What is Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Aesthetics)?
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to rejuvenate the eye area by removing excess skin, muscle, and fat tissue from the upper and lower eyelids.
Anesthesia is applied during the surgery to ensure patient comfort. So, can blepharoplasty be done with local anesthesia? Here are the details!
Can Blepharoplasty Be Done with Local Anesthesia?
✅ Yes, blepharoplasty can be performed with local anesthesia.
✅ Especially upper eyelid aesthetics are often performed under local anesthesia.
✅ With local anesthesia, the patient does not feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure.
Patients remain awake during the surgery, but since the surgical area is completely numbed, they feel no discomfort.
How is Blepharoplasty Performed with Local Anesthesia?
1️⃣ Anesthesia Application:
A local anesthetic is injected into the eyelid area with a fine needle.
Within a few minutes, the area is completely numb, and the patient feels no pain.
2️⃣ Surgical Procedure:
Excess skin and fat tissue are removed from the upper eyelid, and muscles are tightened.
If there is puffiness in the lower eyelid, excess fat tissue is corrected, and the skin is tightened.
3️⃣ Procedure Duration:
Upper eyelid aesthetics typically take 30-45 minutes.
Lower eyelid aesthetics are a bit more detailed, so they may take 45-60 minutes.
When both eyelids are done together, the procedure lasts around 1.5-2 hours.
4️⃣ Post-Surgery:
The patient is discharged after resting for a few hours post-procedure.
Generally, there is no need for an overnight hospital stay.
Blepharoplasty performed with local anesthesia is an effective method for mild to moderate eyelid sagging.
Advantages of Blepharoplasty with Local Anesthesia
✅ 1. Faster Recovery After Surgery
It offers a quicker recovery compared to general anesthesia.
Patients are discharged in a short time after the procedure.
✅ 2. Lower Risk and Safer Method
It is safer for patients who may have risks with general anesthesia.
The risk of bleeding and complications is lower.
✅ 3. Comfortable and Painless Procedure
With local anesthesia, patients feel no pain.
Patients can talk and communicate with the doctor during the procedure.
If you have mild or moderate eyelid sagging, blepharoplasty with local anesthesia may be suitable for you.
Local Anesthesia vs. General Anesthesia: Which Is More Suitable?
Local Anesthesia is Preferred: ✔ If only the upper eyelid aesthetics will be performed.
✔ If the patient prefers to stay conscious and awake during the procedure.
✔ If a faster recovery process is desired.
General Anesthesia is Preferred: ✔ If both the upper and lower eyelids will be done at the same time.
✔ If the patient is afraid of surgery and does not want to stay conscious.
✔ If a more detailed and lengthy procedure is planned.
Upper eyelid aesthetics are mostly performed with local anesthesia, while general anesthesia may be preferred in some cases for lower eyelid aesthetics.
Post-Procedure Process with Blepharoplasty and Local Anesthesia
First 24 Hours:
There may be mild swelling and bruising.
Cold compress should be applied.
First Week:
Stitches are typically removed within 5-7 days.
Swelling and bruising begin to subside.
Within 2-4 Weeks:
The eye area largely heals, and the natural appearance starts to set in.
Patients can usually return to their social lives within 7-10 days.
Conclusion: Can Blepharoplasty Be Done with Local Anesthesia?
Yes, blepharoplasty can be performed with local anesthesia.
It is the most commonly used method for upper eyelid aesthetics.
With local anesthesia, the patient feels no pain during the procedure.
The recovery process is faster, and there is no need for hospitalization.
For lower eyelid aesthetics or combined procedures, general anesthesia may sometimes be preferred.
If you’d like more information about eyelid aesthetics and learn which anesthesia method is most suitable for you, feel free to contact us!
Op. Dr. Yıldız Acar Ebcim
Eye Specialist
