“Awake” Cosmetic Surgery for the Eyelids

If you have puffy or droopy eyelids, lower eyelid bags, or excessive wrinkling, cosmetic eyelid surgery may be for you. At our eyelids surgery center in San Antonio, we have helped numerous South Texas residents look younger and healthier, and we can do the same for you. Our staff is dedicated to patient care and has extensive experience; Dr. Constance Barone has been certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery since 1991. Rest assured that you will be in good hands at the cosmetic surgery centers of Constance Barone, M.D.!

The Benefits of Local or Awake Cosmetic Eye Surgery

Cosmetic eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is usually accomplished by making external incisions along the natural lines of the eyelid (working with the natural lines of the face helps make scarring inconspicuous) so that the cosmetic surgeon can remove excess skin and fat. For upper eyelid surgery, an incision can be made along the eyelid crease, whereas the incision is usually made right below the eyelash for lower eyelid surgery. In some instances, an incision may also be made on the inside surface of the lower eyelid, which eliminates any external scarring. However, such a technique is only applicable for lower eyelid surgery and prevents any excess skin from being removed, and is therefore not always an option.

Because of the sensitivity of the eyelid area, general anesthesia is often used for eyelid surgery. However, Dr. Barone performs awake or local cosmetic eyelid surgery whenever possible, as the benefits are numerous:

• The patient typically feels more comfortable and more in control, as he or she is involved in the process.
• The effects of the local anesthesia last for longer than the operation itself, which helps to relieve pain and discomfort after surgery.
• Because the patient is administered only local anesthetic, he or she is often able to perform simple tasks like walking and eating in a shorter period of time.
• The process of coming out of general anesthesia, which in many cases results in nausea and discomfort, is avoided.

Whether awake or local eyelid surgery is an option for you depends on a variety of factors that Dr. Barone will go over with you during your initial consultation. Our priority is your comfort, so you can trust that we will do everything possible to make your procedure as easy and pain free as possible.

Contact Our Eyelid Surgery Center

At Constance Barone, M.D., we understand that cosmetic surgery is a personal decision, which is why we value having a personal relationship with our patients. Dr. Barone would be happy to discuss your goals with you in person, and we invite you to contact our plastic surgery center today to schedule a cosmetic consultation! We have a cosmetic eyelid surgery center in San Antonio and are proud to serve all of South Texas.