Laser Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Laser blepharoplasty is a variation of eyelid surgery that has recently become increasingly popular with both patients and doctors. Read on to learn more about laser eyelid surgery, how it’s performed, and the types of results you can expect from the procedure.

What is Laser Eyelid Surgery?

Laser eyelid surgery is an exciting new improvement upon upper eyelid surgery and lower eyelid surgery that is being used more and more frequently. The goal of laser blepharoplasty is to bring about a fresh, rejuvenated appearance by reducing or even eliminating saggy, puffy skin around the eyes. The removal of such an aesthetically unpleasant feature greatly reduces the evidence of fatigue and age that may have compounded over time, helping to make this procedure particularly sought-after.

Due to the advanced technology used and the fast nature of laser blepharoplasty, the procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis. This is especially beneficial to patients, as it cuts down on the cost of the surgery and allows for an immediate release.

The Laser Eyelid Surgery Procedure

Laser eyelid surgery typically takes anywhere between one and three hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the amount of work that needs to be done. Normally, laser blepharoplasty is performed on a patient under a combination of local anesthesia and a sedative. The procedure is often performed in the surgeon’s surgical suite or in a free-standing surgery center.

The distinct advantage of laser blepharoplasty over conventional blepharoplasty is that no incision using a knife or scalpel is made during the procedure. Instead, laser eyelid surgery involves the use of a laser beam (oftentimes a CO2 laser) to make a tiny, accurate incision, sometimes inside the eyelid. The advantage of utilizing a laser to create the incision is that the laser cauterizes the blood vessels as it cuts, effectively minimizing the amount of bleeding a patient may experience in the surgery. This reduces the chance of risks following eyelid surgery. The minimal amount of bleeding is also beneficial to the surgeon, as he or she is able to clearly see around the eyelid area as the surgery progresses, allowing for a safer, quicker, and more effective procedure.

Excess fat, muscle, skin, and tissue are removed through the incision as the surgeon deems necessary and safe. Once this is complete, the incision is carefully closed up with sutures.

Recovery and Results

Patients who choose to undergo laser eyelid surgery are often able to avoid scarring in the days and weeks following the surgery, while some scarring can be expected for those who opt for traditional eyelid surgery. The chances and severity of swelling, discoloration, and bruising are also reduced as a byproduct of laser blepharoplasty. The time it takes to recover fully from the procedure is much shorter than the recovery time needed for conventional eyelid surgery.

The results of laser blepharoplasty are usually long-lasting and may even be permanent for some patients. However, depending on your lifestyle, activities, and age, a touch-up procedure may be necessary at some point in the future.

Consult a Facial Plastic Surgeon in Your Area

While laser blepharoplasty can be a greatly beneficial procedure, the choice to undergo any type of surgery is a significant one and should be made with care and education. You can use DocShop's online directory to find a facial plastic surgeon in your area. By doing so, you can have your questions and concerns addressed before making a decision about laser eyelid surgery.