Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, can be performed safely and effectively using local anesthesia. Is blepharoplasty sometimes done under general anesthesia? Yes, but at Youthful Reflections, we prefer local anesthesia with or without conscious sedation for blepharoplasty procedures due to its numerous benefits and safety profile.
Local Anesthesia for Blepharoplasty
Local anesthesia is our preferred method for eyelid surgery. This involves injecting a local anesthetic medication directly into the eyelid area, causing temporary numbness. The benefits of using local anesthesia for blepharoplasty include:
- Increased safety: Local anesthesia carries fewer risks compared to general anesthesia.
- Cost-effectiveness: It’s typically less expensive than general anesthesia.
- Faster recovery: Patients often experience a quicker recovery time with local anesthesia.
- Reduced side effects: There’s less chance of nausea or grogginess post-surgery.
Although local anesthesia means you will not be “put under” for your eyelid surgery, you will still be sedated, and in many cases asleep, during your surgery.
Conscious Sedation
In some cases, we may combine local anesthesia with conscious sedation to enhance patient comfort. This can be administered orally or intravenously:
- Oral sedation: Provides light relaxation while keeping the patient awake and aware.
- IV sedation: Offers deeper relaxation, with patients drifting in and out of sleep but remaining responsive.
Local anesthesia with IV sedation is Dr. Boggess’ preferred approach as it offers the patient optimal comfort and safety.
General Anesthesia
While some practices perform blepharoplasty under general anesthesia, we believe this is typically unnecessary. General anesthesia:
- Increases risks associated with the procedure
- Raises the overall cost of surgery
- Can prolong recovery time
At Youthful Reflections, we have achieved excellent results and maintained a perfect safety record performing blepharoplasty without general anesthesia.
Customized Anesthesia Plan
Dr. Boggess and his team will work with you to determine the most appropriate anesthesia plan based on your medical history, preferences, and the specific requirements of your procedure. We prioritize patient comfort and safety while ensuring optimal surgical outcomes.
Blepharoplasty is typically an outpatient procedure, meaning you can return home the same day regardless of the anesthesia method used. By choosing local anesthesia with or without conscious sedation, patients can enjoy a safer, more cost-effective experience with quicker recovery times.
Learn more about eyelid surgery in this blog post.
If you’re interested in blepharoplasty, pay us a visit in Brentwood outside Nashville, Tennessee. Request a consultation online or call us today at (615) 942-8016 to schedule your consultation!
