Local Anaesthetic Blepharoplasty (Eye-bag removal)

Can blepharoplasty be done under local anaesthetic?

Yes. Blepharoplasty can be performed under local anaesthetic for suitable patients. At MYA, Dr Sherif Elamari will assess you individually before recommending whether blepharoplasty under local anaesthetic is appropriate for you.

Upper blepharoplasty under local anaesthetic

If the area you’d like to address is your upper eyelids, local anaesthetic can be used to numb the treatment area while you remain awake. Dr Elamari will talk you through what your surgery will involve before you decide whether to go ahead.

Lower blepharoplasty under local anaesthetic

Suitable patients can also have lower blepharoplasty under local anaesthetic. As with upper eyelid surgery, you’ll stay awake while the area being treated is numbed.

Upper and lower blepharoplasty under local anaesthetic

For some patients, both the upper and lower eyelids can be treated during the same procedure under local anaesthetic. Your consultation is where we work out what’s appropriate for you, because your surgery should always be planned around you.

Want to know more about the procedure itself?

From what happens during eyelid surgery to recovery and potential results, you can find more information on our main blepharoplasty page.

What is local anaesthetic?

Local anaesthetic temporarily numbs a specific area of your body without putting you to sleep. So, unlike a general anaesthetic, you remain awake.

For blepharoplasty, the local anaesthetic is given around the eyelid area being treated. Your surgery only begins once the area is numb. You may still be aware of sensations such as touch, movement or pressure, but you shouldn’t feel pain from the surgery. 

You’ll be awake

You’ll remain conscious during your blepharoplasty, with your surgical team there to talk to you and support you.

The area is numbed

Local anaesthetic blocks pain in the area around your eyelid being treated. Your team will make sure the area is numb before the procedure starts. 

You’ll go home the same day

Your blepharoplasty takes place as a day-case procedure at MYA Harrogate, so once your clinical team is happy that you’re ready to leave, you can continue your recovery at home.

Why choose blepharoplasty under local anaesthetic?

Being awake during eyelid surgery won’t feel right for everyone. For others, knowing they can have their procedure without a general anaesthetic may make local anaesthetic an option they’d like to explore.

The important thing is finding the approach that’s appropriate for you. That’s something you and Dr Elamari can discuss together.

No general anaesthetic

Local anaesthetic numbs the area being treated while you stay awake, so you don’t need to be put to sleep for your procedure.

Day-case treatment

Your blepharoplasty takes place at MYA Harrogate as a day case, with the clinical team supporting you before, during and immediately after your surgery.

A pathway built around local anaesthetic

From your first conversation to procedure day, we’ll explain what comes next, give you plenty of opportunities to ask questions and make sure you know what to expect.

What does blepharoplasty under local anaesthetic feel like?

We know what you might be thinking: “If I’m awake while someone is operating around my eyes, what will I see and feel?”

It’s one of the most understandable questions to have about blepharoplasty under local anaesthetic. And knowing what to expect can make the whole idea feel a lot less unfamiliar.

Will I be awake during blepharoplasty?

Yes. With local anaesthetic, you remain awake during your procedure. That also means your surgical team is there with you throughout. You’re not expected to simply lie there wondering what’s happening. We’ll prepare you beforehand and support you while your procedure takes place.

Will the local anaesthetic injection hurt?

You may feel a brief sharp or stinging sensation for a few seconds when local anaesthetic is injected around the eyelid. Once it takes effect, the area becomes numb.

Will I feel the surgery?

You shouldn’t feel pain once the local anaesthetic has taken effect. You may still notice sensations such as pressure, touch or gentle pulling around the area. You can communicate with your surgical team while you’re awake. If you experience pain or discomfort, let them know so they can respond appropriately. 

Will I see what’s happening?

Being awake doesn’t mean you’ll be watching your own operation. Your surgical team will position and prepare you for the procedure, and you can usually keep your eyes closed unless you're asked to open them. During some eyelid procedures, patients may be aware of bright theatre lights or some movement without seeing the surgical detail itself.

Your blepharoplasty journey with MYA

Knowing what's coming can make surgery feel a little less daunting. So, we'll guide you through your journey one step at a time.

1. Start with a FREE consultation

This is your chance to talk. Tell us why you're considering blepharoplasty, find out more about having it under local anaesthetic and ask all those questions currently going round your head.

There's no pressure to make a decision.

2. Meet your surgeon

You'll meet Dr Sherif Elamari face to face at Harrogate or Manchester. He'll assess your eyelids, talk through what you're hoping to achieve and discuss whether upper, lower or combined blepharoplasty under local anaesthetic is suitable for you.

3. Get ready for your procedure

Your nurse pre-op and vitals appointment helps us get you ready. We'll review the relevant health information, complete your checks and explain what you need to do before procedure day.

4. Procedure day in Harrogate

You'll come to MYA Harrogate for your blepharoplasty. The team will get you settled, prepare you for surgery and be there to support you throughout your time with us.

5. Head home the same day

Blepharoplasty under local anaesthetic at MYA Harrogate is a day-case procedure. Once we've assessed you and you're ready to leave, you can head home with the person you've arranged to collect you.

And we're here for you afterwards

Going home isn't the end of your MYA care.

You'll have post-operative support and follow-up appointments so your MYA clinical team can check how you're healing. We'll explain your individual aftercare plan before you leave, so you'll know what to do at home and when we'll see you again.

Meet your surgeon, Dr Sherif Elamari

Dr Sherif Elamari has more than 15 years' experience across cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery, with expertise spanning facial surgery, body contouring and breast surgery.

His experience includes blepharoplasty, facelift surgery, brow lifts, liposuction, gynaecomastia surgery, forehead reduction and arm lifts.

For Dr Elamari, your consultation starts with listening. He'll take the time to understand what you'd like to change, assess what's appropriate for you and talk you through your options before you make your decision.

Because feeling comfortable with the person performing your surgery matters just as much as knowing their credentials.

GMC number: 8039779 | 15+ years' experience

Local anaesthetic surgery at MYA Harrogate

Expert care. A calm setting. And a team that's right there with you.

Your blepharoplasty under local anaesthetic will take place at our Harrogate clinical hub.

You'll find us at 1 Cardale Park, Harrogate, HG3 1RY, just outside the town centre and across the main road from Harlow Carr and Bettys Café Tea Rooms.

But it's more than the place where your procedure happens.

Harrogate is where you'll meet members of the clinical team caring for you, have your procedure and return for relevant face-to-face aftercare. Where possible, we can arrange appointments together to help reduce the number of journeys you need to make.

And when you don't need to be with us in person? Parts of your MYA journey can take place virtually, so you can speak to us from home.

Getting to MYA Harrogate

Coming by car? There's free on-site parking at Cardale Park.

Coming by train? Harrogate has rail connections with Leeds and York. The clinic is around a 10-minute drive from Harrogate station, with bus links also available.

How much does blepharoplasty under local anaesthetic cost?

The cost depends on whether you're having your upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both treated.

Your journey starts with a FREE initial consultation, where you can find out more about the procedure, talk through what you're considering and get answers to your questions before deciding what you'd like to do next.

Your surgeon consultation will then determine whether blepharoplasty under local anaesthetic is suitable for you and which approach is appropriate.