I’d like to have my eyelid surgery performed with local anesthesia. I’ve heard that this can help to keep the costs down compared to having general anesthesia. Is this true and can this be done?
Answer:
For most people, undergoing an eyelift procedure, especially of the upper eyelids can easily be performed under local anesthesia. What this means is that you would be awake for the procedure, but should feel minimal discomfort if any after the eyelids are numbed by an injection of Lidocaine. When an eyelift procedure also known as a blepharoplasty is performed under local anesthesia, it can often be done in the physician’s office. This will save money on the facility fee of a hospital or surgical center and on the anesthesia fee. Depending on your level of anxiety regarding surgery, this option may be a great way to reduce the cost of your surgery.
-Dr. Jessica Kulak