One of the most common questions patients ask is whether procedures like facelift or eyelid surgery require general anesthesia or IV sedation. The answer is absolutely NOT. Many patients are surprised to learn that these procedures can often be performed comfortably while “awake.”
What Does “Awake” Facial Surgery Mean?
It’s very important to define what “awake” means in relation to facelift or eyelid surgery. “Awake” simply means that our patients are not given general anesthesia or IV sedation. Instead, our patients are sedated with a cocktail of oral medications (pills) that take effect before any numbing or surgery is performed. This approach ensures comfort but does not require an IV, breathing tube or carry the risks associated with very deep anesthetic methods. At Weber Facial Plastic Surgery, our priority is your safety and comfort, so we offer advanced options that minimize downtime and maximize results.
Why “Awake” Facial Surgery?
As mentioned above, the vast majority of “awake” procedures involve sedation with pills, allowing patients to sleep during their procedures. You remain totally comfortable avoiding the risks, longer recovery and higher costs associated with general anesthesia or IV sedation. For most of our facelift and eyelid surgery patients, “awake” facelift or eyelid surgery is a safe, efficient option with a smoother recovery. Most importantly, the procedure is performed the exact same way whether you have surgery with our “awake” methods or with deeper levels of anesthesia at an Ambulatory Surgery Center.
Before Your Procedure
Preparation is key to achieving excellent results. Before surgery, our team will provide detailed instructions regarding medications, supplements and lifestyle adjustments to help reduce risks including bleeding, bruising and swelling. We will also provide all of the items that support a rapid recovery, such as cold compresses, cleanser, antibiotic ointments, anti-inflammatory medications and other prescriptions.
On the morning of surgery, you are encouraged to eat a light breakfast. If you are a caffeine drinker, you can have one serving of caffeine as well. We also encourage drinking a glass of water to prevent dehydration before your procedure. Once you arrive at our office, you’ll be given a cocktail of oral medications (pills) to help you relax and eventually sleep. You’ll need someone to drive you home since you will feel very groggy afterward.
What Happens During “Awake” Surgery
When you arrive at our office, you’ll be welcomed by our team and made comfortable in one of our cozy consult rooms. We will provide you with a gown and comfortable slippers to wear. Once your vital signs are checked, you will be provided with a cocktail of sedative medications. These will take effect over a 45-minute period during which we encourage you to close your eyes, listen to music, meditate or simply pause for a moment and relax.
Our team will then assist you to the procedure room. Dr. Weber will then mark the areas where surgery will be performed. You will then be made comfortable in a “beachchair” position. The entire process of marking, positioning, numbing and prepping your surgical area takes 30-45 minutes. Most patients describe mild pressure during the beginning of the numbing process and zero pain during the actual procedure. Depending upon your chosen procedures, surgery may last one to four hours. Most patients do not have any recollection of their surgery.
Recovery and Results
“Awake” procedures typically allow for faster recovery compared to general anesthesia. Patients can expect mild swelling and bruising in the first days, which improve with proper aftercare. Light activities can usually be resumed within one week, and most people return to their normal routines in one to two weeks.
Results are visible immediately, with final improvements settling in as swelling subsides. Patients often feel more confident immediately, noticing a refreshed, natural look.
The Benefits of “Awake” Facelift and Eyelid Surgery
- Safety: Avoids risks associated with general anesthesia or IV sedation.
- Comfort: Oral sedation keeps you relaxed and sleepy while local anesthesia provides a pain-free experience.
- Convenience: Shorter recovery and less downtime.
- Confidence: Natural results that help you look as youthful as you feel.
- Cost: While cost should not be the primary motivator, it is an important factor. General anesthesia or IV sedation at an Ambulatory Surgery Center typically adds $4500-7500, or more, to the total cost for facial surgery.
Is “Awake” Surgery Right for You?
Not every patient is an ideal candidate for “awake” surgery, but for those who qualify, it can provide stunning, natural-looking results with less downtime. During your consultation at Weber Facial Plastic Surgery, Dr. Weber will review your thoughts, goals, medical history and anatomy to determine if this approach is right for you. He will also discuss all of your surgical and anesthetic options to help you make an informed decision.
While the vast majority of our patients choose to avoid general anesthesia or IV sedation, Dr. Weber also operates at a local, fully accredited Ambulatory Surgery Center, staffed with exceptional, board-certified anesthesiologists, in case you choose general anesthesia. Our goal is to create dramatic yet natural-looking transformations, while also offering sedation options that suit your desires and medical history. We seek to always provide exceptional results with a surgery process that aligns with your needs.
If you’re considering facial rejuvenation and want to explore safe, effective options, schedule your consultation today and discover how awake facelift or eyelid surgery can help you look and feel your best.