Awake Eyelid Surgery
Awake Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) with Dr. Ali Abtahi | Amor Propio Aesthetic Surgery
Awake Eyelid Surgery in Dallas, Plano & Southlake, TX
Awake Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) with Dr. Ali Abtahi | Amor Propio Aesthetic Surgery
Eyelid surgery, clinically known as blepharoplasty, is one of the most effective facial rejuvenation procedures available, addressing sagging upper eyelids, puffy lower eyelid bags, and the overall appearance of fatigue and aging around the eyes. For many patients, it is also one of the most well-suited procedures for the awake approach: eyelid surgery has been performed under local anesthesia by skilled surgeons for decades, with excellent patient comfort, safety, and outcomes.
At Amor Propio Aesthetic Surgery, Dr. Ali Abtahi performs awake eyelid surgery for appropriate candidates in Dallas, Plano, Southlake, and throughout the DFW area. Whether addressing the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, Dr. Abtahi delivers results that restore a refreshed, natural-looking appearance, while keeping the patient comfortable and safe throughout.
To learn more about awake eyelid surgery in Dallas, Plano, or Southlake, TX, call Amor Propio Aesthetic Surgery at (469) 293-2533 or request your consultation online today.
What Is Awake Eyelid Surgery?
Awake eyelid surgery is blepharoplasty performed under local anesthesia, with the patient conscious and comfortable but completely numb in the eyelid and surrounding areas. Light oral sedation may be incorporated to reduce anxiety, but no general anesthesia, intubation, or ventilator support is required. Awake blepharoplasty is a well-established technique and, for many patients, the preferred standard approach for upper eyelid surgery in particular.
What Can Awake Eyelid Surgery Address?
Removes excess skin, fat, and sometimes muscle from the upper eyelids that cause a heavy, hooded, or tired appearance. In some cases, significant upper eyelid ptosis can also impair peripheral vision, making upper blepharoplasty medically as well as aesthetically beneficial.
Addresses puffiness, bags, and festooning beneath the lower eyelids caused by herniated fat or excess skin. Dr. Abtahi uses a transconjunctival approach for appropriate candidates, placing the incision inside the lower eyelid to leave no visible external scar.
Both upper and lower eyelid procedures can be combined in a single awake surgical session for patients with concerns in both areas, providing comprehensive periorbital rejuvenation with a single recovery period.
Meet Ali R. Abtahi, DO MSc
Dr. Ali R. Abtahi, DO MSc is a highly skilled surgeon with extensive training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Comprehensive Aesthetic Surgery, and General Surgery. Through his artistic vision and sincere passion for plastic surgery of the utmost quality, Dr. Abtahi is dedicated to delivering an elite, personalized experience.
Benefits of Awake Eyelid Surgery
- Eliminated risks of general anesthesia, including nausea, respiratory complications, and adverse reactions
- Faster recovery and same-day discharge
- Reduced overall cost for qualifying patients
- Ability to ask the patient to open and close the eyes during surgery for real-time symmetry assessment
- Well-established as a standard technique for upper blepharoplasty in particular
- Equivalent aesthetic results to general anesthesia blepharoplasty when performed by an experienced surgeon
Am I a Candidate for Awake Eyelid Surgery in Dallas?
Most patients seeking eyelid surgery are candidates for the awake approach. Good candidates include patients who:
- Are in good overall health
- Have realistic expectations for their outcome
- Are comfortable remaining awake during the procedure
- Are not planning eyelid surgery in combination with other procedures requiring general anesthesia
- Prefer to avoid general anesthesia
Dr. Abtahi will evaluate your candidacy and discuss all options during your consultation, ensuring you fully understand your procedure before committing.
What Are the Steps Involved in Awake Eyelid Surgery?
Anesthesia: Dr. Abtahi administers local anesthetic injections to completely numb the eyelid area. Light oral sedation is available for patients who prefer additional anxiety relief.
Incisions: For upper blepharoplasty, incisions are placed within the natural crease of the upper eyelid, concealing the scar within the fold when the eye is open. For lower blepharoplasty, incisions are placed just below the lower lash line or, for the transconjunctival approach, entirely inside the lower eyelid.
Tissue Removal and Repositioning. Excess skin, herniated fat, and, where appropriate, redundant muscle are removed or repositioned to restore a refreshed, natural contour. Dr. Abtahi takes a conservative, precision-focused approach to avoid the over-corrected look that can result from aggressive tissue removal.
Closure: Incisions are closed with very fine sutures. Upper eyelid sutures are typically removed at your first post-operative appointment, approximately one week after surgery.
Recovery After Awake Eyelid Surgery
Most awake eyelid surgery patients recover within 7 to 14 days. Bruising and swelling around the eyes are expected in the first week and typically resolve significantly by the end of the second week. Dr. Abtahi recommends:
- Keeping the head elevated, including during sleep, for the first several days
- Applying cold compresses to reduce swelling in the first 48 hours
- Avoiding strenuous activity and heavy lifting for 2 weeks
- Protecting the eyes from sun exposure with UV-protective sunglasses
- Returning for suture removal at approximately 1 week
Most patients are comfortable returning to work within 7 to 10 days, depending on their role. Final results are fully visible at 4 to 6 weeks, as residual swelling resolves.
Why Choose Dr. Ali Abtahi for Awake Eyelid Surgery in Dallas?
Dr. Ali Abtahi is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Comprehensive Aesthetic Surgery, and General Surgery. His artistic approach to facial rejuvenation is grounded in respect for natural anatomy and proportion, ensuring results that look refreshed and rested, never operated on.
Dr. Abtahi’s commitment to helping each patient achieve a healthier, more confident version of themselves extends to every procedure in his practice, including awake eyelid surgery. He takes the time to understand what each patient wants, communicates clearly about every available option, and remains invested in your outcome from consultation through recovery.
Schedule your awake eyelid surgery consultation with Dr. Ali Abtahi in Dallas, Plano, or Southlake, TX. Call (469) 293-2533 or reach us online today.
Schedule Your Dallas Awake Eyelid Surgery Consultation Today
Contact Amor Propio Aesthetic Surgery to schedule a consultation for an awake eyelid surgery with Dr. Ali Abtahi in his Highland Park office. He will examine you, ask questions to understand your goals for the procedure, give his recommendations for the best and safest approach, and explain what you can expect at each stage of the process.
Patients in the Dallas area are choosing Dr. Abtahi as their cosmetic surgeon because of his personal and caring approach and his beautifully customized and natural-looking results. Call us at (469) 293-2533 or reach us online today.
Awake Eyelid Surgery FAQ
Awake eyelid surgery, or awake blepharoplasty, is eyelid surgery performed under local anesthesia with the patient conscious and comfortable throughout. No general anesthesia, intubation, or ventilator support is required. Light oral sedation may be added for anxiety. Dr. Ali Abtahi offers awake upper and lower eyelid surgery in Dallas, Plano, and Southlake, TX at Amor Propio Aesthetic Surgery.
Yes. Eyelid surgery is one of the most commonly performed procedures under local anesthesia, and it has been performed this way safely for decades. For appropriate candidates, the awake approach eliminates the risks of general anesthesia while delivering equivalent aesthetic results. Dr. Abtahi evaluates every patient’s candidacy carefully.
Yes. Upper and lower blepharoplasty can both be performed in a single awake session for appropriate candidates. Dr. Abtahi will discuss whether addressing both areas in one procedure is right for you during your consultation.
Most patients recover within 7 to 14 days. Bruising and swelling are expected in the first week. Sutures are typically removed at approximately 1 week. Most patients return to work within 7 to 10 days. Full results are visible at 4 to 6 weeks as swelling resolves.
Yes. Dr. Ali Abtahi at Amor Propio Aesthetic Surgery in Southlake, TX offers awake eyelid surgery for appropriate candidates, serving Dallas, Plano, Fort Worth, Frisco, and the greater DFW area. Call (469) 293-2533 or visit apaesthetics.com to request a consultation.