Local Anesthesia and
Blepharoplasty Eyelid Surgery

The patient is first sedated orally. Once the medication has taken hold, a small amount of local anesthesia is injected into the skin of the eyelid. The anesthetic mixture contains both a special enzyme to allow the numbing agent to diffuse easily through the tissues as well as a custom buffering solution to minimize stinging. Most patients notice only mild discomfort lasting less than five seconds. A veil of numbness ensues rapidly. Local anesthesia with oral sedation offers many advantages over deeper intravenous or general anesthesia. In addition to added safety and a more rapid recovery, local anesthesia helps the surgeon identify and avoid over- or under-corrections that may go unrecognized in the less responsive patient.

Technique: Upper Lids > Brows > Lower Lids

From the Insider's Guide to Blepharoplasty:
Chapter 11: Anesthesia