Case Study 13: Upper Blepharoplasty and Neck Lift Under Local Anaesthesia at 60

Case summary

• Patient: 60-year-old woman from Turkey

• Procedures: upper blepharoplasty and neck lift, both under local anaesthesia with sedation

• Surgeon: Prof. Dr. Suleyman Tas, Prof. Dr. Suleyman Tas Clinic, Istanbul

• Goal: fresher eyes and a firmer neck without general anaesthesia

The patient's concerns

This patient was bothered by excess skin on her upper eyelids, which made her look tired and could press on her field of vision, and by loose, sagging skin on her neck. Because of her age-related concerns she preferred to avoid general anaesthesia.

Why local anaesthesia?

Neck lifts are usually performed under general anaesthesia. In selected patients, however, both procedures can be carried out safely under local anaesthesia with intravenous sedation. This option is often preferred by patients with medical conditions that make general anaesthesia riskier, or by those who simply feel more comfortable with it. Recovery from sedation is fast, nausea is uncommon and patients are often able to go home or to their hotel the same day.

What was done

Upper blepharoplasty

Upper eyelid surgery removed the excess skin and, where needed, fat from the upper eyelids, improving the tired look and the peripheral vision obstructed by hooding. The operation takes about an hour, the scar hides in the natural eyelid crease and stitches are removed after about a week. See blepharoplasty in Turkey.

Neck lift under local anaesthesia

After the neck was numbed with a diluted local anaesthetic solution, incisions were placed around and behind the ears. Through these, excess skin and fat were removed, the underlying muscle was tightened and the neck tissues were repositioned, then the incisions were closed with fine sutures. The result is a smoother, more defined jaw and neck line. Learn more on the facelift page.

Result

The patient's eyes look open and rested, and her neck is smoother and firmer, achieved without general anaesthesia and with a comfortable recovery.

Recovery

Most patients return to light activities within a few days. Eyelid swelling settles in one to two weeks; neck swelling and tightness improve over two to four weeks. The results of blepharoplasty are long-lasting, although natural ageing continues.

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Frequently asked questions

Will I be awake during surgery under local anaesthesia?

With sedation you are relaxed and drowsy, and the operated area is completely numb.

Who is a good candidate for local anaesthesia?

Patients with limited procedures and those for whom general anaesthesia carries higher risk; the decision is made with the anaesthesia team.

Is the result the same as under general anaesthesia?

The surgical technique is the same; only the anaesthesia differs.

Next step

See more patients on the case studies page or contact Prof. Dr. Suleyman Tas Clinic to discuss your options with Prof. Dr. Suleyman Tas.

How long do facial rejuvenation results last?

A surgical lift typically holds for around a decade because it is carried by the deeper layer rather than the skin. Ageing continues, so sun protection, skin care and non-surgical maintenance still matter.

Where are the scars?

In the natural creases in front of and behind the ear and inside the hairline, placed so that hair and make-up cover them while they fade over the following months.

How long before I can be seen in public?

Swelling and bruising are most visible during the first ten days. Most patients feel comfortable in public after two to three weeks, and the contours keep refining over six to twelve months.

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About the author

Prof. Dr. Suleyman Tas is a European Board-certified plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon based in Istanbul with over 20 years of experience, author of Rhinoplasty in Practice (CRC Press) and founder of the Closed Atraumatic Rhinoplasty Course. Read verified patient reviews or book a consultation.

This article is for general information and does not replace an individual medical consultation.