Are you put to sleep for an eyelid lift?

Author: Serenity Lebsack MD  |  Last update: Friday, June 9, 2023

An eyelid lift can safely be performed with local anesthesia, conscious sedation, or general anesthesia. Youthful Reflections prefers local anesthesia with or without conscious sedation for blepharoplasty procedures because it is a safer and more cost-effective alternative to general anesthesia.

Can you be awake for eyelid surgery?

To keep you comfortable during your procedure, you will be given local or general anesthesia. Local anesthesia numbs the eyelid and surrounding area, while keeping you sedated but awake during surgery.

Do they put you to sleep for upper eyelid surgery?

Local anesthesia and intravenous sedation are frequently used for patients undergoing upper eyelid surgery, although general anesthesia may be desirable in some instances. The local anesthetic is usually administered as a diffuse superficial slowly subcutaneous injection along the upper lid skin crease.

Do you need to be put to sleep for eyelid surgery?

A blepharoplasty can be done under local anaesthetic with sedation or under general anaesthetic.

How painful is an eyelid lift?

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 Put To Sleep During Eyelid Surgery?

What do you look like right after eyelid 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.

Is eyelid surgery risky?

All surgery has risks, including reaction to anesthesia and blood clots. Besides those, rare risks of eyelid surgery include: Infection and bleeding. Dry, irritated eyes.

Are you awake during upper blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty and eyelid surgery does require some form of anaesthesia. There are three types of anaesthesia - local, sedative anaesthesia and general anaesthesia. Local anaesthesia involves injecting numbing medicine at the area to be operated on and means that you are awake.

Can I walk after eyelid surgery?

Walking is one of the best form of exercise after eyelid surgery. Walking in the initial phases of recovery can promote blood circulation, prevent blood clots and lead to a smoother recovery. It will give you a surge of energy as well. Initially, walk at a very slow pace and take breaks as needed.

How long does eyelid surgery take to perform?

How Much Time Does an Eyelid Lift Take? Blepharoplasty surgery takes between one and two hours. If you're opting for surgery on just the upper lid or just the lower lid, the procedure takes around an hour. If you're treating both the upper and lower lids, the surgery will last about two hours.

When is the best time to have eyelid surgery?

Winter is often the best season for eyelid surgery for a variety of reasons. Below you will find why it's the most helpful time in regard to your recovery and what to expect if you decide to move forward with the procedure.

Do you feel anything during eyelid surgery?

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.

What age should you get upper eyelid surgery?

People who get eyelid surgery are usually in their mid-30s at least. This is because the aging process visibly affects the eyelids in most people by this time. However, if you are at least 18 years old and concerned about the appearance of your eyelids, this procedure may be right for you.

How long does it take to recover from eyelid lift surgery?

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.

How long does it take for eyes to heal after eyelid surgery?

Patients who have undergone upper lid surgery will usually be able to go back after 7-10 days. The recovery time is a little longer for lower lid surgery, with time off work increasing to 10-14 days.

How long does eyelid lift surgery last?

The results of blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) are generally long lasting. It's not uncommon for the longevity of results to vary slightly between patients, but you can expect the results of upper eyelid surgery to last about 5 to 7 years, and lower eyelid surgery results are essentially permanent.

Can you close your eyes after eyelid surgery?

In the early stage of your recovery, it may be difficult to close your eyes all the way. However, as swelling subsides and you reach full recovery, you will be able to close your eyes all the way. This may take a few weeks.

How do I prepare for eyelid surgery?

How should I prepare for eyelid surgery?
  1. Get lab testing or a medical evaluation.
  2. Take certain medications or adjust your current medications.
  3. Stop smoking.
  4. Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding and bruising.

Does it hurt to get stitches out after eyelid surgery?

Patient's are usually a little nervous about discomfort with suture removal, however, most are surprised how painless it is. I wouldn't worry as there is minimal to zero pain associated with this procedure.

Do eyes look bigger after blepharoplasty?

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.

Can you see right after blepharoplasty?

The short answer is yes – you may not look the best right away, but you will be able to see, but swelling will vary from patient to patient. Your eyelids will be puffy, your incisions may appear red, and the swelling and bruising may resemble a black eye.

What are cons of eyelid surgery?

Cons of eyelid surgery
  • Bruising, bleeding, and swelling.
  • It could take 2-3 months to see full results.
  • Asymmetry of the eyes is possible.
  • Temporary double vision or blindness that often corrects itself within 24 hours.
  • Dry or itchy eyes.

Does eyelid surgery look natural?

While results do vary, you should expect to see brighter, tighter, and more open eyes after cosmetic upper eyelid blepharoplasty. The results can be subtle but impactful. You should look natural, yet more alert and rested, more youthful, and more vibrant.

Why do my eyes look smaller after blepharoplasty?

Answer: Post bleperoplasty swelling

Post surgical swelling of the eyelids always cause the eyes to appear more closed in the early post op phase. As the swelling subsides, they return to a more pleasing and youthful appearance.

What is the fastest way to recover from upper eyelid surgery?

5 Tips for a Speedy Recovery After Eyelid Surgery
  1. Follow postsurgical instructions. ...
  2. Take time off work. ...
  3. Use cold compresses. ...
  4. Keep follow-up appointments. ...
  5. Avoid these activities.

Previous article
What happens to your skin when you start drinking more water?
Next article
Can you reverse thinning lips?