A plastic surgeon can sometimes perform an upper blepharoplasty, also called an upper eyelid lift, while you are awake. This facial surgery is a great option if you want to remove excess eyelid skin and sagging brows, or have excess skin obstructing your vision, but many patients may have questions about what this surgery would look like without anesthesia.
Dr. Matthew H. Steele, a double-board-certified plastic surgeon, can improve your vision and achieve a more rested, alert look without the need for putting you to sleep.
Figuring Out if Awake Eyelid Surgery Is an Option for You
Not everyone is able to undergo an awake upper eyelid lift. Dr. Steele will evaluate your overall health, the procedure details, and your expectations for downtime to develop a surgical plan.
If your plan includes a brow lift or lower eyelid surgery, or if staying awake for this procedure makes you anxious, Dr. Steele may recommend general anesthesia or IV sedation. Your consultation is the perfect opportunity to discuss your expectations and options, ask questions, and raise any concerns.
What Happens During an Awake Upper Eyelid Surgery?
Dr. Steele will perform a series of small local anesthetic injections into your upper eyelid area. You might feel a brief sting or pinch, but you will be comfortable and pain-free throughout the surgery. Dr. Steele will remove excess skin with small incisions, which you may feel as slight pressure and movement.
If you can undergo the upper blepharoplasty while awake, you will be able to open and close your eyes as requested. This lets Dr. Steele check symmetry and adjust the incisions as needed.
What Does Recovery Look Like?
An upper blepharoplasty is one of the quicker surgeries available, and you can go home soon after getting an awake upper eyelid lift. Since you receive only local anesthesia, you will not experience the nausea, fatigue, or brain fog associated with general anesthesia.
Dr. Steele and his team will provide post-op instructions before you leave, such as applying ice packs to resolve swelling and bruising, head-elevation positions to improve comfort and limit swelling, and eye drops to keep your eyes lubricated and comfortable.
Call Us Today To Learn if You Can Get an Eyelid Lift While Awake
If you have been wondering whether you can get an upper blepharoplasty while awake and are ready to say goodbye to excess eyelid skin, schedule a consultation with Dr. Steele. Contact us today to learn how surgery can change the way you look and see. We can discuss anesthesia options and determine whether you can get this procedure while remaining awake.