Laser Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery has come a long way since it was first introduced, as has most aesthetic procedures. Individuals looking to trim away extra fat that forms in the upper and/or lower part of the eyelid used to do just that. Plastic surgeons that performed eyelid surgery from the 1970s to the 1990s used to literally cut out the extra skin and fat from the eyelids and reconnect the skin to create a tighter, more youthful look.
Although it did the trick, over time, patients who underwent eyelid surgery ended up looking as if their eyes were hollow and cold.
Because there is such a high demand for aesthetic surgery and procedures that can make us appear younger, plastic surgeons are constantly looking for advancements in facial plastic surgery. Eyelid surgery, for instance, has come very far in the past 20 years.
Instead of simply cutting out excess fat and skin, plastic surgeons are now focusing on the preservations and redistribution of eyelid fat, which creates a more natural, long-lasting result. This is accomplished through laser eyelid surgery.
Laser eyelid surgery is used to:
• Correct sagging eyelids
• Remove fatty pouches beneath the eyes
• Remove excess skin in the upper eyelids
Today, laser eyelid surgery can be done alone, or can be performed in conjunction with other facial procedures such as a forehead lift or an eyebrow lift; depending on the goals of the patient.
Laser eyelid surgery is typically performed as an outpatient surgical procedure in which the patient is able to return home the same day. In most cases, extra fatty deposits will be removed, however, the incisions made by the laser instantly seals the blood vessels, allowing for less bruising, swelling and bleeding than an incision made with a scalpel.
Recovery time has been dramatically reduced since the introduction of laser eyelid surgery as well. Patients are typically asked to use antibiotic-containing eye drops for a week and to apply ice compresses during the first 24 to 48 hours.
Most patients are able to return to work and normal day-to-day activities within a week without swelling or feelings of discomfort.
