Laser Blepharoplasty
What is blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is the term used to describe a surgical procedure to remove the excess tissue and puffiness from the eyelids.
In the upper eyelids, a hidden incision is made in the natural crease of the eyelid and the excess skin and muscle is removed. Any excess fatty tissue is removed at the same time and sutures are used to repair the incision.
In the lower eyelids, if puffiness is the only problem without much excess skin, an incision can be made inside the lower eyelid to remove or reposition the bulging fatty pads. This avoids the traditional skin incision and is called transconjunctival blepharoplasty (internal incision). If, however, there is significant excess skin in addition to puffiness on the lower eyelid, the traditional incision just below the eyelashes is used to allow for removal of that excess skin and is called external blepharoplasty (visible external incision).
How is the laser better than the scalpel?
We prefer laser blepharoplasty over conventional surgery due to several distinct advantages. The laser replaces the scalpel and scissors as the incisional tool. The advantage this provides is nearly bloodless cutting as the laser seals the small blood vessels as it cuts. Not only does this allow better visualization for the surgeon, but it markedly diminishes the amount of time necessary to perform surgery and, therefore, the amount of time the patient is in the operating room. The other significant advantage this provides is less bruising and swelling after surgery usually allowing a more rapid recovery. Laser blepharoplasty has been performed since 1984.
Will I have a “surprised look”?
We pride ourselves in the ability to create natural appearing results. This is a result of our experience performing this procedure and our background in ophthalmic surgery.
What type of anesthesia is used?
Generally, local anesthesia with intravenous sedation provided by an anesthesiologist is used to perform blepharoplasty. This allows the patient to be completely relaxed and comfortable. After surgery there is typically either no discomfort or only very mild discomfort for a day or so.
How long is the recovery period?
The recovery period is different for everyone. The ability to function normally, however, returns the day after surgery. The primary issue is whether or not there is any significant bruising.
In the upper eyelids there is usually minimal to no bruising and only mild swelling. There are tiny sutures in place that remain for 7-10 days. In the lower eyelids, the bruising varies from none to moderate. Moderate bruising may take from 1-2 weeks to completely disappear. Make-up, however, can be used to cover any bruising once the sutures are gone. Contact lenses are usually left out for 7-10 days.
What are the risks?
As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks associated with blepharoplasty. The extremely remote risks include a risk to general health from surgery and anesthesia and risk to vision. These, again, are extremely remote. Other risks include temporary dry eyes, slight asymmetry from side to side that rarely may require touch-up surgery, temporary double vision and ectropion (lower lid sag).
What are the benefits?
Blepharoplasty removes the excess and heavy tissues around the eyelids restoring a more youthful, refreshed and alert appearance.
How long will the results last?
In general, the results from blepharoplasty last a good 10-15 years, although this varies for each individual patient. The procedure can be repeated.