Anaesthesia for breast surgery
Personal guidance from Mr Sarakbi’s consultant anaesthetist — how we keep you safe, comfortable and well prepared from assessment through to going home.
Thank you for taking the time to read this information. Whether you are very familiar with anaesthesia or have understandable anxieties, I hope we can reassure you here or in person before your surgery.
— Ian Lambert, consultant anaesthetist to Mr Will Sarakbi (GMC 6103108)Mr Sarakbi and I have worked closely together in the independent sector and the NHS for the past ten years. We have extensive experience in safely managing patients through breast surgery, with a high level of satisfaction and comfort. We both pride ourselves on offering a personalised, bespoke approach tailored to each patient and their health.
Cadogan Clinic & Shirley Oaks Hospital
Both hospitals have fully accredited operating theatres and experienced healthcare teams. They are equipped with modern anaesthesia machines, monitoring and recovery facilities designed to support a safe, smooth recovery — most patients are ready to leave hospital the same day.
Ian Lambert
Consultant anaesthetist · GMC 6103108
- Pre-operative assessment and planning with nursing staff
- Telephone consultation with your anaesthetist before surgery
- Present throughout your anaesthetic and in recovery
- Review with Mr Sarakbi before you go home
There are no “silly questions” — we would rather know and reassure you about any concerns before the day of surgery.
What to expect, step by step
Once you have confirmed surgery, this is the usual pathway. Your hospital letter remains the definitive guide for admission times and fasting.
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Pre-operative health assessment
A member of the nursing team will review your medical conditions, lifestyle and medications so we can plan safely. Please tell us about supplements, smoking, the oral contraceptive pill, any blood-thinning medicines, and any previous problems with anaesthesia — I can explore these further if needed.
We may ask you to stop certain medicines for a specified time to reduce the risk of bleeding or blood clots. Do not stop prescribed medicines unless the hospital or your GP has told you to.
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Telephone consultation
My usual practice is to speak with you by phone before surgery to discuss your anaesthetic plan and answer any questions.
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Fasting & admission
You will receive written instructions on fasting and your admission time. For Mr Sarakbi’s practice the usual guidance is:
- Last solid food — six hours before surgery
- Clear fluids — up to two hours before surgery
- Small sips of water — allowed until you come into theatre for comfort
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Day of surgery
Mr Sarakbi and I will see you before you go into theatre. You will have a general anaesthetic: a small cannula is placed in a vein, and an intravenous anaesthetic (Propofol) is given. Recovery is typically quick — many people feel refreshed, as after a good night’s sleep.
While you are asleep I remain with you continuously. Your vital signs are monitored throughout, including a specific device that measures the effect of the anaesthetic on the brain — this helps prevent awareness during surgery, which many people understandably worry about.
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Recovery & going home
After surgery you will spend around two hours in the second stage of recovery. Mr Sarakbi and I will see you again before you leave. We aim to make sure you are comfortable and have the information you need for the journey home.
Pain relief & comfort
Some tightness and bruising on the front of the chest is common. Pain relief is started early in recovery and continued at home for about five days.
Routine pain relief
We typically give paracetamol regularly, with codeine (a safe, moderate-strength painkiller) added as needed.
Breast augmentation
A short course of low-dose antibiotic is usually prescribed. For implants placed under the muscle, we also use Robaxin to reduce chest tightness.
Please avoid
Ibuprofen and similar non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for one week — they can increase bleeding risk after breast surgery.
Contact the practice or the hospital using the details on your discharge paperwork. Seek urgent help for severe pain, breathing difficulty, heavy bleeding or a high fever.
Contact the practiceGoing home safely
Most breast surgery patients go home the same day. Overnight stay can be arranged if needed.
- ✓ Arrange an escort to take you home
- ✓ Do not drive for at least 24 hours
- ✓ Have a telephone and a responsible adult with you at home
- ✓ Get in touch if you have any concerns while recovering
General anaesthesia for breast surgery
Your operation with Mr Sarakbi is performed under general anaesthesia — you are fully asleep and feel nothing during the procedure.
Reassurance & worries
Awareness under general anaesthesia is very rare. Continuous monitoring — including brain monitoring during your anaesthetic — is used to keep you safely asleep. If you have had a difficult experience before, tell your anaesthetist in advance.
A full list of your medicines (or the medicines themselves in their packaging), details of supplements and herbal remedies, contraception, allergies, and any family history of anaesthetic problems. Have your blood pressure checked at your GP once you know you are having surgery.
Follow the instructions from pre-assessment exactly. Some medicines must be continued; others (including blood thinners or diabetes tablets) may need to be adjusted. You can usually take tablets with a small sip of water unless told otherwise.
Royal College of Anaesthetists
For more detailed information about all types of anaesthesia, preparing for surgery, risks, pain relief and going home, the RCOA patient resources are an excellent reference.
- Types of anaesthetics and sedation
- Pre-assessment and meeting your anaesthetist
- What happens on the day and in recovery
- Pain relief and when to seek help
External website · Opens in a new tab
Questions about your upcoming operation? Contact the practice or the hospital pre-assessment team named on your admission letter.
Contact the practice
I look forward to meeting you and being part of your journey through breast surgery with Mr Sarakbi.
Warmest regards,
Ian Lambert — consultant anaesthetist · GMC 6103108
Patient information
Browse recovery guides, the patient app and more under Patient Journey.