If you’re considering eyelid surgery, you may have heard that there are two main types of procedures: CO2 laser and non-ablative. The difference between the two is that non-ablative laser treatments don’t remove any skin or fat from your face, while CO2 does.
Laser blepharoplasty is a cutting-edge procedure that can effectively rejuvenate the appearance of the eyes by removing excess skin and fat using CO2 laser technology. This innovative approach can result in a more youthful and rested look, helping individuals achieve their desired aesthetic goals. The specific outcomes of the surgery will vary depending on factors such as the patient’s unique anatomy and the extent of the procedure. Overall, laser blepharoplasty offers a safe and effective solution for those looking to enhance the appearance of their eyes and achieve a more refreshed appearance.
CO2 Laser for Eyelid Surgery
CO2 laser for blepharoplasty is the latest and most advanced form of cosmetic surgery. It’s a procedure that can be done in-office, and it’s safe for anyone who is looking to improve their appearance.
The CO2 laser is a non-ablative laser that uses light energy to remove excess skin from around the eye without damaging underlying tissue or causing scarring. It works by vaporizing fat cells and collagen, which causes them to collapse and absorb into your body. The result is smoother skin with no downtime!
Not only does the CO2 laser reduce the amount of excess skin around your eyes, but it also helps minimize wrinkles and increases blood flow to the area, which helps promote healing and reduces swelling after surgery. The best part? It’s all done right here in our office!
CO2 Laser Eyelid Tightening
CO2 Laser for Blepharoplasty
The CO2 laser is the best suited surgical laser for the blepharoplasty procedure because, both cutting and hemostasis is achieved photo-thermally (radiantly). Below, we answer some of the most commonly asked questions about laser blepharoplasty surgery and LightScalpel CO2 lasers. In addition, we provide some video examples of laser blepharoplasty procedures.
What Is a Laser Blepharoplasty?
A laser blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that uses a laser to assist in the correction of deformities or to improve the aesthetics of the periorbital area (the area that surrounds the eyes). In the majority of cases, a laser blepharoplasty is done for cosmetic reasons. However, blepharoplasties are often deemed medically necessary due to visual impairment in patients’ peripheral site. The surgery results are usually very long lasting.
Upper-Eyelid laser surgery
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty surgery is done to reduce the appearance of heavy and sagging upper eyelids. Incisions and excisions are made with the laser to gain access for removal / repositioning of fatty deposits and excess skin and muscle above the eyes. [3]
Some indications for a laser upper eyelid blepharoplasty include: extra or sagging upper eyelid skin and protruding fatty tissue that result in either reduced peripheral vision or cosmetic concerns affecting the patient.[4]
Lower-Eyelid laser surgery
A lower eyelid blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that reduces the puffiness and bags beneath the eyes. Incisions and excisions are made with the laser to gain access for removal / repositioning of fatty deposits and excess skin and muscle below the eyes. [3]
Some indications for a laser lower eyelid blepharoplasty include: excess wrinkles, baggy lower eyelids, sunken eyes, and lower eyelid asymmetry.
What are some of the benefits of a CO2 laser blepharoplasty over a traditional blepharoplasty?
Some of the benefits of CO2 laser blepharoplasty include:
- Minimized bleeding – As the laser beam vaporizes tissue, it seals small blood vessels. Reduced bleeding makes laser blepharoplasty surgery faster and easier for the surgeon.
- Reduced risk of scarring – Areas that are touched by the CO2 laser beam heal with less wound contraction and scarring due to the reduced amount of myofibroblasts formed at the surgical site.
- Less swelling and discomfort – The CO2 laser beam seals lymphatics which result in less post-operative swelling and discomfort.
- Faster recovery time – Reduced trauma, minimized bleeding, less pain and swelling lead to faster initial recovery times.
What are some advantages LightScalpel CO2 lasers has over other CO2 lasers?
Some of the advantages that the LightScalpel laser has over other CO2 lasers include:
- Improved maneuverability and ergonomics – Most other CO2 lasers use articulated arms as a delivery system. Articulated arms are a series of jointed metal tubes. LightScalpel’s delivery system uses a flexible fiber. The flexible fiber allows surgeons to freely move and navigate the surgical site with ease.
- Laser handpiece tip to tissue distance – Most articulated arm laser handpieces need to be held 2 to 3 centimeters away from the tissue while in use. LightScalpel laser handpieces only need to be 1 to 3 millimeters away from the target tissue, making laser surgery like using a pen.
- Laser Beam Calibration – LightScalpel offers a proprietary laser beam calibration, so the surgeon is able to always have an accurate measure of the power level coming from the laser system. In contrast articulated arm laser systems do not have the ability to calibrate and overtime the laser beam power will decrease, leading to inaccurate laser power level readings.
Laser blepharoplasty before and after photos
Upper- and Lower-Eyelid Blepharoplasty: BeforeUpper- and Lower-Eyelid Blepharoplasty: AfterUpper-Eyelid Blepharoplasty: BeforeUpper-Eyelid Blepharoplasty: After
What is recovery like after a LightScalpel laser blepharoplasty?
There is less risk of infection, less swelling, reduced risk of scarring, and patients have reported less postoperative pain and better function (in the first 7 days after surgery) than surgeries performed with scalpels.[7]
CO2 Laser Blepharoplasty Cost
How much does a laser blepharoplasty cost?
The cost of a laser blepharoplasty can vary based on the extent of the surgery you require. Medical insurance plans rarely cover purely cosmetic blepharoplasty procedures. If you are undergoing a functional blepharoplasty your health insurance plan may cover a major portion of the procedure.[9]
New data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons puts the average price of cosmetic eyelid surgery at $4,120.
Is a laser blepharoplasty right for me?
Some attributes of a good candidate for laser blepharoplasty surgery include:[3]
- No preexisting life threatening illnesses or medical conditions that can impair post-surgery healing
- A positive outlook with realistic goals in mind for blepharoplasty laser surgery
- Nonsmoking
Ask your doctor if you are a good candidate for laser blepharoplasty surgery.
Where can I find doctors who use LightScalpel CO2 Lasers?
If you are looking for local doctors who use LightScalpel CO2 lasers, visit doctors.lightscalpel.com. On this website, you can search by city or zip-code, and medical specialty.
Laser blepharoplasty surgical videos
Edward M. Zimmerman, MD, the president of the American Board of Laser Surgery, uses his LightScalpel laser to perform upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasties, as well as periocular skin resurfacing after a blepharoplasty procedure.
Freehand Skin Resurfacing After Laser Blepharoplasty
The flexible fiber and lightweight handpiece enables Dr. Zimmerman to perform skin resurfacing freehand.
What are doctors saying about LightScalpel laser blepharoplasties?
Did a quad bleph and vaporized elevated lesions on face. Machine and variable spot size handpiece performed perfectly and air purge dialed down exactly as you showed me. Very cool machine. Definitely an upgrade!
It’s the difference between a Chevy Malibu and a Bentley Continental GT…both good, reliable cars, but the Bentley gets you there quicker, more precisely, more comfortably and in Style, Babe!!
Co2 Laser Blepharoplasty Near Me
Incisions must be made in the skin around the eyes during any blepharoplasty procedure. In other words, the area where the incision was made will become permanently scarred. But the scarring should be so minimal that it’s barely noticeable.