Laser-Assisted Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that utilizes a Carbon Dioxide Laser to make incisions. Absolutely no knives or scalpels are used. This gives our patients the advantage of less swelling and bruising, resulting in shorter recovery time over other procedures widely used today.

BEFORE		AFTER

BEFORE		AFTER

Who should consider laser eyelid and eyebag surgery?

Over time, the skin of the upper eyelid stretches - eventually covering the eyelid folds underneath the droopy skin. Orbital fat bulges forward making the upper eyelid look and feel heavy. Not only does this hinder one’s superior vision, it may also cause some degree of visual discomfort. In women, a droopy eyelid also limits her freedom in applying makeup or other cosmetics.

In the lower eyelids, fat tissue moves forward creating a bulge in the lower eyelid area. This is caused by the inability of the tissues in the area to support the orbital fat below the eye, resulting in “eyebags” that usually make a person appear tired and haggard.

Blepharoplasty removes the prolapsing fat, as well as skin from the upper and lower eyelid, and the effects are often stunning. After full recovery, our patients look well-rested, clear-eyed, vigorous and more youthful.

Who are candidates?

Most of our cosmetic eyelid surgery patients are between ages thirty to sixty years old. Very successful surgery can also be performed on patients that are younger or older. A considerable number of these patients are men.

How does it work?

Cosmetic eyelid surgery is done to remove the redundant skin and prolapsed orbital fat that causes bulges around the eye using a Carbon Dioxide laser.

The procedure can also be combined with other facial procedures to make a person appear younger. At Belo we recommend procedures such as Aptos Thread Non-Surgical Facelift, traditional facelift surgery, as well as other skin tightening procedures such as the Obagi Blue Peel, Fraxel and Thermage.

What should I do before surgery?

It is important for any patient to follow the instructions given prior to the surgical procedure. This includes information on eating, smoking, alcohol and intake of medicines. Your thorough medical history, any allergies and other idiosyncrasies should be divulged to your surgeon. Intake of aspirin, vitamin E and other blood thinners should be discontinued two weeks prior to the procedure (with clearance from the prescribing doctor if medically-prescribed). Other tests and medical clearances may be requested upon consultation.

What are the procedures involved in eyelid surgery?

Blepharoplasty procedures are done as “out-patient” surgeries. Ninety percent of patients undergoing these procedures are sedated using local anesthesia, however some patients may opt to have their procedure done under “twilight” sedation.

Drooping eyelids:
In the upper eyelid, excess skin and bulging orbital fat is excised using the Carbon Dioxide laser. The skin is then sutured together and removed after 5 to 6 days. This procedure will allow the eyelid fold to show more and provide females more freedom in cosmetic application. In more advanced cases, this may improve one’s field of vision. This procedure usually takes about thirty minutes to perform.

Lower eyelids/eyebags:
Eyebags are prolapsed orbital fat that produces a bulge in the lower eyelid. This is removed using the Carbon Dioxide laser to flatten the area. In 80 to 90 percent of the cases, transconjunctival approach is used leaving no visible scar in the lower eyelid skin. However, in cases where there is redundant skin, an external approach may be done. In which case, this would leave a fine line just underneath the lower eyelid lashes. Lower eyelid blepharoplasty is a 20-30 minute procedure.

Eyelid Fold Reconstruction(Asian Eyes):
Approximately half of Asians have upper eyelid creases of varying degrees while the other half have none - many possessing different degrees of epicanthal folds. Hence, the creation of upper eyelid creases is one of the most sought after aesthetic procedures encountered among Asians. Many patients who undergo this procedures are in their teens to their early 20's.

At the Belo Medical Group, our technique using the Carbon Dioxide laser, developed by Dr. Victor Lopez, produces a permanent, natural-looking, “less bulky” eyelid fold using no thread under the skin. This procedure usually takes about 30 minutes.

What are the immediate post-operative expectations?

Minimal bruising and swelling are normal after surgery. These can last a few days to about a week and will subside gradually depending on the healing process of each patient. Mild discomfort may be experienced, although this is easily relieved by regular analgesics. A cold compress is advised intermittently for 48 hours after surgery. Post-operative medicines are prescribed in the form of prophylactic antibiotics and analgesics. If sutures were used, these are usually removed painlessly after 5 to 6 days.

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