Awake Blepharoplasty

What is an awake blepharoplasty?

An awake blepharoplasty refers to the use of local anesthesia instead of general anesthesia during the Blepharoplasty surgery. Depending on the candidate, anesthesiologist, and plastic surgeon, one of numerous upper blepharoplasty or lower blepharoplasty eyelid surgery techniques can be used. More information on the various surgical techniques can be found in our guide to blepharoplasty.

The Anatomy of the Eye

There are different types of anesthesia that can generally be broken down into general anesthetics and local anesthetics. General anesthesia is an intravenous sedation (through an IV line directly into the bloodstream) in which an anesthesiologist carefully monitors vital signs to ensure a patient is appropriately sedated. In the awake blepharoplasty, a patient undergoes "conscious sedation" or twilight anesthesia with the addition of regional anesthesia or local anesthetics.

As in traditional upper Blepharoplasty or lower blepharoplasty plastic surgeries, skin, fat, and muscle will be altered to create natural appearing improvements to the upper eyelid or lower eyelid. The “awake” component means only local anesthesia is administered. Tumescent fluid is often used, and is a combination of epinephrine, local anesthetics, and saline.

What cosmetic concerns does an awake blepharoplasty procedure treat?

1. Aging & Tired Eyes: Alterations to excess skin, excess fat, and muscles of the upper eyelid and/or lower eyelid during an awake blepharoplasty can refresh, rejuvenate, and improve the eyelid aesthetic removing dark circles, puffiness, and ptosis.
2. Sagging & Hooded Eyelids: Can tone and tighten the upper eyelids to a rejuvenated, youthful appearance.

Who is the ideal candidate for an awake blepharoplasty procedure?

The ideal candidate for an awake blepharoplasty has minor signs of aging of the upper eyelid or lower eyelid, and does not require a more traditional Blepharoplasty technique for extensive lid corrections. An awake blepharoplasty is not recommended for candidates with severe signs of aging, poor skin laxity, or more significant upper eyelid or lower eyelid functional concerns that require longer blepharoplasty surgery time.

What is the average recovery associated with an awake blepharoplasty procedure?

The recovery time associated with an awake blepharoplasty only differs in the immediate post operative experience. Without general anesthesia, patients can expect to feel better more quickly while still at the plastic surgery facility. Long term recovery remains unchanged with limitations on contact lense use, strenuous activities, and sun exposure.

To better understand the healing and downtime associated with the procedure, check out our complete guide to blepharoplasty recovery.

What are the potential side effects of an awake blepharoplasty procedure?

Potential side effects from an awake blepharoplasty include discomfort during the procedure, bruising, swelling, bleeding, tenderness, difficulty closing the upper lid or lower lid, blurred or double vision, and scarring.

What can someone expect from the results of an awake blepharoplasty procedure?

The results of an awake blepharoplasty will be dependent on the Blepharoplasty surgery technique utilized in the Upper Blepharoplasty or Lower Blepharoplasty. All Blepharoplasty results are subject to the continued effects of aging, and other natural exposures.

What is the average cost of an awake blepharoplasty procedure?

An awake blepharoplasty procedure can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000. The actual cost of an awake blepharoplasty is dependent upon location, board certified facial plastic surgeon, and length and involvement of the plastic surgery. Learn more in our complete guide to blepharoplasty cost.