Awake face surgery
Awake Lower Eyelid Surgery in Ottawa
Lower eyelid surgery reduces under-eye bags and smooths the lower lid. Eyelid procedures are commonly performed under local anesthesia, with or without sedation.
Lower Eyelid Surgery at a glance
| Typical operating time | About 1 to 2 hours |
|---|---|
| Awake suitability | Often a good candidate for awake surgery |
| Typical return to desk work | Social downtime often about 1 to 2 weeks |
| Anesthesia | Local anesthesia with or without sedation. General anesthesia arranged if needed |
| Setting | Outpatient, with an anesthesiologist present throughout |
Times are typical ranges for planning, not promises. Your plan is individualized.
What is lower eyelid surgery?
Fat bulges are removed or repositioned and, if needed, excess skin is removed, through an incision inside the eyelid or just below the lash line. The approach depends on whether the main concern is fat, skin or both.
Who may be a good candidate
- People with under-eye bags or puffiness
- Those with tear trough hollowing who may benefit from fat repositioning
- Patients with healthy eyes
Why awake lower eyelid surgery may work
As with upper eyelid surgery, oculoplastic reviews describe eyelid surgery routinely under local anesthesia with or without mild sedation. The area is small and easily numbed, making an awake approach suitable for many patients.
When awake may not be the right choice
Very anxious patients or combined facial surgery may need deeper sedation or general anesthesia.
Your awake lower eyelid surgery journey
1. Before surgery (pre-op)
We assess lid laxity, fat, skin and eye health, and discuss the approach.
- A consultation to review your goals, health history, medications and previous surgeries, and a physical examination
- An anesthesia assessment to decide whether an awake plan is appropriate and safe for you
- Photographs, with your consent, and a written plan, quote and consent form
- Medication guidance, including when to stop blood thinners, certain supplements, and smoking or vaping
- Fasting instructions from the anesthesia team. Follow them exactly
- A ride home and an adult to stay with you after surgery
2. Day of surgery (intra-op)
The lower eyelids are numbed with small injections. Sedation is used as needed.
- You arrive, change, and meet the surgeon and anesthesiologist, and your markings and plan are confirmed
- An IV and monitors are placed. The anesthesiologist stays with you from start to finish
- Local anesthetic is given. Expect brief stinging, then numbness, and light sedation if planned
- You can listen to music, talk with the team, and tell us at any time if you feel discomfort
- Afterward you rest in recovery, receive written instructions and go home with your driver
3. Recovery (post-op)
You are observed in recovery, given written instructions and pain-control guidance, and scheduled for follow-up. Call us or seek urgent care for fever, spreading redness, severe or worsening pain, heavy bleeding, chest pain, shortness of breath, or leg pain or swelling.
| When | What is typical |
|---|---|
| Days 1 to 3 | Swelling and bruising. Cold compresses. |
| Week 1 | Sutures removed. Bruising fades. |
| Weeks 2 to 3 | Most feel comfortable socially. |
| Months 2 to 3 | Swelling resolves. |
Timelines are general and vary. Your surgeon gives you instructions specific to you.
Anesthesia options
Anesthesia options range from local anesthesia, with or without sedation, to general anesthesia. An anesthesiologist is present throughout your procedure and recommends an approach after reviewing your health, the extent of surgery and your preferences. If an awake approach is not suitable, general anesthesia is arranged. Plans can change during surgery if comfort or safety requires it, including deepening sedation or converting to general anesthesia.
Learn more: anesthesia options, levels of anesthesia, fear of intubation, and pain perception and music.
Alternatives
Fillers or other non-surgical options, or no treatment.
Risks
Dry eye, lid retraction or pulling down, asymmetry, bleeding, infection, vision changes (rare), and anesthesia-related risks.
Anesthetic risks include reactions to medications, breathing or airway events, the need to deepen sedation or convert to general anesthesia, and, rarely, transfer for further care. All surgery carries risk, and results are not guaranteed.
Frequently asked questions about awake lower eyelid surgery
Can it be done awake?
Often yes.
Will I have visible scars?
Incisions are hidden inside the lid or just below the lashes.
Will bags come back?
Aging continues but results last.
Can I have both lids done together?
Yes, often.
Related procedures
Starting from $7,000 (CAD, before 13% HST), including surgeon, anesthesia and facility fees. Your written quote follows your consultation. See pricing and financing.
Explore your options at a consultation
References
- Mehta S, Belliveau MJ, Oestreicher JH. Oculoplastic surgery. Clin Plast Surg. 2013;40(4):631-651. PMID 24093658
- Drolet BC, Sullivan PK. Evidence-based medicine: blepharoplasty. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2014;133(5):1195-1205. PMID 24776550