The Advantages of Laser Eyelid Surgery (Laser Blepharoplasty)
Jan 12th, 2010 by admin
Do you have puffy or droopy upper eyelids and/or bags under your eyes?
Whether you want to eliminate those because of cosmetic reasons in order to look better or because, more importantly, the eyelids are interfering with your vision, it is important to consider which method you want to have used on your eyes and to discuss the differences at length with your surgeon.
Laser eyelid surgery (laser blepharoplasty) is replacing the traditional surgery for many logical reasons.
The traditional surgery, by having to use a scalpel or knife to cut away the skin, can create heavy bleeding, scarring, longer-lasting bruising and swelling, and a much longer recovery time.
Laser blepharoplasty, on the other hand, by normally using a CO2 laser beam, has to make only small incisions as it removes excess fatty tissue, skin, or muscle and melts the fat pad. It also promotes tightening of the skin from the inside instead of the outside, seals enlarged veins that are the cause of dark circles, creates faster healing, and is less risky for side effects and infections.
Other major benefits include not having the expense of an operating room nor the anesthesia there plus little or no down time, which is very important if you hold a job and cannot take off a length of time to recover. There is still a recovery period, but if you follow the post op care instructions including applying compresses and the wearing of “ice glasses” (ice packs with Velcro straps), etc., the time will be shorter.
You must find out if you can even have this surgery because it is not for those who have diseases of the eye including a detached retina, glaucoma, or dry eye. If you have a heart condition or high blood pressure, it is not recommended.
But if you need to improve your vision, want to eliminate your puffy eyelids and/or bags to improve your appearance, are in good physical and mental health, have no physical conditions that would interfere, are willing to do the after care that is required, and realize and accept what laser blepharoplasty can and cannot do for your eyes, you are a good candidate for this surgery.
