Are you awake during droopy eyelid surgery? In an Awake Blepharoplasty, patients are completely conscious during the procedure. The local anesthesia is usually paired with a soothing sedative to help the patient stay calm and relaxed.
Blepharoplasty Procedure
Typically, general anesthesia is not necessary for blepharoplasty, although the anesthesia used will be tailored to the patient's comfort level and the type of procedure(s) being performed.
Generally, an upper lid blepharoplasty is a non painful procedure that patients can usually have performed, and enjoy a minimal amount of post-operative pain medicine, because the procedure is very mild. It's almost like a skin excision, and the eyelid itself is not particularly painful.
Will I be in pain? This is not a painful procedure and blepharoplasty recovery is relatively easy. Any pain following surgery will usually be slight and can be managed with the appropriate painkillers. These should be distributed to you after the procedure.
Procedure Details
Blepharoplasty takes 1-2 hours if both upper and lower eyelids are done at the same time, depending on whether fat is repositioned or if there is additional work to lift cheeks. There will be a stitch in both upper lids that will remain for about a week.
Lower eyelid blepharoplasty can be performed in the office under local anesthesia. However, most lower eyelid blepharoplasty is performed in the outpatient surgery center under a twilight (MAC) anesthesia. Given the length and nature of the procedure, MAC anesthesia is usually more comfortable for the patient.
During the procedure, you won't be able to feel the surgery. Some surgeons put you under general anesthesia, while others choose simple local anesthesia if little work is needed. In fact, eyelid surgery is so simple and minimally invasive, most are same-day procedures.
A common concern among potential LASIK patients is whether they will be awake during the procedure. Yes—patients are awake during LASIK. However, there is no need to worry if you accidentally blink or move your eyes during the surgery.
Your eyes may look swollen and bruised after your surgery. The eyelid swelling is usually worse early in the morning and will get better during the day as you sit or walk around. You may also have swelling on your cheeks and jawline. This will start to get better 2 to 3 weeks after your surgery.
Blepharoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that dramatically improves appearance and reduces droopy, baggy eyelids.
The surgery is worth it for people who want to look younger and better rested in and around the eyes. The results are subtle but dramatic, and recovery is minor with little pain reported.
People who are not ideal candidates for eyelid surgery are those who suffer from chronic dry-eye, hypertension, circulation disorders, thyroid disorders, diabetes or heart disease. Individuals who have glaucoma are advised to speak with their doctor before considering the surgery to find out if it is safe for them.
You can have a blepharoplasty at any time. But if you're seeking one due to aging, you'll usually get the best results after age 40. People who are advanced in age should generally avoid the procedure because of the risks of surgical complications.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the vast majority — roughly 91% — of eyelid surgery patients are over 40, and more than half of that 91% is over 55.
Your Recovery
After surgery, your eyelid may feel tight and sore. Your eye may be watery, dry, sticky, itchy, or sensitive to light. Your vision may be blurry for a few days. Your doctor will give you medicines to help with pain and discomfort.
Once you undergo eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, you can expect to spend approximately seven to 14 days resting and recovering. Once you reach the two-week point, you can enjoy your new, youthful-looking eye area.
Infection and bleeding. Dry, irritated eyes. Difficulty closing the eyes or other eyelid problems. Noticeable scarring.
The results of your blepharoplasty become more visible as side effects, like swelling and bruising, subside. Most patients love their outcomes and do not seek repeat treatments. While future aging may cause your eye bags to return, this ultimately depends on your age, skin condition, and lifestyle choices.
Can Eyelid Surgery Make Your Eyes Look Bigger? Yes. Double eyelid surgery (upper and lower blepharoplasty) can make your eyes look bigger by excising excess skin around the eyes and lifting sagging skin.
An adult should stay with you for at least the first 24 hours after surgery. You should rest with your head elevated in a recliner or with at least 2 pillows for the first 48 hours after surgery. Take the prescribed pain medications before you begin to feel discomfort.
It takes approximately 7-10 days for the main swelling and bruising to subside after eyelid surgery. Dissolvable stitches will dissolve on their own, while permanent stitches will be removed in 4-7 days.
Should you sneeze during the procedure, the laser will simply shut off and readjust. Once you have settled back into a still position, the laser will resume, perfectly centered, to complete treatment. Sneezing, blinking, coughing or any other involuntary movement will not affect the outcome of the LASIK procedure.
As you'll be awake during your surgery, you'll still be able to see – but don't worry, you won't be able to see the surgeon operating on your eye!