LASER EYELID REJUVENATION

“Rejuvenation of your appearance, through the elimination of bags under the eyes, or creases in the eyelids. To make eye area appear more youthful and less tired”.

Introduction

Eyelid surgery is aimed at eliminating bags and wrinkles under the eyes and by removing the excess skin on the upper eyelid.

Upper Lid

In females, ideally there is a visible upper eyelid platform to which makeup may be applied. With ageing and sun damage to the skin there is drooping and sagging on the upper eyelids and this overhangs and covers the upper eyelid. In more severe cases the skin actually presses onto the eyelashes and obscures some upper vision. Often patients develop a bulge of fat in the upper inner corner of the upper eyelid as well. With the laser blepharoplasty, the excess skin and fat of the upper eyelid is removed leaving a fine scar that is usually not visible along the crease line of the upper eyelid. Occasionally, the scar may be slightly visible for the first few weeks or months deep in the upper lid crease. Usually make-up can be applied lightly to the upper eyelid after a few days.

Lower Lid

Mostly the lower lid develops a swollen convex appearance with ageing due to the collection of fat in this area. This appearance is often called ‘bags’ under the eyes. This causes a shadow below the eye and makes the patient always appear tired. Once the fat is removed from this region the skin sits better on the underlying structures and the wrinkles are also improved. The surgery is performed from the inner surface of the lower eyelid so that there are no visible scars on the outside eyelid surface. Erbuim laser refurfacing maybe performed at the same time on the outer and lower lids for smoother results.

Why

- When you have bags under your eyes
- When your eyes are drooping
- When people are always saying you look tired
- When your vision is obstructed
- When your cannot apply eye lid makeup easly.

Advantages

The laser beam seals blood vessels as it cuts. As a result, bleeding is almost non-existent. This means that the procedure is both safe for the patient and produces a more rapid and satisfying cosmetic effect.

In rare cases where serious complications have occurred after eyelid surgery, this has been related to bleeding of blood vessels cut by the scalpel. With laser surgery this would be an extremely rare problem. Also bleeding causes bruising around the eyes and if the blood vessels are sealed as the skin is cut then there is far less bruising and the patient can return to their normal duties much more rapidly.

Procedure Technique

Laser is a form of light that has been altered in order to produce an invisible powerful beam. The laser can be focused to a pinpoint so that it cuts like a scalpel or can be de-focused so that it can remove unwanted surface defects from the skin, working in a vapourising fashion. In eyelid surgery, the laser is used firstly to cut the skin. This produces multiple advantages for cosmetic surgery of the eyelids. The Erbium laser is also used to vapourise the fine wrinkles of the skin around the lower eyelids and on the sides of the eyes (Crow’s feet).

Recovery

Sutures on the upper eyelid are removed after 8-10 days. Bruises can be visible for 7-10 days. Makeup can be used immediately after the sutures are removed. Contact lenses can be used after a week. Slight residual swelling may appear for 2-3 weeks. Exposure to the sun (with sun screen) is allowed after 2 weeks.

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Commonly asked questions

1. Do I need to be asleep during the eye-lift surgery?

You can have the procedure under a local anaesthetic (injections) however most patients elect to be sedated or have a general anaesthetic, which is Dr Lanzers preference.

2. How long does the procedure take?

The laser procedure takes just 30 to 60 minutes.

3. Does the laser surgery hurt?

The procedure is painless when the local or general anaesthetic is given to the patient. Usually there is no pain after the procedure.

4. Where is the surgery performed?

The surgery is performed in an operating theatre in Malvern in conjunction with a specialist anaesthetist.

5. What happens after the operation and will I have any dressings?

Ice packs should be used for 24 hours to help reduce the swelling and bruising. (20mins on and 20mins off whilst you are awake).

6. What risks are involved with surgery around the eyelids?

With all surgery there are risks. Dr Lanzer has performed this procedure since 1994 without any serious complications. The most serious risk with eyelid surgery is redness or damage to the eye itself. This problem is extremely uncommon and far less likely to occur when the procedure is performed using a laser. Dr Lanzer covers the eye with a shield for the entire procedure. As with all surgery, there are risks of bleeding, infection, inflammation and visible scarring. Temporary side effects due to the inflammation associated with the operation include blurred vision, inability to completely open or close ones eye, dryness of the eyes or excessive teary eyes. Very rarely a second follow up procedure would be required.

7. When will I be able to return to work?

As the risk of swelling and bruising is much lower with laser blepharoplasty most patients can return to work quickly when the lower lid bags are removed. The healing time of the upper lid is 10-14 days.

8. How long do the effects last?

The effects are usually permanent or last 5-10 years.

9. Do I need to take any medication?

You will need to take a course of antibiotics to guard against infection and also a course of Prednisolone for swelling. Eye drops or ointments are prescribed for the lower lid procedure.

10. Do I need to have sutures removed?

There are a few very fine self absorbing sutures used on the upper eyelid. which may need to be removed 7 to 10 days post operatively These are placed deep along the crease line and are usually not visible together with the scar along the crease line. No stitches are used for the lower lids.

11. Why doesn’t every surgeon use the laser?

The laser machine is very expensive and the operator needs specialised training in order to be able to use the laser. It is recommended that any surgeon who performs laser surgery around the eyes should have performed at least one hundred laser procedures on the areas of the body.

Dr Lanzer: Completed a hands on perceptership with the founders of Laser resurfacing and Laser eyelid blepharoplasty in the USA in 1994.

Combining Procedures: Face makeover includes:- - Eye Blepharoplasty - Laser Erbium Resurfacing - Liposuction Neck - Skin Face Suture Lift

>>> Click here for a FREE online consultation

>> Click here now for a FREE copy of Dr Lanzers cosmetic surgery book