Laser blepharoplasty is an extremely modern and delicate procedure, performed only by more experienced specialist physicians. This plastic surgery is performed to remove excess skin and fat bags from the upper and lower eyelids.
How is laser blepharoplasty performed?
When examining the patient, the surgeon measures the amount of skin to be removed and uses these same measurements to mark the area with a surgical skin marker right at the start of the procedure.
Before the incisions are made, the appropriate amount of anesthetic is infiltrated into the eyelids (local anesthesia). For greater comfort, sedation is given. Once asleep, the patient will not feel the discomfort of the needle during the anesthetic infiltration. More sensitive patients may receive general anesthesia.
What type of laser can be used in blepharoplasty, and how does it work?
The device most commonly used to perform eyelid plastic surgery is the fractional CO2 laser. The equipment has 2 tips, one of which is used at the start of surgery to make the skin incisions.
Unlike traditional blepharoplasty surgery, which uses a conventional scalpel, the laser tip coagulates blood vessels, preventing bleeding while it makes the incisions — this greatly reduces swelling and bruising in the postoperative period.
At the end of surgery, the surgeon can swap the cutting tip (first tip) for the second one to perform resurfacing or peeling.
The term “resurfacing” means “remaking” the surface of the skin, just as the word “peeling” means “shedding.” This process of epithelial surface renewal occurs through increased collagen production. As a result, wrinkles and pores are reduced, along with brightening and an improvement in sagging.
Are there contraindications to using the laser in blepharoplasty?
There are no contraindications to using the cutting tip in laser blepharoplasty. On the other hand, the second stage, also called “resurfacing” or “peeling,” should not be performed if the patient has a history of recurrent herpes simplex or herpes zoster, isotretinoin treatment in the last 6 months, a tendency toward post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, a compromised immune system, smoking, or severe melasma.
In cases where skin aging is very pronounced, the laser can be replaced by a medium-depth chemical peel with trichloroacetic acid or even a deep chemical peel with phenol.
In both conventional and laser blepharoplasty, patients must be informed of the need to follow postoperative care, such as cold compresses, proper nutrition, pain relievers, facial lymphatic drainage, and rest during the first week.
Is laser blepharoplasty the same as incisionless blepharoplasty?
“Incisionless” blepharoplasty is performed using a device called a “Plasma Jet.” The term “incisionless blepharoplasty” seems quite inappropriate, as it leads patients to believe the technique can replace conventional surgery, which is not true, given that the manufacturer itself recommends 4 sessions a year followed by some maintenance sessions. The equipment manufacturer gives another warning:
“It is important to carry out a thorough assessment, because some cases can only be resolved through surgery!”
This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace a consultation. Whether any procedure is indicated depends on an in-person assessment, case by case. CRM SP 90.116 | RQE 11.350.
