LASER EYELID REJUVENATION
Laser Blepharoplasty
Commonly Asked Questions
Pre-operative and Post-operative List for Laser Eye-lift Surgery
Consent form for Blepharoplasty
Commonly Asked Questions
1. What is a laser?
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 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).
2. What are the advantages of having surgery with a laser?
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.
3. What are the indications for laser blepharoplasty?
A) Upper lids:
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 of the skin 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 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.
B) Lower lids:
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. The other advantage of this approach
is that it removes the risk of contraction of the lower eyelid which used to
commonly cause an out-bending of the lower eyelid margin, (ectropion). Make-up
can be applied the next day to the skin to cover bruising if it occurs.
4. 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.
5.
How long does the procedure take?
The laser procedure is very fast taking 30-60 minutes.
6. 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.
7. Where is the surgery performed?
The surgery is performed in an operating theatre in conjunction with a specialist anaesthetist.
You may choose admission as 'a day case' or elect to be admitted to the hospital for a longer time. Private health insurance may cover you for your admission and accommodation.
8. What happens after the operation and will I have any dressings?
Ice packs should be used for 24 hours to help reduce swelling and bruising.
(20 mins on and 20 mins off whilst you are awake).
9. What risks are involved with surgery around
the eyelids?
As with all surgery there are risks. Please read the attached consent form carefully.
The most serious risk with eyelid surgery is blindness or damage to the eye itself. This problem is extremely uncommon and far less likely to happen when the procedure is performed using a laser*. 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.
*Dr Lanzer has been performing this procedure since 1994 without any serious
complications.
10. When will I be able to return to work?
As the risk of swelling and bruising is much lower with laser blepharoplasty
than when the procedure is done with scalpel surgery, most patients can return
to work within a few days time. Generally, it is advised to take one week off.
11. How long do the effects last?
The effects are usually permanent or last at least 5 - 10 years.
12. 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.
13. What is the cost of surgery?
Please refer to the surgical procedure list. Full payment is required 10 days
prior to surgery.
14. Do I need to have sutures removed?
There are a few very fine self absorbing sutures used on the upper eyelid. 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.
15. 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 other 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.
Pre-operative
and Post-operative List for Laser Eye-lift Surgery
Pre-operative
1. Consent form to be signed
2. Blood tests (H.I.V. / Hepatitis / full blood / bleeding profile)
3. Pre-operative photographs and basic eye test taken.
4. Aftercare appointment made.
5. Do not take Aspirin or Vitamin C for 10 days prior to surgery.
6. No alcohol for 48 hours.
7. Remove eye make-up before coming into surgery.
8. Please arrange for somebody to pick you up after the procedure unless you
are staying in the hospital.
Medication
You will be prescribed Keflex (antibiotic) to be commenced the day before surgery.
Take one capsule four times a day for 5 days.
On the day of surgery:
Prednisolone:
• Take 3 tablets daily for 2 days
• Then 2 tablets daily for 2 day
• Then 1 daily for 2 days
For lower-lid surgery:
• Chloromycetin eye ointment applied into the eye at night and drops during
the day.
Post Operative
• Keep head elevated and sleep on a few pillows.
• Apply ice (20mins on + 20mins off) for the rest of the day.
• Should any bleeding occur, apply firm constant pressure.
• Dr. Lanzer and his staff will follow your progress, however in an emergency
call his rooms or the hospital.
• Avoid strenuous exercise for 2 weeks.
• Upper eyelid sutures dissolve in one week and the glue on the sture line can
be removed then.
Consent form for Blepharoplasty
• Printfriendly version of the consent form (Opens in a new window)