Is it possible to do blepharoplasty under local anesthesia? Blepharo under local anesthesia. What anesthesia is better?

With age, unfortunately, the skin on the face tends to form wrinkles, and the skin of the eyelids is so delicate that it is one of the first to suffer from age-related changes. To preserve their youth as long as possible, some women use folk recipes for cosmetics made from natural materials, and some use the services of plastic and aesthetic surgery.

Nowadays plastic surgery is available to almost everyone, if only they have the desire and the financial opportunity. One of the most popular procedures for women who want to make their eyelid skin more toned and firm is blepharoplasty. Blepharoplasty is considered an uncomplicated procedure that involves correction of the lower or upper eyelids or changing the shape of the eyes. It is indicated not only for age-related changes in the skin of the eyelids, but can also be performed to improve the shape and shape of the eyes.

Like any other operation, blepharoplasty must be performed under anesthesia. What anesthesia is used to perform blepharoplasty? Here the choice is only for the patients, but their individual characteristics are also taken into account.

Blepharoplasty is performed:

Under general anesthesia. The patient's consciousness is temporarily turned off with the help of medications, for how long it depends on the time required for the actual operation.
By regional anesthesia. With its help, sensitivity disappears in a certain part of the body necessary for the operation.
Through local anesthesia. Local anesthesia of a specific area of the body.

Anesthesia for blepharoplasty: surgery under local and general anesthesia

Anesthesia for blepharoplasty is performed by an anesthesiologist-resuscitator. Before prescribing anesthesia, the anesthesiologist must study the medical history, conduct a conversation and clarify the possible negative consequences of its administration. Find out if there are any allergies to any medications and have them familiarize themselves with and sign a consent to the administration of anesthesia. The anesthesiologist bears full responsibility for the patient’s health and for the administered drug.

Important

If you do not have acute or chronic ophthalmological diseases and during consultation with an ophthalmologist he gave the go-ahead, you can go to the clinic for a consultation on blepharoplasty.

Blepharoplasty under general anesthesia is the best option for most patients and surgeons. A peacefully sleeping patient does not distract or disturb the doctor, and, accordingly, the operation goes faster for both one and the other.

Perhaps another advantage of general anesthesia for blepharoplasty is that the patient will sleep, but with any other anesthesia he will see everything. Many people are afraid of general anesthesia because of its consequences, or rather, not everyone knows that now anesthesia used for general anesthesia is well tolerated and does not cause such consequences as hallucinations, nausea and other unpleasant phenomena.

Important

In general, patients can return home after general anesthesia in the evening. But still, the fear of not waking up makes it unacceptable for a certain group of people.

Blepharoplasty under local anesthesia is no longer scary because you may not wake up, but it requires the patient to have a very strong nervous system.

Under local anesthesia, the face is treated with disinfectants and an injection is given in the upper or lower eyelid, depending on the chosen operation.
The patient is conscious, sees and hears everything, but simply does not feel certain areas around the eyes.
This anesthesia is somewhat similar in sensation to the anesthesia used in dental practice.

Important

If you can switch to your thoughts and withdraw into yourself, distracted from everything that is happening around you, you will easily survive this procedure under local anesthesia. You just have to show the surgeon “signs of life”; some people prefer to talk with the doctor about abstract topics.

The main advantage of blepharoplasty under local anesthesia is that you can go home immediately after the operation is completed, simply by wearing glasses.

Is it painful to have blepharoplasty?

Very often, questions and doubts arise in a woman’s head about whether blepharoplasty is painful or not. Of course, any operation, even the simplest one, causes a lot of anxiety.

The procedure itself under anesthesia will be painless, but after the anesthesia wears off, pain may appear, but not necessarily and not for everyone. In such cases, painkillers are prescribed.

The next day, most likely, swelling will appear, there may even be bruises, it all depends on the type of blepharoplasty, the individuality of the body and the literacy of the surgeon.

If bruises appear, you will have to hide them under foundation for a short period of time, since they do not go away very quickly.
After the stitches are removed, the final result should be fully visible within approximately four months.

If you still decide to make changes through surgery, choose trusted specialists and clinics with experience and good reviews from grateful clients.

What problems does blepharoplasty solve?

Eyelid surgery in most cases is the correction of various age-related changes: hernias of the lower eyelids (commonly called bags under the eyes), sagging skin, wrinkles. Depending on the indications, plastic surgery of the lower, upper or both eyelids is performed. In more rare cases, blepharoplasty is used to correct birth defects and change the shape and size of the eyes.

Where do bags under the eyes come from?

With age, some people's soft tissues (skin, orbicularis oculi muscles) lose their elasticity. Subcutaneous fat accumulates, resulting in the formation of hernias or so-called bags under the eyes. The formation of hernias is influenced by genetic predisposition and lifestyle - poor nutrition, lack of sleep, overwork, stress, alcoholism. Some women face this problem after giving birth. Sometimes, due to anatomical and genetic predisposition, hernias occur in adolescence at 15-16 years old and can be corrected then.

What types of eyelid surgery are there?

There are two main types: classical and transconjunctival. The classic version is performed on the lower and upper eyelids: the hernia and overhanging skin of the upper eyelid are removed. Transconjunctival blepharoplasty only relieves hernias. It is usually done at the age of 30-35, when there is no sagging skin yet. After such an operation there are no scars left, because the incision is made under the skin, on the mucous membrane of the lower eyelid. It is done with a scalpel or laser. Operations in both cases give the same results. The laser makes the operation less traumatic, as it immediately seals the vessels, the bleeding stops, and bruises do not form.

The type of blepharoplasty is chosen according to the indications: if you need to have plastic surgery of the upper and lower eyelids due to a hernia and excess skin, then it is recommended to do a classic operation. Yes, after a classic operation, white stripes remain on the eyelid, but it is not possible to remove excess skin in any other way.

Is it possible to get rid of hernias without surgery? For example, adjust your diet and rest regime?

A hernia, if it has formed, will not go away on its own. If a person leads a healthy lifestyle, gets enough sleep and eats right, but has bags under his eyes, this is an aesthetic problem that requires a surgical solution. But many live with bags under their eyes and are successful in all respects.

What still makes you go for plastic surgery?

Patients say that this cosmetic flaw really prevents them from feeling confident at work and at home. They are irritated by bags, drooping eyelids, and feel physically uncomfortable. Moreover, men undergo blepharoplasty not much less often than women. But the men hide the fact that they went through the operation. And women are increasingly no longer ashamed of aesthetic operations and openly talk about them.

Are there any contraindications?

Contraindications may include severe cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, blood diseases, progressive myopia, oncology and other diseases that pose an immediate threat to life.

Does blepharoplasty require special preparation?

They prepare for it in the same way as for any other operation. The preparatory complex depends on the method of anesthesia: local or general. Before surgery with local anesthesia, it is enough to undergo standard examinations: blood tests for biochemistry, general tests for infections and coagulogram (clotting). You may need to consult a therapist or specialist who is seeing you for some chronic disease. For example, see a cardiologist for heart problems. If the operation is planned under general anesthesia, an ECG, fluorography or chest x-ray and consultation with an anesthesiologist will be needed.

What determines the choice between general and local anesthesia?

How difficult is blepharoplasty?

It has been done for a long time and is well proven; it does not pose a danger to life and health. But any wound can fester, become inflamed, and the stitches can come apart. Most often we are talking about aesthetic complications. Jeweller's precision is needed, then scars will not be noticeable and the patient will be satisfied. But various asymmetries occur, including inversion of the lower eyelid. This occurs due to the cutting of an excessive amount of soft tissue of the skin, then the cartilage of the lower eyelid cannot stand it and pulls down. Ophthalmological complications are also possible. The mucous membrane is indirectly affected, sometimes conjunctivitis, keratitis, lacrimation, and dry eyes develop. But these are rather exceptions to the rule and are quite rare.

Is it possible to correct the consequences of an unsuccessful operation?

Any unsuccessful scar can be corrected, but only after six months. If the postoperative suture is torn, it must be sewn up immediately. It will look unaesthetic, but you will have to be patient. After six months, you can make a correction.

How quickly does the patient leave the hospital and return to normal life?

If the operation was performed under anesthesia, the patient remains in the hospital overnight and goes home the next day. You can leave after surgery with local anesthesia within a few hours.

As a rule, sutures are removed on the 4-5th day. They usually return to work after two to three weeks, when the swelling goes away. Some go to work the day after surgery. It depends on whether the patient wants to hide the operation or not. After 2-3 months, no traces remain. All scars completely disappear.

Are there any peculiarities of recovery after eyelid surgery?

The skin of the eyelids is very delicate; after plastic surgery, bruising and swelling appear. On the 4-5th day the swelling goes away, but the bruise remains for 10-14 days. The average recovery time is 2-3 weeks. For some it heals faster, for others it heals more slowly. No special medications are prescribed after surgery. At the patient's request, physiotherapy is performed to speed up healing. Before the stitches are removed, you cannot wash your face because of the special bandages on your eyelids. For two weeks after surgery, you must remain calm and avoid lifting heavy objects. You can resume sports activities after a month.

Does eyelid surgery solve the problem for life or does it need to be repeated periodically?

It all depends on your lifestyle. As a rule, this operation is repeated after 10-15-20 years.

Choose!

Experts often have different opinions. Where one recommends blepharoplasty, another recommends a forehead lift and lipolifting, a third recommends thread lifting, a fourth recommends correction with endotins, and a fifth thinks that deep peeling will help you. At the same time, everyone will convincingly prove that they are right, citing many reasonable arguments. Whose recommendation to choose is up to you.

Personal experience

Tatyana, 49 years old, veterinarian

I had lower eyelid hernias. I felt uncomfortable because of this. At first I wanted to remove only the hernia of the lower eyelids, but then I decided to tighten the upper eyelid and completely put my eyes in order. I had surgery about 4 years ago.

The operation took place under local anesthesia. It is quite painful and generally an eerie feeling. The most difficult test is being injected with painkillers before surgery and pulling out hernias. Then the excess skin is cut off and stitched. The operation lasts 30-40 minutes. Then I lay with ice for about an hour or two. Anesthesia before the eyes and after the operation is felt quite strongly: the eyes see double or triple. I walked staggering, as if I was carrying a vessel of water and was afraid of spilling it. I went home the same day.

Before the stitches were removed, I slept for 3 days, half-sitting; sleeping as usual (especially on my side), bending over, making sudden movements, and lifting anything heavy during this period is prohibited. If blood rushes to the eyelids, a hematoma may form. After 3 days, the stitches were removed. I had no bruises or hematomas, only a slight yellowing, and, of course, fresh scars stood out under my eyelashes. After 2 weeks I went back to work. Almost nothing was noticeable. The only thing is that the shape of the eyes changed after the operation, became more rounded, and thin seams under the eyelashes still remain.

Maxim Osin:I recommend performing upper and lower eyelid surgery under general anesthesia. And local anesthesia is used when it comes to surgery of only one eyelid; when correcting both eyelids at once, surgery under local anesthesia is difficult to tolerate. White stripes-scars on the eyelids really remain forever.

Nina, 46 years old, manager

In the first days after the operation, I went on business, left the house, went to the car, it seemed to me that it was faulty. I leaned over to check if everything was okay. The blood rushed to the face and a hematoma formed on the eyelid. I had to cut it again and clean it out. This still left a stain. As a result, I had this operation again, but with a different doctor.

Maxim Osin: When bending over, a bruise sometimes forms, and the stitches may come apart. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid such situations: do not bend over too much so that the blood does not rush to your face, do not understand heavy weights, etc. But this is not a rule, but rather a matter of chance. For some this happens, others behave as usual after the operation and no problems arise. Of course, it's better not to take risks.

Anastasia, 38 years old, housewife

Six days ago I had blepharoplasty of the upper and lower eyelids (transconjunctival). I look at myself in the mirror and it seems that my eyes are completely different now. One eye looks more open than the other, and the stitching on it seems to be pulling. And it feels like the seam on one eye is lower than on the other. The operation was performed by a good surgeon, according to reviews from his patients. And I myself can’t believe that a surgeon could allow such a defect in his work. Relatives console me, they say that I am finding fault with myself, others cannot see my contrived shortcomings.

Maxim Osin:A week after the operation, it is impossible to assess the result. It will be visible only a month later. In this case, the defect may be caused by swelling and will disappear over time.

Victoria, 42 years old, accountant

I had upper blepharoplasty 3 months ago. One eye was more open than the other, and there was excess skin hanging over one eye. It seemed to me that the doctor removed too little. I thought that I would have to operate on this eye again, but then gradually everything fell into place. Now everything is fine, although the seams are at different levels. On one eye the seam is completely invisible, on the other - if you know about it. As I was told, the seams may be slightly asymmetrical, since the eyes and folds of the upper eyelid do not have symmetry.

Maxim Osin:Indeed, if there is asymmetry before surgery, it persists after it.

Alla, 45 years old, lawyer

I chose my surgeon quite carefully. The doctor needs to instill confidence. During the consultation, the doctor truthfully explained that he would not be able to perform transconjunctival blepharoplasty on me. I'm over 40, so I need to do classic blepharoplasty. It will leave behind excess skin, which you will have to deal with later. But he promised to remove the bags under my eyes and showed me how beautiful I would be after the operation. She was operated under general anesthesia. A week after the operation, the stitches on the upper eyelids were more noticeable than on the lower ones. One eye was watering, I couldn’t see well - there was a feeling of a foreign body, so I used special drops. A week later, there was almost no scar under this eye, under the other it was barely noticeable, but a bag remained, as if there was no operation. It resolved only after 5 months.

Maxim Osin:The patient's age is important. If a person is over 40 years old, there is drooping eyelids and wrinkles, then transblepharoplasty cannot solve all problems - you need to choose the classic option. The bags and swelling disappear completely after a month, but sometimes they can remain for a longer time. Everything here is very individual.

Anna, 42 years old, manager

Just a couple of months ago, I took bags under my eyes for granted. I went to a cosmetologist to get a Botox injection. The cosmetologist said that hernias under the eyes can be removed and advised a doctor. I read reviews on the Internet and came across the concept of “transconjunctival blepharoplasty.” I went for a consultation, where a surprise awaited me: it was too late for me to do this type of plastic surgery, only the classics. On the 3rd day after the operation, the swelling had almost subsided, leaving only yellow bruises under the eyes. Everything looked pretty decent, only there was a clear wrinkle under the right eye, but it was there before the operation.

Maxim Osin: Transconjunctival blepharoplasty can only get rid of hernias. It is done at the age of 30-35, when there is no such problem as sagging skin. Later, more radical solutions are needed, so classic blepharoplasty is done, it removes wrinkles.

Especially for men

Mikhail, 37 years old, manager

Two weeks ago I had lower eyelid surgery. There were no indications to operate on the upper . There are no longer any traces left, except for barely noticeable scars in the corners of the eyes. I think they will disappear in a couple of weeks. Everything took place under local anesthesia. There is an unpleasant feeling from the first injection, as during dental treatment, and then when the hernia is pulled out. I can't say it hurts, but rather unpleasant. In general, everything is painless: both the operation itself and after it there is no pain. I even regretted that I did not come in my own car.

Maxim Osin: Indeed, if the upper eyelid does not droop, then you can limit yourself to plastic surgery of the lower one. This operation is quite easy under local anesthesia.

Blepharoplasty is the correction of the upper and lower eyelids. During plastic surgery, bags under the eyes and drooping eyelids are removed.

Surgery is performed both under local anesthesia and with the help of medicated sleep.

Anesthesiologists argue that performing surgery under local anesthesia is more appropriate than using medicated sleep, but only if surgery is performed on one of the eyelids - upper or lower.

In addition, the choice of type of anesthesia will be influenced by the complexity of the operation.

Target

Local anesthesia for blepharoplasty, first of all, helps to avoid the risk of complications that may appear after general anesthesia.

Its action is aimed at blocking nerve impulses, which allows for loss of temporary sensitivity of the eyelids.

Before the operation, sedative therapy is prescribed along with anesthetics, which allows you to completely eliminate anxiety and relax.

Advantages

When performing local anesthesia, the risk of complications is minimized.

Within a few hours the patient can leave the hospital, whereas with general anesthesia you will need to remain under the supervision of medical staff for 24 hours.

The rehabilitation period with the use of local painkillers will take less time, in contrast to medicinal sleep, and after about 10 days the patient will be able to almost completely return to their normal lifestyle.

When is it appropriate to use general anesthesia?

For transconjunctival aesthetic plastic surgery, general anesthesia is required, since the incision is made from the inside of the eyelids.

When performing plastic surgery of the upper and lower eyelids at the same time, surgeons still recommend resorting to medicated sleep.

Correction of two eyelids at once is more difficult for the patient, and the operation itself takes twice as long.

Photo: Before and after surgery

Methods

Blepharoplasty under local anesthesia is performed using one of two methods:

application;
injection.

The application or superficial method involves applying an anesthetic drug to the area where surgery will be performed. The nerve endings become numb and sensitivity is completely lost.

Injection or infiltration anesthesia is carried out by injecting an anesthetic under the skin into the area where the operation will be performed.

Sedatives are often administered along with anesthetics to make the patient completely relaxed.

Necessary tests

Before undergoing blepharoplasty, regardless of the type of anesthesia, it is necessary to undergo an examination and tests.

When using local anesthesia, the doctor is provided with:

general blood analysis;
general urine analysis:
coagulogram;
blood for sugar;
examination for HIV infection, syphilis, hepatitis;
electrocardiogram;
fluorography (preferably within the last six months).

Only if all the necessary tests and examinations are available can an operation be scheduled. In addition, before surgery, consultation with a therapist and anesthesiologist is necessary.

Video: How the operation is performed

Preparation

Before using local anesthetics, preparation for surgery will not require any complex manipulations.

The patient needs:

do not drink alcohol the day before surgery;
refrain from smoking;
inform the surgeon about taking all medications over the past 3 days;
in some cases, the doctor may prescribe sedatives a few days before the procedure, the use of which is mandatory.

Immediately before the operation, the plastic surgeon:

marks the areas of skin that will be removed;
the face is wiped with a disinfectant;
then the surgical areas are pinched or an anesthetic gel is applied.

After these manipulations, the doctor begins to perform blepharoplasty. The time of the operation largely depends on the complexity of the operation. Most often, the procedure does not take more than 20–40 minutes.

Is it painful to have blepharoplasty under local anesthesia?

When performing blepharoplasty under local anesthesia, the tactile sensitivity of the nerve endings is completely lost, so the patient does not feel pain.

At the same time, you can still feel the touch of a scalpel and the moment of suturing.

Painful sensations can only be present at the moment of injection with the injection method.

Once the procedure is completed, the patient is given an anesthetic injection.

After the operation, the anesthesia gradually wears off and discomfort appears.

Important! If you experience severe pain, burning or itching after blepharoplasty, you should immediately contact your supervising doctor.

Are there any contraindications?

Since blepharoplasty under local anesthesia is still a surgical intervention with the use of mandatory anesthetics, there is a list of contraindications for which the operation is not performed.

Any surgical intervention is contraindicated for persons suffering from:

severe cardiovascular diseases;
eye diseases (glaucoma, dry eye syndrome);
diabetes mellitus;
blood diseases (thrombocytosis, hemophilia, etc.);
mental disorders;
malignant tumor.

If the patient is terrified of going under the surgeon’s scalpel while conscious, general anesthesia can be performed at the patient’s request.

What you need to know about the postoperative period

After the anesthetic wears off, the patient should know that pain cannot be completely avoided.

If you experience severe discomfort, your doctor may prescribe painkillers.

In the first days, swelling of the eyelids appears, and in some cases the formation of hematomas is possible. The patient experiences pain in the eyes.

Complications

When performing local anesthesia, there is also a risk of complications. In rare cases, an allergic reaction to the anesthetic used may occur.

With the injection method, due to a doctor's mistake, an anesthetic can be injected into a blood vessel. In this case, the patient experiences pain and burning, and the formation of severe swelling and bruises is possible.

Incorrect calculation of the drug leads to an overdose, which causes a toxic reaction. A high concentration of local anesthetic in the blood is no less life-threatening than during general anesthesia.

The rehabilitation period after blepharoplasty lasts 2–3 weeks. During this time, the patient should:

limit eye strain;
in the first days, do not make sudden movements or bend over;
limit physical activity;
avoid thermal procedures and direct sunlight;
wear sunglasses;
do not use cosmetics;
do not wash your face until the stitches are removed;
do not wear contact lenses.

Following simple steps will help prevent the development of such unpleasant complications as extensive hematomas and suture dehiscence, which will require repeated surgery.

Anesthesia or general anesthesia

Which method of anesthesia will be used during blepharoplasty largely depends on the wishes of the patient.

After passing all the necessary tests and consulting with a doctor, it is decided which type of anesthesia is more appropriate.

Since this operation does not represent a serious surgical intervention, in the absence of any contraindications and with the consent of the patient, local anesthesia is performed.

The risk of complications with local anesthesia is minimal, in contrast to the use of medicated sleep.

Modern anesthetics and sedatives completely relieve the patient from feelings of anxiety and relieve pain during the operation, putting him into a light sleep.

General anesthesia induces sleep, and awakening occurs after all the manipulations. As a rule, the patient does not remember any parts of the surgical procedure.

Coming out of medicated sleep is much more difficult than with local anesthesia.

In any case, the patient can decide for himself whether to use general anesthesia or local anesthesia.

Age-related changes in the eyelids can only be corrected by blepharoplasty - a surgical operation to tighten the skin of the upper and lower eyelids. It is carried out solely for aesthetic purposes, but women are ready to endure the pain and inconvenience of postoperative recovery for the sake of radical rejuvenation.

After forty to fifty years, the only real way to get rid of the problems of age-related aging in the eye area, including lower eyelid hernias, severe wrinkles, and sagging skin, is to undergo blepharoplasty. But in some cases, correction can be carried out at an earlier age. The operation is one of the most popular, because you can visually look ten to fifteen years younger.

Indications for correction

Why is eyelid surgery needed? The essence of the operation is the excision of excess skin and accumulations of fat. They are the ones who make your face look old and tired. Indications for a radical facelift are as follows:

overhang of the skin of the upper eyelid on the area of growth of the upper eyelashes;
lack of a fold in the upper eyelid as a result of severe overhanging skin;
formation of deep wrinkles in the lower eyelids;
the formation of numerous wrinkles under the lower eyelids (“corrugated paper effect”);
deterioration of vision as a result of severe sagging of the upper eyelid;
permanent fat bags under the lower eyelids;
a special structure of the upper eyelid that does not allow the use of cosmetics (natural overhang).

Before plastic surgery, you should check your health, as there are contraindications: blood clotting disorders, oncology, skin diseases, diabetes, hyperthyroidism.

If there are no contraindications, the plastic surgeon will determine the condition of the skin, outline a plan for eyelid correction, conduct a consultation and schedule a day for surgery.

Types of blepharoplasty

What type of lift the surgeon decides to use depends on the specific problem. There are the following types of blepharoplasty:

correction of the upper eyelid;
changing the incision and shape of the eyes (canthoplasty, canthopexy);
correction of the lower eyelid with simultaneous removal of fat accumulations in the intraorbital area:
correction of the lower eyelid without removing fat depots (fat is redistributed over the eyelid area);
simultaneous eyelid correction (circular blepharoplasty).

The surgical intervention is performed either under general medical anesthesia or under local, lighter anesthesia. Both options will not cause trouble, because in both cases there will be no pain.

Features of different types of correction

Upper blepharoplasty

The upper incision is made along the natural crease of the eyelid. The operation allows you to get rid of sagging skin, change the shape of the eyes, for example, carry out correction using the “Cleopatra look” technique. After healing, the seams are almost invisible and can be easily cosmetically disguised.

Lower eyelid blepharoplasty

In the lower eyelid, it is possible to either cut the skin along the eyelash line or penetrate (puncture) through the mucous membrane. In the latter case, we are talking about the transconjunctival method, which only allows the removal of fat bags, and therefore cannot be used in the presence of excess skin and deep wrinkles.

Circular blepharoplasty

Circular blepharoplasty makes it possible to solve several problems at once:

correct drooping upper eyelids and drooping corners of the eyes;
remove fat bags in the paraorbital area;
get rid of wrinkles;
correct the asymmetrical shape of the eyes.

This type of correction is most preferable for comprehensive relief from signs of aging. In combination with other methods of hardware correction (Fraxel, laser resurfacing, etc.) an amazing effect will be achieved that will last up to ten years. The seams are completely invisible.

Preparing for surgery

Eyelid lift surgery takes different times. This depends on whether the surgeon will work only on the upper eyelids, only on the lower eyelids, or on both eyelids at once. In addition, it also matters whether the excision is performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia. The decision is made before the procedure based on an initial examination of the skin structure, the condition of the facial muscle corset, the structure of the skull bones, the presence of asymmetry, etc. It is necessary to understand how much skin and fatty tissue will have to be eliminated.

When deciding on anesthesia, it is important to inform your doctor about the facts of an allergic reaction, especially to medications and painkillers. Together with the client, the specialist will decide how the plastic surgery will be performed: under general anesthesia or local anesthesia.

Important: before surgery, no salon cosmetic procedures are allowed.

The doctor must find out how much tear fluid is produced, for which he will conduct a special examination before the operation. It is necessary to promptly report existing eye diseases, for example, glaucoma or dry eyes. It is important to talk about the presence of chronic diseases (diabetes, dysfunction of the thyroid gland, hematopoietic organs, etc.) - all of these are contraindications for eyelid surgery. If the client is taking any medications or herbal remedies, he should tell the doctor about it. All this will help prevent dangerous bleeding during surgery.

After the examination, the surgeon is obliged to talk about the possible consequences of the surgical intervention, since there are cases of atypical skin reactions both to anesthesia and to the effect itself. At the same time, he will explain what results should be expected after the stitches heal and prescribe tests.

Preparation period

Before the operation, the client must go through a certain preparatory period:

drink a lot of water to ensure quick successful rehabilitation (you will have to drink water even after the operation is completed);
completely give up nicotine, otherwise tissue regeneration will be very low and rehabilitation will be delayed;
Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory, homeopathic medications, vitamin complexes not only on the day of surgery, but also three to four days before (they provoke bleeding, why risk it).

Local anesthesia or general anesthesia

If the operation is performed under local anesthesia, general tests such as blood chemistry, blood clotting tests (coagulogram) and the presence of infections will be required. You can get advice from a therapist and a specialist if you have a chronic illness.

If the operation is complex and is carried out under general anesthesia, then you will need not only to undergo tests, but also to undergo an ECG procedure, take a fluorography or take an x-ray of the sternum, and attend a consultation with an anesthesiologist.

The choice between local anesthesia and general anesthesia is simple. If we are talking about circular plastic surgery, anesthesia is needed, because the time of exposure to tissue and mucous membranes increases. In addition, it is not painful at all, whereas under local anesthesia there may well be unpleasant sensations. If the surgeon is only working on the bottom or top of the eyes, local anesthesia can be used.

The operation is performed on an outpatient basis. After plastic surgery, the client must go home, but a loved one must be with him for the first 24 hours.

How is the operation performed?

Before the operation, the surgeon uses a special marker to mark the area to be treated, then injects an anesthetic (this may be painful). If the operation is performed using the traditional surgical method, then a thin incision is made with a scalpel in the skin or in the mucous membrane of the lower eyelid (for transconjunctival plastic surgery).

Unnecessary tissue and fat bags are excised through incisions. The surgeon can simultaneously tighten the muscles and strengthen them. Sometimes the fat is not removed, but is redistributed under the lower eyelid.

The seams are sewn together with special threads, which, when absorbed, do not leave scars: the seams will be invisible. In some cases, the surgeon will also use a laser (which is not painful at all) to improve the condition of the skin. After restoration, grinding can be done.

Rehabilitation period

After the operation, it will take time to return to normal life and enjoy the effect that eye blepharoplasty gives. In advance, before going to the clinic, you need to prepare the following items:

ice cubes;
gauze napkins;
pharmaceutical preparations for the eyes (the surgeon will prescribe them on the eve of the operation);
painkillers or injections (some can cause bleeding, so it’s best to ask your doctor for a list of acceptable medications):
the surgeon will tell you in detail how to do drainage and dressing (if necessary), which antibiotic to take.

The first time after surgery will be difficult for the eyes: they will begin to react more strongly to light, profuse lacrimation will appear, and double vision may occur. For the first two to three days, the stitches will stand out, swelling will appear, and numbness may persist - the consequences of local anesthesia or anesthesia. This is a normal reaction.

How long the swelling and hematomas last depends on the sensitivity of the skin. On average, recovery occurs on the seventh to tenth day. It shouldn't hurt, but there may be discomfort. You can apply ice compresses and take painkillers.

Under no circumstances should you take aspirin or naproxen. Taking ibuprofen and herbal supplements is prohibited.

Usually on the third or fourth day, pain relief is no longer necessary.

Removing stitches

On what day are stitches removed? The doctor will schedule the first consultation on the third postoperative day. If all is well, the stitches are removed. It doesn't hurt at all. If something alerts the doctor, he will advise you to wait a little longer, in which case the stitches are removed on the fourth day.

If your eyelids are very painful, there is swelling, redness, or the sutures are inflamed, you need immediate consultation with a surgeon.

Is blepharoplasty necessary?

Keeping in mind possible complications both during and after the operation, the question arises: is correction really necessary? If blepharoplasty is contemplated, only the patient himself can analyze the pros and cons in order to make the right decision.

Pros of the operation

bags under the eyes will completely disappear;
it won't hurt;
the look will become younger and open due to the correction of the upper eyelid;
in some cases, vision will improve (there are medical indications);
the seams are invisible.

Cons of exposure

results may not be seen immediately (at least on the thirtieth day, or even after one and a half to two months);
long recovery period accompanied by discomfort;
in some cases, a second operation will be required if there are deep wrinkles on the forehead;
plastic surgery may not be successful, there will be no result.

Complications

You should not discount the complications that such a surgical procedure can cause:

allergy to an anesthetic drug;
hematoma formation;
inflammation as a result of infection;
scarring of tissue;
formation of an inverted lower eyelid.

There are no medical indications for blepharoplasty, so you can make decisions on your own. What it will become depends only on the woman’s desire to become younger, more beautiful, remove bags and wrinkles, and look ten years younger.

To correct both the upper and lower eyelids, aesthetic surgery is performed - blepharoplasty. Drooping eyelids and bags under the eyes make the face appear older and tired, and can also contribute to poor vision. Aesthetic eyelid correction can eliminate these problems.

Circular blepharoplasty

Since blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure, it is performed under general anesthesia to ensure complete pain relief throughout the entire procedure. What type of anesthesia should be used during this operation: general or local? Will surgery hurt?

Local anesthesia

Most often, blepharoplasty is performed under local anesthesia in combination with sedation. This operation can be performed under general anesthesia if the patient is terrified of being conscious during any surgical procedure. Before using medicated sleep, you must undergo a thorough examination and obtain permission from your doctor.

The operation is simple and plastic surgeons perform it in about an hour. Since the surgical intervention is low-traumatic, it is better to choose local anesthesia. This anesthesia will reduce the risk of developing post-anesthesia complications and you will be able to go home the same day, a couple of hours after the procedure. It will hurt a little only in the place where the anesthetic injections are given, but this is tolerable, unlike the side effects after medicated sleep. Therefore, surgeons prefer to perform the operation under this method of anesthesia.

Transconjunctival blepharoplasty

Local anesthetics block nerve conduction, so there is a temporary loss of sensation in a limited area and the patient is not in pain during the operation. After a few hours after eyelid correction, the numbness will completely disappear. If the patient experiences pain after the procedure, the doctor will prescribe a pain reliever.

Sedative therapy is used before surgery, during correction in combination with local anesthetics and after it. It allows you to achieve complete calm and relaxation of the patient, and he will not worry that it will be painful when performing surgery under local anesthesia.

While under observation after performing blepharoplasty under local anesthesia, the patient must immediately contact medical staff if there are any negative sensations. For example, it is unbearably painful, a burning or itching sensation in the operated area, and so on. The supervising doctor will be able to provide first aid in a timely manner if complications develop.

Medication-induced sleep

Under general anesthesia, the patient is unconscious with a complete absence of pain throughout the body. To perform blepharoplasty, the patient is given such anesthesia if he is afraid that it will be painful under the local one or if transconjunctival aesthetic plastic surgery must be performed. In this operation, the surgeon makes an incision on the inside of the eyelids.

Only anesthesiologists perform anesthesia with complete loss of consciousness for patients undergoing surgery. Patients first undergo a full examination and undergo additional tests prescribed by the supervising physician. Anesthesiologists must conduct a preoperative consultation in order to identify the presence of allergic reactions to medications, previous serious illnesses, and so on.

Throughout the surgical procedure, the anesthesiologist monitors the condition of the patient being operated on. There is no pain for the person being operated on under general anesthesia when the surgeons perform all the necessary manipulations. After waking up completely, the patient does not remember the details of the operation due to complete loss of consciousness.

If it is possible to perform blepharoplasty under local anesthesia, it is better to refuse medicated sleep, because it will not hurt in any case. The rehabilitation period will pass much faster and without unnecessary post-anesthesia complications, and the patient will be able to return home earlier.

Preparation

Young woman having a consultation about blepharoplasty

Preparation for eyelid surgery depends on the type of anesthesia. Before using local anesthetics, preparation is minimal and does not require much effort. It is necessary to stop drinking alcohol 24 hours before the procedure, and you should also refrain from smoking. You should tell your surgeon if you are taking other medications, especially those that make your blood difficult to clot. If the operating doctor has prescribed you to take additional sedatives, you must follow the instructions.

General anesthesia requires more careful preparation. It is very important to quit smoking two months before the scheduled date of aesthetic surgery - blepharoplasty. Smoking greatly affects the lungs and after medicated sleep it can even provoke pneumonia. It is also not recommended to consume alcoholic beverages during the day before surgery, and then avoid it for the entire recovery period.