Steroids have puffed up big bags above and below my eyes and caused my upper and lower lids to droop. My Opthalmalogist says the surgical repair is needed - that it is not cosmetic.
I have been told the procedure hurts. I cannot have general anesthesia (lung problems), so it’ll be a pill and then topical anesthesia.
I can deal with needles and post op pain, but I don’t do too well feeling the cuts while under the knife.
What say?
Many forms of such surgery done on the face can be safely done without general anesthesia. You won’t feel pain during the actual surgery, though you’ll probably have sensations of tugging or pulling (depending on what they do) and you’ll certainly hear some things (a scalpel cutting through skin can sound a lot like ripping paper), but no pain. Afterward you’ll feel pain, during recovery, but that can be managed. Do discuss this with your doctor beforehand.
My mother had eyelid surgery done, oh, about 20 or more years ago. She was awake during surgery, and had a pretty uneventful recovery.
Some years ago I recounted my own facial surgery on this board. I was very much awake while it was done, but the local anesthesia completely blocked all pain while the procedure was being done. I heard the cutting, etc., but felt nothing while it was being done. I would not hesitate to be awake during another surgery if that was deemed appropriate.
Surgery while the patient is awake for facial surgery is actually pretty common, and used on people without lung issues or problems with general anesthesia. It’s not some second-best technique but often the first choice for anyone.
Thorough and comforting, Broomstick.
Thanks very much.