Do You Perform Laser Blepharoplasty?

Q:  Dr. Eppley, do you perform the procedure, laser blepharoplasty? I have read about it and it seems the way to go if you want your eyes done.

A: The term or procedure, laser blepharoplasty, can mean several seemingly similar but different things. The use of the laser in blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery can mean that it is used to make the incisions, is used to remove the protruding fat pockets, or is used for resurfacing of the lower eyelid skin. Any or all of these can be defined as laser blepharoplasty. Knowing to which of these you may be referring to can answer your question better.

The use of the laser in blepharoplasty understandably captures a patient’s attention. Using the ‘Stars Wars’ effect of the laser and its seemingly magical properties, it is believed that its use would make any medical procedure better. But the laser is just a tool that can be used to cut or burn tissue and it is not a magical wand. It can not really do anything more than what a traditional scalpel or electrocautery can do. The real question is…can the laser make a blepharoplasty result or at least make the recovery quicker and better? (less bruising, swelling and pain)

Despite what many believe, there is no evidence that the use of the laser is a better way that traditional techniques for performing a blepharoplasty. While the laser can be used for a blepharoplasty for the making of incisions, vaporizing fat, and for skin resurfacing, it’s best benefit is it’s impact on marketing and the recruitment of patients for those that advertise and perform it.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana