subject: The Use of Lasers in Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) [print this page] The Use of Lasers in Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is one of the most sought-after procedures for those suffering with dark circles, under-eye bags or heavy, drooping eyelids. In recent years, more and more surgeons are applying the latest laser technology to make the procedure more efficient and effective, while making the recovery period shorter and more comfortable. With the latest advances in fractionated laser technology, there are several ways lasers can benefit traditional blepharoplasty in Philadelphia, from replacing scalpels to improving skin tone and texture after surgery.
What does eyelid surgery do?
Beyond wrinkles, one of the most common signs of aging is heavy, sagging skin around the eyes. Over time, the skin above the eye loses the battle with gravity and begins to stretch downward. Sometimes the muscles on the brow and eyelid can also become lax, contributing to the tired, worn-out look we often associate with age. The usual treatment for this is blepharoplasty, where a surgeon will make an incision to access the eyelid and then remove excess skin and fatty deposits above the eyelids to "open-up" the eyes.
Patients also may want to correct noticeable, fatty "bags" or deep, sunken hollows under their eyes. With time, the structures that hold the fat in the hollow of the eye weaken and allow the fat to dissipate or descend down onto the cheek bones. Traditional treatments have either been to remove excess fat below the eyes or to inject fat or injectable fillers in the hollows to diminish dark circles. Lower-lid surgery can offer greater improvements than such treatments.
Traditional blepharoplasty has been invasive (meaning a surgeon will make incisions either on the outside of the skin or inside the lower lid) and it has been very effective. But for patients who want to enhance their results with a faster recovery, using laser eye treatments can drastically improve the result of their surgery.
Two ways to improve your results with lasers
Laser technology has changed eyelid surgery in several ways. Surgeons can now use lasers to make incisions instead of using scalpels, providing for a faster recovery and lower risk of tissue deformity following surgery. Procedures like laser skin resurfacing can enhance traditional blepharoplasty by diminishing fine lines and wrinkles, while encouraging new cell growth and producing firmer, tighter skin. While the eyelid surgery itself treats the sagging skin and fatty deposits around the eyes, laser treatments improve the look of the skin itself, resulting in healthy, youthful-looking skin.
The benefits of combining laser technology with other techniques
Blepharoplasty can be performed more efficiently and more effectively using laser technology. The laser immediately cauterizes the wounds, making your recovery rapid and more comfortable. Laser incisions are also less likely to deform the eyelid and to unnaturally expose the whites of the eyes something we normally associate with a poorly done eyelid surgery.
By choosing non-invasive laser skin resurfacing or other fractionated laser treatments, you will have fewer wrinkles and smoother, firmer skin than with blepharoplasty alone. Performed after the initial surgery, laser skin resurfacing and fractional laser techniques can enhance the results and help the benefits to last longer.
In addition to laser treatments, many surgeons will recommend other techniques such as fat transfer or a face lift in Philadelphia for a more complete facial rejuvenation. Perhaps one of the most effective ways of treating dark under-eye circles is using live fat transfer, which involves removing live fat cells from another part on the patient's body and injecting it below the eyes to fill in deep hollows. The procedure can be very effective and lasts much longer than temporary injectable fillers. A mid face lift can be ideal for patients whose sagging cheeks contribute to lower eye hollows or puffiness.
No matter which technique you choose for eyelid surgery, take the time to discuss with your surgeon the pros and cons of each method. Asking questions about what options are available can be a great way to decide which technique is right for your individual needs.
