons from across the globe.
Fluent in English, French, Portuguese, and Arabic, Dr Debbas is able to provide personalised consultations in multiple languages, making his care truly accessible. His favourite procedures include facial rejuvenation, gynecomastia surgery, body contouring, HD liposuction, and intimate aesthetic surgeries.
Beyond his technical skills, Dr Debbas’s philosophy is rooted in a deeply personalised approach to beauty:
“Achieving harmony between mind, body, and soul, while respecting one’s individuality, in order to achieve the best results possible.”
By combining the innovative spirit of Brazilian surgery with the precision and luxury of Swiss medical excellence, Dr Debbas brings a unique perspective and unrivalled expertise to his practice at Signature Clinic.
Local vs General Anaesthesia: Setting the Scene
One of the first things Dr Debbas highlights is the distinction between local and general anaesthesia.
- General anaesthesia renders the patient completely unconscious, often requiring intubation and heavy medications that affect the entire body.
- Local anaesthesia, by contrast, numbs only the targeted area. Patients remain awake, cooperative, and pain-free throughout the procedure.
While some may initially feel uneasy about the idea of being awake during surgery, Dr Debbas reassures viewers that the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. “The only negative point is you’ll be awake,” he says, acknowledging that some patients may experience a slightly higher level of anxiety. However, he quickly adds that the advantages of avoiding complications and reducing risks make it the far superior option in most cases.
Avoiding the Risks of General Anaesthesia
As a viewer, one of the most striking sections of the video comes when Dr Debbas outlines the potential complications of general anaesthesia. He lists them clearly and without exaggeration:
- Systemic disturbances in the body caused by heavy drugs.
- Aspiration, where stomach contents can enter the lungs.
- Cardiovascular problems, which can put additional strain on the heart.
- Respiratory issues, often linked to the insertion of a breathing tube.
- Post-operative nausea and vomiting, which many patients find distressing.
Hearing him list these risks makes it easy to see why he is such an advocate for local anaesthesia. He emphasises that these side effects simply do not occur when using local anaesthesia: “You also avoid the intubation which is putting a tube in the throat which is a normal practice of general anaesthesia, and you will also be avoiding the post-operative nausea and vomiting that many patients get after general anaesthesia.”
For anyone who has dreaded the after-effects of going “under,” this point alone is enough to spark interest.
Recovery: Faster, Safer, and Smoother
Another compelling argument Dr Debbas makes is about recovery. While general anaesthesia can leave patients groggy, disoriented, and nauseous, recovery from local anaesthesia is almost immediate.
He explains: “As soon as the procedure is done, we monitor you for around 30 minutes. Make sure that the vital signs are normal and you’ll be able to go back home as if nothing happened.”
As a viewer, this statement feels almost revolutionary. The idea of walking out of surgery without the fog, nausea, or risk of complications sounds appealing. Of course, he adds the important caveat that patients must still take proper care of the operated area, but the message is clear: local anaesthesia enables a smoother, safer transition back to normal life.
Cost-Effectiveness: A Hidden Benefit
Cosmetic surgery is not just about physical transformation, financial considerations play a significant role in decision-making. Dr Debbas points out another advantage of local anaesthesia that many patients may not have considered: the cost savings.
He notes that patients can avoid hospitalisation fees, anaesthesiologist charges, assistants’ fees, and the cost of heavy medications. “Another very big advantage of local anaesthesia is it’s much more cost effective as compared to the general anaesthesia,” he explains.
For viewers, this is an eye-opener. Not only is local anaesthesia safer and more comfortable, but it is also kinder to the wallet. This opens the door for more people to pursue cosmetic procedures without financial strain.
The Safety Factor: Why Local Anaesthesia Wins
Perhaps the most important takeaway from the video is Dr Debbas’s emphasis on safety. He makes it clear that if local anaesthesia were not effective and safe, he would not use it. “The most important thing is that it’s extremely safe. It’s extremely efficient to do these procedures under local anaesthesia or else I would never think of it under local anaesthesia.”
This statement carries weight. Hearing a qualified surgeon express such confidence in this approach reassures viewers that this is not a risky shortcut but a well-tested, reliable method.
Watching the Video: A Viewer’s Reflection
As a viewer, what stands out about this video is not just the facts and figures but the calm, authoritative way Dr Debbas presents them. There’s no sense of rushing or glossing over important details. Instead, he carefully explains each advantage, balancing reassurance with honesty.
The acknowledgment of patient anxiety, for example, shows empathy. Rather than pretending local anaesthesia is perfect for everyone, he recognises that some may feel nervous about being awake. Yet he makes a compelling case that, overall, the benefits far outweigh this concern.
By the end of the video, it’s difficult not to be convinced. Local anaesthesia emerges not as a secondary option, but as a gold standard in modern cosmetic surgery.
Why Signature Clinic Leads the Way
Dr Debbas’s video also points toward the broader philosophy of Signature Clinic, where he practices. The clinic has become a trusted name in cosmetic surgery by prioritising patient safety, comfort, and outcomes.
Signature Clinic stands out because:
- It specialises in local anaesthetic procedures, reducing risks and improving patient experiences.
- Its team is committed to patient-centred care, guiding individuals through every stage of the journey.
- The clinic provides a wide range of procedures, from subtle enhancements to transformative surgeries, all performed with the same high standards of safety.
- Patients benefit from cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality.
Watching Dr Debbas speak, it is easy to see why Signature Clinic has earned its reputation. His calm confidence and emphasis on patient wellbeing reflect the clinic’s ethos.
Taking the Next Step: Free Virtual Consultation
For those inspired by the video and curious about exploring cosmetic surgery with local anaesthesia, Signature Clinic makes it simple to take the next step. They offer free virtual consultations, allowing patients to ask questions, discuss their goals, and receive expert guidance from the comfort of home.
This step removes barriers and helps patients feel informed and confident about their choices. Whether someone is considering a small procedure or a larger transformation, the chance to consult with experienced professionals without obligation is invaluable.
Dr Carlo Debbas’s YouTube video is more than just an explanation of anaesthetic techniques; it is a window into the future of cosmetic surgery. His emphasis on safety, efficiency, comfort, and affordability highlights why local anaesthesia is becoming the preferred choice for so many patients.
Hearing him say, “It’s extremely safe, it’s extremely efficient,” instils confidence. Watching the video, one can’t help but feel reassured that cosmetic surgery no longer has to mean enduring the risks and discomforts of general anaesthesia.
For those ready to explore the benefits of this approach, Signature Clinic is the place to start. With expert care, advanced facilities, and a commitment to patient wellbeing, it offers the ideal environment for safe, comfortable cosmetic transformation.
Book your free virtual consultation today with Signature Clinic, and take the first step toward a safer, smarter cosmetic journey.
Disclaimer: *Individual outcomes and recovery experiences may vary. To have the best possible outcome, you must follow your surgeon’s tailored recommendations and instructions. This guide is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions related to cosmetic surgery or other medical procedures.
