Awake face surgery
Awake Upper Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) in Ottawa
Upper eyelid surgery removes excess skin, and sometimes fat, from the upper eyelids. Eyelid surgery is routinely performed under local anesthesia, so awake surgery is a natural fit.
Upper Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) at a glance
| Typical operating time | About 45 to 90 minutes |
|---|---|
| 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 upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)?
An incision is hidden in the natural eyelid crease. Excess skin, and in some cases muscle or fat, is removed, and the incision is closed with fine stitches.
Who may be a good candidate
- People with hooded or heavy upper eyelids
- Those whose eyelids interfere with makeup or vision
- Patients with healthy eyes and realistic expectations
Why awake upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) may work
Reviews of oculoplastic surgery describe eyelid surgery as routinely performed under local anesthesia with or without mild sedation, and a comparative study of upper blepharoplasty reported on tumescent local anesthesia versus conventional anesthesia techniques. The eyelids are small, accessible and easily numbed, and being awake lets us check eyelid position as we work.
When awake may not be the right choice
Very anxious patients, or those combining eyelid surgery with extensive procedures, may prefer sedation or general anesthesia.
Your awake upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) journey
1. Before surgery (pre-op)
We assess eyelid skin, brow position, eye health and dryness. An eye exam or medical records may be requested.
- 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)
Tiny injections numb the eyelids, which can sting briefly. You are comfortable and relaxed, and the operation is often quick.
- 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 and head elevation. |
| Days 5 to 7 | Sutures removed. Bruising fades. |
| Weeks 2 | Many feel comfortable in public. Makeup is possible. |
| Months 2 to 3 | Scar fades and final result appears. |
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
Brow lift, injectable options, or no treatment.
Risks
Dry eye, asymmetry, scar visibility, difficulty closing the eye, 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 upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)
Is eyelid surgery usually done awake?
Yes. Local anesthesia is routinely used.
Will I see during the procedure?
Your eyes may be covered and you may see light. We guide you through it.
Will I look surprised?
Careful design avoids over-resection.
How long do results last?
Often many years.
Related procedures
Starting from $5,500 (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
- Cao L, Zhu F. Comparison of tumescent local anesthesia vs normal anesthesia technology in upper blepharoplasty in Asian women. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021;20(7):2264-2269. PMID 33217779