Lower eyelid lift (lower blepharoplasty) is commonly performed as a long-term treatment for bags and wrinkles under the eyes. In this age of online information, it is no surprise that people want to be informed about the most effective and safe techniques to get the most out of their surgical procedure. With this rise in online information, interest in lasers for cosmetic surgery has also grown because most people see them as cutting-edge technology. However, patients must understand that lasers have a specific purpose and are only optimal for certain eyelid surgeries.
The CO2 laser is the most common laser employed in eyelid plastic surgery. Its primary uses in the cosmetic field include skin ablation and serving as a cutting tool during surgery. CO2 laser skin ablation effectively treats wrinkles under the eyes and improves skin texture and quality. The laser creates a controlled burn, causing new collagen and elastin formation, thus promoting youthful skin.
Laser technology may also be used during lower eyelid blepharoplasty in place of a scalpel or electrocautery unit. The laser is employed to make precise incisions in the skin and conjunctiva. It is also helpful for removing orbital fat and cauterizing blood vessels, shortening the duration of the surgery. Although it has not been clinically proven in scientific literature, using a laser may also reduce postoperative inflammation.