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Get Younger-Looking Eyes Without Going ‘Under the Knife’ with Blepharoplasty Eyelid Surgery.

You roll out of bed in the morning and catch a glimpse of yourself in the bedroom mirror. Something stops you, and you look closer… With a defeated sigh, you poke at those increasingly puffy under-eye areas and wonder if it’s time to consider going under the knife to get rid of them.

The procedure to do so is called “blepharoplasty,” a cosmetic surgery most commonly done to create double-lidded eyelids in Asian populations. However, it is also a very common treatment for aging eyes, to eradicate those drooping eyelids, puffy under-eye areas, and wrinkles that happen inescapably to all of us as we age.

Well, the good news is, now you can treat these pesky problems without resorting to the scalpel. Laser blepharoplasty promises precision results with a shorter recovery time – and no knife.

What is “laser blepharoplasty”?

Laser blepharoplasty, or laser eyelid surgery in layman’s terms, is a plastic surgery procedure that corrects drooping eyelids and under-eye bags, which typically occur as part of the aging process when the skin loses its elasticity. A drooping eyelid can also occur as a result of a condition called ptosis, in which nerve damage or inadequate muscle tone leads to sagging of the eyelid, in some cases obscuring vision.

Laser blepharoplasty uses a carbon dioxide laser rather than the traditional scalpel to address the problem. There are several reasons why the laser is preferable including better visibility for the surgeon and less bleeding for the patient during the procedure. It also has the benefit of reducing both bruising and swelling after the procedure.

How is the procedure done?

At the initial consultation, the doctor will evaluate the patient to ensure he or she is healthy enough to undergo the procedure. If the patient and doctor are in agreement, the procedure will be scheduled. It may be necessary to discontinue certain medications or alter dosing. As with most surgeries, food and drinks are discouraged for at least eight hours prior as these can interfere with anaesthesia and increase the risk of surgical complications. Depending on patient and surgeon preference, the patient is anaesthetized.

Typically, either sedation or general anaesthesia is used. Once the patient is under, a metal plate is placed over the eye itself to protect it from the laser. To remove under-eye bags, a small incision is made with the laser on the inside of the lower eyelid. Through this incision, excess fat deposits are removed. In some cases, laser resurfacing may also be done at this time in order to remove sunspots and wrinkles.

An incision is then made in the normal crease of the eye to correct the drooping eyelid. The surgeon will work through the incision to remove muscle, skin, and fat deposits. The incisions are generally closed with fast dissolving stitches and the patient is moved to recovery.

The after-effects of surgery

After laser blepharoplasty, compresses can be used to reduce swelling. Eye drops containing antibiotics are usually prescribed to prevent infection. While laser blepharoplasty is performed as an outpatient procedure in most cases, care will still need to be taken once the patient returns home. In order to give the eyes time to heal, exercise, bending, and lifting are not recommended for a minimum of one week. Most patients are able to return to work at that point.

How well does it work?

There are many variables that can affect how long the laser blepharoplasty lasts. Naturally, as the aging process continues, the area will begin to lose elasticity again. Other factors such as lifestyle can also play a role. In most cases, the results are lasting. So if you’re considering eyelid or under-eye surgery, factor the laser into your options. It just may be the easiest route to younger-looking eyes.

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