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Oculoplastic Surgery

Types of Anesthesia For Oculoplastic or Eyelid Surgery

Here are three basic types of anesthesia that can be used during oculoplastic or eyelid surgery. From least invasive to most invasive are: local anesthesia, MAC anesthesia, and general anesthesia.

Local anesthesia involves injecting local numbing injection to numb the eyelid and surrounding structures and the surgery is performed is performed while the patient is fully awake, much like a dental work. MAC anesthesia combines local anesthesia with intravenous sedation, whereby the patient is relaxed and in “twilight sleep” during the surgery, much like how it is done during colonoscopy. Most oculoplastic surgeries can safely be performed using either local anesthesia or MAC anesthesia. The advantages are patient cooperation during the surgery which produces better results along with quicker postoperative recovery.

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Functional Versus Cosmetic Oculoplastic Surgery

Functional vs Cosmetic Eyelid Surgeries

The question of functional versus cosmetic surgery arises often. Here is the difference between the two:

More than 170,000 people in the US each year get some form of eyelid surgery. Most of those people average around 57 years of age. Sometimes , the need is more cosmetic and others, it’s more so for medical purposes like cancer and uncomfortable situations.

What Does “Functional” Surgery Mean?

Functional (or reconstructive) oculoplastic surgery is considered medically necessary and is usually covered by health insurances. It is designed to help with the function of the eyelid or periorbital areas. Examples include ptosis (droopy eyelid), eyelid malpositions (ectropion, entropion), eyelid retraction, eyelid tumors or skin cancer reconstruction, lacrimal tear duct (DCR) surgery, orbital tumors, bulgy eyes, thyroid eye disease, trauma (eyelid laceration, orbital fractures), orbital tumors, eye socket surgery, facial or eyelid paralysis, and facial or eyelid spasms.

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