Category Archives: Blepharoplasty-Eyelid Surgery

What is More Invasive..a Browlift or Upper Blephroplasty?

 Andi P in Pennsylvaasks:

What is More Invasive- a brow lift or upper blephroplasty?  hich is more invasive…a browlift or upp blephroplasty? Thanks!

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There are a number of different types of brow lift procedures.  Most of the brow lift procedures would likely be categorized as more invasive than a standard upper blepharoplasty.  Upper blepharoplasty is a simple procedure whereby skin and a small component of muscle is trimmed from the upper eyelid, sometimes with a small degree of fat removal.  Essentially this is a simple procedure.  A brow lift can be a little bit more complex.  Coronal lifts and endoscopic brow lifts have moderate dissection components to them.  More limited brow lift techniques such as transblepharoplasty, direct brow lift or lateral temporal brow lift have a bit less dissection/invasive requirements than the old-time traditional brow lift techniques.  It is important to discuss the brow lift technique specifically with your surgeon.

David Q. Santos, MD

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

Is It Uncomfortable to Have Upper Eyelid Surgery with Just Local Pain Medication?

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Rebric in Albertville, Al asks:

“I will be taking one hydrocodone/apap 7.5/500mg tablet and one diazepam 10 mg 1/2 hour prior to the surgery and given a local numbing injection. Do you know from your experience if this a comfortable option compared to general sedation? Plus have you performed this surgery without the protective eye lens cover?”

Generally upper eyelid surgery can be performed quite comfortably and safely under local anesthesia with addition of Valium sedative and pain medication.  A large majority of patients will do well and tolerate this modality of anesthesia.  The eye is easily well protected when an experienced blepharoplasty surgeon performs the surgery.

David Q. Santos, MD

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon
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