[Anonymous]

#1128724

Kathleen,

I think that most eyelid “drops” probably don’t need implants although some do.

If lower eyelids need to be raised I think that those require implants most of the time from what I’ve heard and studied.

The upper eyelids are commonly dropped by loosening some of the eyelid muscles surgically from what we were told at the convention last July.

Eyelid surgeries weren’t that bad for me although I really didn’t enjoy them much either as I look back now.

Whatever you do, don’t try this at home.

Lots of luck,

Jerry

[Anonymous]

#1039909

Does eyelid surgery always involve an implant? My doctor has hinted that eyelid surgery may be in my future, but my eye problems are comparitively minor. Is there any other way to lower the eyelid without an implant?

[Anonymous]

#1128725

Is eyelid surgery always done when you’re awake, or do they sometimes do it with general anesthesia?

Can anyone who’s done it either way (especially awake) let me know how the overall experience was? I’m a bit scared of doing eye surgery while awake.

[Anonymous]

#1128726

Hi Kathleen–

Usually the upper eyelid surgery is done with a monitored sedation anesthesia, which can be given in amounts that produce no memory of the surgery, or in amounts leaving you relaxed but able to respond to the surgeon.

For my first eyelid surgery, both uppers and lowers were operated on, and while I was told later that I was awake for adjustment of the upper lids, I had no memory of it. That surgery took nearly 5 hours, and I was given more sedation for the lower lids, so that wiped out my memory.

The latest surgery I had was for upper lids only, and again the monitored sedation was used (the area is totally numbed with local anesthesia). During most of the surgery I was unaware, but was allowed to gain some consciousness to follow my doctors’ instructions for opening and closing my eyelids to check for proper positioning. I remember hearing the surgeon and assistants talking to each other, and the music in the background, and remember opening and closing my eyes, but I really didn’t care very much. The sedation is good stuff!!

The upper eyelid surgery by itself was no big deal for me. Keeping little sandwich-sized zip lock bags full of baby peas in the freezer ready to exchange for cold ones, kept the brusing and swelling down, which helps reduce the pain level also. I was able to leave the house for shopping and such in several days.

Please email me if you have any other questions.

Best wishes,
Dianne W
NGDF Asst. Online Facilitator

[Anonymous]

#1128727

I had my first lid surgery wide awake, and with all the fibrosis I had in my muscles, the locals did not diffuse and it hurt! Not fun.
At any rate, my next lid surgery, with my ophthy remembering how bad the first was, I received propofal, which is a short acting anesthetic that knocks you out, but allows you to be woken back up almost instantly. It was soooooooooooooooooooooo much better.
A surgeon friend, who just switched to anesthesia so he would have more time for a life, told me that the only reason our hosp doesn’t use propofal more is simply the expense.
I can’t say if it is appropriate for you, or available wherever you get your surgery done, but it is CERTAINLY worth asking about!
Mag

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