Laser Eyelid Surgery

As we get older it is natural to spend a little extra time in the mirror looking at the latest wrinkle or fold in your skin. Like many Americans vanity weighs heavily on our collective consciousness. In today’s medically advanced age cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery procedures are becoming more commonplace, typically being performed in an outpatient setting with minimal side affects and bruising. Laser eyelid surgery has become one of the most popular cosmetic plastic surgery procedures being performed in the past twenty years. The results to this procedure can be immediate and result in a wonderful transformation once your sutures have fully healed. Using the advanced technology of laser guided cutting allows for a seamless procedure with minimal risk to the patient.

Blepharoplasty is the medical term for eyelid surgery. Previously this surgery involved manually cutting into the eyelid with a scalpel and physically removing the tissue and fat. With the advent of the laser the surgical world has been turned on end. The benefit to using a laser is varied, but most importantly it can be used to make incisions, while at the same time cauterizing (sealing to stop bleeding) the tissue it is cutting to minimize the bleeding and swelling post surgery. As you can imagine this is of huge benefit when you are operating around the eye. Laser eyelid surgery can be performed on either the upper of lower eyelid. The process is deceptively simple. The laser is used to make an incision behind the eyelid. The surgeon then removes excess fat or tissue that is causing the puffy eyes or bags that so many of us hate to see staring back at us. The area will be sutured with dissolvable stitches and you will be well on your way to recovery. The whole process usually takes around one to three hours depending on the severity of the case or number of eyelids being operated on. The typical side affects to this type of procedure can include bruising, swelling, and minor scarring. The procedure is often performed in an office setting or surgicenter setting not requiring an overnight stay. Once your bruising and swelling heal you should be well on your way to “normal” life.

If this minimally invasive procedure is still too invasive for you there are other laser eye surgery options available. Laser resurfacing or photo rejuvenation can offer a topical solution to minor cosmetic issues. Laser resurfacing is a process using a laser to remove the first layer of skin (stratum corneum) to reveal the undamaged skin underneath. When the skin heals it will take on an appearance of more youthful, vibrant and taught skin. Photo rejuvenation can also be used to treat wrinkles, sun damaged spots, scar tissue, acne scars and stretch marks (although I doubt you would have stretch marks on your eyelid). Side affects to this procedure can be potentially serious. Untrained technicians using the laser can cause 3rd degree burns to the area being treated so it is of the utmost importance that you find a qualified practitioner. Be sure to have the procedure done in a medical office or surgery center and not in a salon or day spa where the technicians likely have little to no formal training.

Laser eyelid surgery can be a great solution for a quick pick-me-up to help you look (and feel) ten years younger. Like any time you would consider having a cosmetic procedure done it is important to do your research and find the best physician and facility that suits your needs. Don’t be afraid to walk away from a situation that makes you feel uncomfortable. Ultimately, this is your body and you will have to live with the results.