Blepharoplasty surgery, also referred to as an eyelid lift, is used to enhance the appearance of the eyes. Patients can undergo a blepharoplasty to remove excess skin from the upper eyelids or bags from the lower eyelids. They can also receive an eyelid lift to treat sagging upper eyelids that otherwise make it difficult to see.
Although blepharoplasty surgery is a top option for many patients, a laser eyelid lift offers a safe, effective alternative. Now, let’s look at the differences between laser and traditional blepharoplasties.
What Is a Laser Blepharoplasty?
Whereas a traditional blepharoplasty requires a facial plastic surgeon to use a scalpel, a laser eyelid lift involves a CO2 laser. As such, a laser blepharoplasty helps a surgeon make accurate, precise incisions and determine the exact amount of tissue to remove during treatment.
What Is the Cost of Laser Blepharoplasty?
Laser blepharoplasty cost varies based on where the procedure is performed, the surgeon providing the treatment, and other factors. The surgeon explains the cost of a laser blepharoplasty prior to treatment.
Do I Qualify for a Laser Eyelid Lift?
Laser blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure, and a patient must qualify for treatment. Issues that may disqualify a patient from a laser eyelid lift include any previously diagnosed medical conditions or health issues that jeopardize the patient’s health and well-being.
A patient must meet with a surgeon before a laser eyelid lift. The surgeon discusses laser blepharoplasty and performs an evaluation to determine their eligibility for treatment. If the surgeon decides the patient is a good candidate for laser eyelid lift surgery, a personalized treatment plan is created.
What Are the Risks Associated with Laser Blepharoplasty?
Laser blepharoplasty risks include:
- Eye irritation
- Bleeding
- Skin discoloration
- Eye muscle injuries
- Blurred vision
- Loss of eyesight
- Difficulty opening and closing the eyes
Laser blepharoplasty is only recommended if the procedure is considered safe for a patient. If a surgeon believes a laser eyelid lift is too risky, alternative treatments to revitalize the eyes’ appearance can be explored.
What Happens During a Laser Blepharoplasty?
Prior to a laser blepharoplasty for the upper eyelid, a patient may receive general anesthetic. Then, a surgeon places a metal plate near the patient’s eyeball and uses a laser to make an incision into the eyelid. The surgeon next removes excess fat and skin in the eyelid and seals the wound.
Like a laser upper eyelid lift, a laser blepharoplasty for eye bags may be performed under general anesthetic. During a laser eyelid lift to correct eye bags, a surgeon removes the bags via a small incision on the inside of the lower eyelid. The laser may also be used to resurface and tighten lower eyelid skin.
Will I Need Laser Resurfacing After Blepharoplasty Surgery?
A laser skin resurfacing procedure is used to treat sun-damaged skin, acne scars, skin texture and tone issues, and facial lines and wrinkles. The treatment helps improve skin tone, texture, and pigmentation. It also revitalizes the skin.
Laser skin resurfacing can be performed after a laser or traditional blepharoplasty, but it is not required for every patient. Following a blepharoplasty, a surgeon tracks the results of treatment. If the surgeon believes a patient can benefit from laser resurfacing or any other facial rejuvenation procedure, the treatment can be performed accordingly.
What Should I Expect During Laser Blepharoplasty Recovery?
Some bruising and swelling can occur after a laser blepharoplasty, but these issues typically disappear on their own within a few days of treatment. Generally, no stitches are required during a laser blepharoplasty, and the procedure does not leave any visible scars.
Laser blepharoplasty patients can usually resume their normal activities within about one week of treatment. Most patients require time off from work or school to recover after a laser eyelid lift, with the initial recovery period lasting up to 10 days.
What Are the Results of Laser Blepharoplasty?
The results of laser blepharoplasty include more youthful and rejuvenated eyes and a balanced, natural-looking facial appearance. They are virtually identical to those associated with a traditional eyelid lift.
What Are the Advantages of Laser Blepharoplasty?
A laser blepharoplasty allows a patient to achieve results that replicate those of a traditional eyelid lift, without going under the knife. The procedure can be performed for medical or cosmetic reasons, and it helps patients correct a variety of upper and lower eyelid issues, such as:
- Drooping lower eyelids
- Under-eye bags
- Fine wrinkles around the lower eyelids
- Sagging upper eyelid skin
- Excess fat in the eyelids
Along with the benefits mentioned above, a laser blepharoplasty causes less bruising and swelling after treatment in comparison to a traditional eyelid lift. A laser blepharoplasty also requires only about seven to 10 days of recovery time and delivers; comparatively, it takes about two to four weeks to recover from a traditional eyelid lift. Furthermore, a laser eyelid lift procedure does not cause scarring, while a traditional blepharoplasty leaves scars.
Which Is Better: Laser or Traditional Blepharoplasty?
The goal of any blepharoplasty procedure is to help a patient bolster their facial appearance with little to no risk. In some instances, a laser blepharoplasty provides the best option to accomplish this goal. Or, in other cases, a patient benefits from a traditional blepharoplasty over a laser eyelid lift.
To decide between a laser or traditional blepharoplasty, a patient should consult with a surgeon. This allows the surgeon to learn about the patient, perform a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s eyes and other facial features, and review their medical history. In addition, the surgeon can determine if the patient qualifies for a laser eyelid lift, a traditional blepharoplasty, or both. The surgeon can also decide if the patient can benefit from other facial revitalization treatments.
Where Can I Find CO2 Laser Blepharoplasty Near Me?
There are many facial plastic surgeons who perform laser blepharoplasty treatments in cities and towns nationwide, but it is important to select a surgeon with extensive eyelid lift expertise.
An expert surgeon understands the dangers associated with a laser blepharoplasty procedure. The surgeon carefully evaluates a patient and determines their eligibility for an eyelid lift and other facial rejuvenation procedures. Also, the surgeon devotes time to respond to the patient’s blepharoplasty treatment concerns and questions, so the patient feels good about the procedure. The surgeon requests follow-up appointments after a blepharoplasty to ensure the patient achieves their desired results as well.
Dr. Babak Azizzadeh is globally recognized for his facial plastic and reconstructive surgery expertise, and he performs laser blepharoplasty and other facial rejuvenation procedures at the CENTER for Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery in Los Angeles. To learn more or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Azizzadeh, please contact us online or call us today at 310-657-2203.