Is it possible to get ptosis surgery under local anesthetic while pregnant?

Question

Is it possible to get ptosis (on one eye) surgery under local anesthetic (in a doctors office) and be pregnant? I just found out I was and the surgery is next week.

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS · Answer

While it is likely that it safe to have eyelid surgery under purely local anesthesia, it is not worth the risk to do elective surgery while pregnant. Discuss with you OB and surgeon.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

How will you feel if something happens associated with your pregnancy?  While to blame yourself or your surgeon because there was an issue with the pregnancy even though the likelihood of a miscarriage and the ptosis surgery being related is very low?  When I perform a clearance for surgery, I check for pregnancy.  Ptosis surgery is not medically necessary surgery.  It is entirely elective.  No harm will occur by waiting for the completion of your pregnancy and the period you are breast feeding your baby.  Please call your surgeon and see what they recommend.  I do not advise this.

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

Congratulations on your good news. You probably could get away safely with ptosis repair while pregnant, but it definitely is not worth the chance. Be extra cautious and wait until after delivery. Good luck,

Ira Vidor, MD · Answer

Hi. Congratulations! As a general guideline, only truly necessary medical procedures and treatments should be performed during pregnancy. Elective procedures should always be delayed until after delivery and recovery. This includes ptosis surgery.  While the risk to the fetus is likely small, it is still not worth it. Hope this helps. Ira Vidor, M.D.

Vikram D. Durairaj, MD, FACS · Answer

I suggest that you wait until after your delivery. Adult ptosis surgery is non-urgent and elective. There is systemic absorption of local anesthetic and there are reported cases of oculocardiac reflex ( decrease in heart rate with manipulation of eye muscles ) have been reported.  Although the chance of pregnancy complications is small, it doesn't make sense to accept any risk. Vikram Durairaj, MD, FACS

Lily Lee, MD · Answer

I just had this situation occur in my office last month! While waiting until after delivery is not bad advice, I am well aware that with a newborn, recovery can get trickier. My advice to my patient was to wait until second or third trimester if she really wanted it done. The systemic affects of local anesthesia should be minimal, but you don't want to risk it during the first trimester. Congrats!

Steven Couch, MD, FACS · Answer

First off, CONGRATULATIONS!  Since ptosis repairs are highly elective and ptosis doesn't cause permanent damage to the eye, I would recommend waiting until you have delivered.  While the chances of difficult are incredibly low, I would not be willing to perform this surgery on a pregnant patient. Make sure you disclose your good news to your surgeon and I suspect he/she will agree.

Is it possible to get ptosis surgery under local anesthetic while pregnant?

Answers (7)

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