is an upper eyelid lift better under general anesthesia or awake for best results?

An upper eyelid lift can be done safely utilizing any technique.  The important step is precisely measuring the skin with your eyelids closed to make sure that when you are fully recovered, you can close your eyes gently because that's how we sleep and that's how we blink.  Often, upper lid surgery is done with other procedures such as a facelift, breast augmentation or liposuction.

Dear Dolphinddt17Thank you for your question! The 2 surgeries can be done together.  An eyelid surgery does not need to be done awake ! If you need a PTOSIS repair then the surgeon may prefer to to this with you awake - BUT local anesthetic is used along with some sedation so that you are very comfortable. The breast augmentation may be done after this with you asleep.With Warm RegardsTrevor M Born MD

I personally perform almost all of my blepharoplasties in the office with the patient awake. It is easier than you think for the patient. However, if you are already in the OR for another procedure, you can have them both done at the same time. I see no reason that doing them in the office under local would be an advantage.Andrew Campbell, M.D.
Facial Rejuvenation Specialist
Quintessa Aesthetic Centers

Thank you for your question.With precise marking, both types of anesthetics are feasible with equal results.  It is true for "ptosis repair" (dropped upper lids seen with aging) to be done when awake, but it is not necessary for an upper blepharoplasty.One one hand it is convenient to have it done along with your breast surgery, to combine the recovery.On the other hand, I do my upper lid surgery (when a single procedure) with local anesthesia but I add a slight twilight sedation to make it more comfortable for my patients.  It is a 45-60 minute procedure and the discomfort is truly minimal, and same results expected.Hope this helps and reassures you.Kind regards,Dr. Marc DuPere, aesthetic plastic surgeon.

Upper blepharoplasty is best done under local anesthesia, rather than general anesthesia, for multiple reasons including 1) safer, 2) quicker recovery, 3) better results since patient can open his/her eyes during the procedure. Local anesthesia can be combined with oral sedation or IV sedation to relax the patient.