Best Dermatologist for Laser Blepharoplasty in San Francisco

Who Needs a Laser Eye Lift?

The best candidates for a laser eyelid lift have:

• Excess Skin of the Upper Eyelids: Sagging or extra skin on the upper and lower eyelids are part of the aging process. Individuals with sagging or excess skin on their upper or lower eyelids are good candidates for a laser blepharoplasty, which can help one achieve a more youthful and refreshed appearance.

• Puffy or Baggy Lower Eyelids: Laser blepharoplasty can be effective in addressing puffiness or bags under the eyes by removing or repositioning excess fat deposits.

• Fine Lines and Wrinkles Around the Eyes: At time of laser blepharoplasty, fine lines and wrinkles called crow's feet can be significantly improved with laser surgery.

• Peripheral Vision Obstruction: In some cases, excess skin on the upper eyelids may obstruct vision. A laser eyelid lift can help improve peripheral vision by removing this excess tissue.

• Desire for Minimally Invasive Procedure with the Shortest Downtime: Unlike traditional surgery blepharoplasty, laser blepharoplasty allows for a quicker procedure with less bleeding during the procedure, minimal to no visible scarring, and less swelling, bruising and pain in the recovery period, which means you can have great results with as little recovery time as possible.

What To Expect from the Procedure?

Unlike traditional blepharoplasty surgical technique which is usually done in the operating room under general anesthesia, laser blepharoplasty is often performed under local anesthesia, where the surgeon injects an anesthetic in the skin around the eyelids. After placement of protective shields over the eyes, an incision is made using a laser into the delicate skin of the eyelids with mild sedation. For laser blepharoplasty of the upper lids, incision lines are typically made along the upper eyelid crease to minimize the scar. For lower eyelid laser blepharoplasty, a transconjunctival incision is made, which means the incision is made inside of the eyelid, rather than along the lower lash line in traditional blepharoplasty. This important difference is how scarless surgery can be achieved with laser blepharoplasty. The laser is then used to remove redundant skin, fat deposits and excess fatty tissue around the eyelids that contribute to bulges around the eyes. In the right candidate, the laser is then used to resurface and tighten the eyelid skin to improve fine lines, wrinkles and droopy skin around the eyes. This step is optional and depends on the patient's goals and the surgeon's recommendations. The incisions are then closed using fine sutures that either dissolve on their own (on lower eyelid skin), or that are removed by the surgeon after a few days. Using this technique, there is minimal bruising, swelling, or bleeding compared to traditional upper or lower eyelid lifts.

Do I Need Prepare for Treatment?

Before your appointment, you will be given a prescription for some pain medications and eye ointments. It is important that you pick these up and bring them to your surgery appointment, and take them as prescribed. You will not be able to wear contact lenses during your treatment, and for a few days after, so you should be prepared to wear glasses if applicable. You may be given pain medications before, during or after the procedure, and as such, it would be best to have someone drive you home after the procedure. If you take certain mediations such as blood thinners (aspirin, warfarin) or some dietary supplements such as gingko biloba, your surgeon may require that you stop taking these before your procedure. You should also let your surgeon know if you have certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure, During the recovery period, there will be some discomfort, which is easily treated with pain medications, cold compresses and/or ice packs around the eyes for the first 1-2 days. For best results, during the healing process, it is best to avoid strenuous exercise for a few days after your procedure. Your stitches are usually removed within 5 days of the surgery, at which point your recovery process is complete. You will be able to wear eye makeup around day 5 after your procedure.