A normal part of the aging process, the fragile skin around the eyes can get exceptionally thin and droopy in some people, causing unsightly bags under the lower eyelids and even hoods over the upper eyelids.
Sometimes these areas of sagging, excess skin and fat deposits in the eyelids can even hinder a person's vision, making blepharoplasty - eyelid lift surgery - a favorable option.
With numerous procedures available including skin resurfacing, traditional and laser blepharoplasty, there is likely a way to improve most people's wrinkled and drooping eyelid concerns so the end result is younger looking, less saggy eyelids.
About Laser Eyelid Surgery Used in medicine, the laser has become a popular option in place of the scalpel in certain procedures since the use of the laser usually causes less tissue damage as it is cutting, as well as the fact that it cauterizes as it cuts, meaning there is considerably less bleeding.
Because of this, actual procedure times can be reduced, one of a number of stated benefits to using the laser.
Less tissue damage and bleeding in turn - when used around the delicate skin and tissue of the eyelids - can mean less bruising and swelling afterward, and a faster recovery time.
However, quite a few surgeons argue whether this is actually the case or not.
There is also a laser skin resurfacing procedure that can be used on some patients that does not involve cutting the skin at all, but instead acting on the surface of the skin from the outside.
With this procedure, the skin is tightened from the effects of the laser with the results of smoothed fat within the skin and lost wrinkles.
Despite argument about laser used as a cutting tool in blepharoplasty surgery, most surgeons seem to agree that laser skin resurfacing is a beneficial and safe procedure.
Laser Blepharoplasty vs.
Traditional Although there are many cosmetic surgeons who have perfected their laser blepharoplasty techniques and have excellent results, there is argument as to whether or not they are actually providing any kind of benefit to the patient in doing the procedure with the more expensive laser, versus just using the scalpel.
Some have even called it a marketing gimmick, since there is no actual benefit over blepharoplasty done with a scalpel.
A main argument in this controversy points out that since the skin around the eyes is so delicate, the finest, most precise incision possible should be made, which comes from the metal scalpel, not the laser.
Where scarring is a concern, the minutest incision is necessary; laser creates a wider cut.
Even though there is less bleeding, many feel it is not so much of a concern as to use the laser for eyelid lift surgery.
Also, those surgeons who advise against use of the laser claim that while there is less bleeding throughout the procedure because the laser cauterizes as it cuts, this actually slows healing of the skin, which requires fresh, open ends in order to heal the fastest.
Those surgeons who stand behind the laser as a means of eyelid lift surgery state that in certain procedures - transconjunctival surgery (eyelid lift surgery done from an incision on the inside of the eyelid) and in those who have sagging tendons and muscles due to excess skin and fat bulges - the laser is superior.
A number of medical studies done on the pros and cons of laser blepharoplasty indicate that when used well, the laser can not only provide a faster procedure with less bleeding, but it can also be used to tighten loose muscles and tendons around the eye if necessary, which will give a more permanent and satisfactory result.
Costs and Risks Associated with Laser Eyelid Surgery Regardless of the technique used, there are always some risks involved with blepharoplasty surgery that the patient should be aware of.
Bleeding and extensive bruising are the main risks that many patients do experience, but those symptoms generally resolve in a matter of weeks to months.
More serious concerns to take into consideration are the fact that eyelid lift surgery many times requires general anesthesia, and also, if not done properly it is possible to end up with uneven eyelids, or even lids that sag worse if too much fat and tissue is removed, or if the surgeon does not sculpt the tissue under the skin properly.
Estimating the cost of any eyelid surgery can be difficult at best, since there is no one standard procedure for everyone, all of which are specifically tailored to the patient's individual needs.
Generally speaking, lower or upper blepharoplasty surgery can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000 for standard procedures that do not involve any extras such as brow lifts, fat repositioning and more.
Procedures done with the laser tend to cost more than the same one done with the scalpel, but this is something that only the individual surgeon can estimate after seeing a patient.
For those looking into eyelid lift surgery and considering laser blepharoplasty or any other type of eyelid lift surgery, it is important to discuss the procedure in detail with a board certified cosmetic surgeon who has extensive experience in this procedure.
References and before and after galleries should be requested, and the benefits and risks should be considered before agreeing to any procedure.
Sometimes these areas of sagging, excess skin and fat deposits in the eyelids can even hinder a person's vision, making blepharoplasty - eyelid lift surgery - a favorable option.
With numerous procedures available including skin resurfacing, traditional and laser blepharoplasty, there is likely a way to improve most people's wrinkled and drooping eyelid concerns so the end result is younger looking, less saggy eyelids.
About Laser Eyelid Surgery Used in medicine, the laser has become a popular option in place of the scalpel in certain procedures since the use of the laser usually causes less tissue damage as it is cutting, as well as the fact that it cauterizes as it cuts, meaning there is considerably less bleeding.
Because of this, actual procedure times can be reduced, one of a number of stated benefits to using the laser.
Less tissue damage and bleeding in turn - when used around the delicate skin and tissue of the eyelids - can mean less bruising and swelling afterward, and a faster recovery time.
However, quite a few surgeons argue whether this is actually the case or not.
There is also a laser skin resurfacing procedure that can be used on some patients that does not involve cutting the skin at all, but instead acting on the surface of the skin from the outside.
With this procedure, the skin is tightened from the effects of the laser with the results of smoothed fat within the skin and lost wrinkles.
Despite argument about laser used as a cutting tool in blepharoplasty surgery, most surgeons seem to agree that laser skin resurfacing is a beneficial and safe procedure.
Laser Blepharoplasty vs.
Traditional Although there are many cosmetic surgeons who have perfected their laser blepharoplasty techniques and have excellent results, there is argument as to whether or not they are actually providing any kind of benefit to the patient in doing the procedure with the more expensive laser, versus just using the scalpel.
Some have even called it a marketing gimmick, since there is no actual benefit over blepharoplasty done with a scalpel.
A main argument in this controversy points out that since the skin around the eyes is so delicate, the finest, most precise incision possible should be made, which comes from the metal scalpel, not the laser.
Where scarring is a concern, the minutest incision is necessary; laser creates a wider cut.
Even though there is less bleeding, many feel it is not so much of a concern as to use the laser for eyelid lift surgery.
Also, those surgeons who advise against use of the laser claim that while there is less bleeding throughout the procedure because the laser cauterizes as it cuts, this actually slows healing of the skin, which requires fresh, open ends in order to heal the fastest.
Those surgeons who stand behind the laser as a means of eyelid lift surgery state that in certain procedures - transconjunctival surgery (eyelid lift surgery done from an incision on the inside of the eyelid) and in those who have sagging tendons and muscles due to excess skin and fat bulges - the laser is superior.
A number of medical studies done on the pros and cons of laser blepharoplasty indicate that when used well, the laser can not only provide a faster procedure with less bleeding, but it can also be used to tighten loose muscles and tendons around the eye if necessary, which will give a more permanent and satisfactory result.
Costs and Risks Associated with Laser Eyelid Surgery Regardless of the technique used, there are always some risks involved with blepharoplasty surgery that the patient should be aware of.
Bleeding and extensive bruising are the main risks that many patients do experience, but those symptoms generally resolve in a matter of weeks to months.
More serious concerns to take into consideration are the fact that eyelid lift surgery many times requires general anesthesia, and also, if not done properly it is possible to end up with uneven eyelids, or even lids that sag worse if too much fat and tissue is removed, or if the surgeon does not sculpt the tissue under the skin properly.
Estimating the cost of any eyelid surgery can be difficult at best, since there is no one standard procedure for everyone, all of which are specifically tailored to the patient's individual needs.
Generally speaking, lower or upper blepharoplasty surgery can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000 for standard procedures that do not involve any extras such as brow lifts, fat repositioning and more.
Procedures done with the laser tend to cost more than the same one done with the scalpel, but this is something that only the individual surgeon can estimate after seeing a patient.
For those looking into eyelid lift surgery and considering laser blepharoplasty or any other type of eyelid lift surgery, it is important to discuss the procedure in detail with a board certified cosmetic surgeon who has extensive experience in this procedure.
References and before and after galleries should be requested, and the benefits and risks should be considered before agreeing to any procedure.
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